5 answers
ellie
Student
Cornelius, Oregon
1
Question
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Is it worth it to go through schooling to become a teacher?
Is it worth it to go through school to become a teacher, or does the pay not make up for the money you spent on schooling? I want to become a teacher but i’m not sure if it’s worth it or not.
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5 answers
Becky Haluska
Content Developer
57
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Austin, Texas
Updated
Becky’s Answer
Your question is definitely important and relevant. The answer really depends on your personal preferences. What are you ready to give and receive in a career? To enter the teaching field, you'll need a degree and an educator certification. There are also costs involved in passing state exams and maintaining them throughout your career. In some parts of the country, you might need a master's or even a doctorate degree (for example, at a high school graduation in Alexandria, VA, I saw more than 15 teachers wearing doctoral robes and many others wearing master's robes. Very few wore bachelor's robes at the ceremony).
As a 4th generation K-12 educator with 17 years of experience and someone who has also worked in the private business sector, I can tell you that as a teacher I faced more stress and longer work hours than I did in the private sector, even as a country division manager. Nowadays, teachers are expected to do more than just teach children. There's often more paperwork and tasks than there are hours in a day or work week. During your free time, you'll likely work or seek training, often at your own expense and time, to feel more prepared for the upcoming school year. The compensation was enough for me to live paycheck to paycheck while my own children were in public school, but it wouldn't have covered childcare costs when they were younger. My younger colleagues without children also lived close to paycheck to paycheck because they were still paying off their student loans.
I believe being an educator is a calling. If you decide to pursue a career in K-12 teaching, look for ways to have your bachelor's degree paid for by a company you may work for, a program that focuses on getting more people into teaching, or other opportunities to help reduce the financial burden as you start your career. I'd give this advice to anyone pursuing a college degree as well. There are teaching jobs that pay better than others. It takes some research and a willingness to move to other states or explore different types of education if needed.
I eventually left the field to find a better work-life balance, as many of my former colleagues did. While we were teaching, we loved the work despite the stress and relatively low pay for our work, education and experience. Teaching is a unique profession because you get to directly impact the lives of children in a positive way. There's a sense of fulfillment in being a teacher that can't be measured. If you truly want to pursue this profession, you'll find a way to make it work for you.
As a 4th generation K-12 educator with 17 years of experience and someone who has also worked in the private business sector, I can tell you that as a teacher I faced more stress and longer work hours than I did in the private sector, even as a country division manager. Nowadays, teachers are expected to do more than just teach children. There's often more paperwork and tasks than there are hours in a day or work week. During your free time, you'll likely work or seek training, often at your own expense and time, to feel more prepared for the upcoming school year. The compensation was enough for me to live paycheck to paycheck while my own children were in public school, but it wouldn't have covered childcare costs when they were younger. My younger colleagues without children also lived close to paycheck to paycheck because they were still paying off their student loans.
I believe being an educator is a calling. If you decide to pursue a career in K-12 teaching, look for ways to have your bachelor's degree paid for by a company you may work for, a program that focuses on getting more people into teaching, or other opportunities to help reduce the financial burden as you start your career. I'd give this advice to anyone pursuing a college degree as well. There are teaching jobs that pay better than others. It takes some research and a willingness to move to other states or explore different types of education if needed.
I eventually left the field to find a better work-life balance, as many of my former colleagues did. While we were teaching, we loved the work despite the stress and relatively low pay for our work, education and experience. Teaching is a unique profession because you get to directly impact the lives of children in a positive way. There's a sense of fulfillment in being a teacher that can't be measured. If you truly want to pursue this profession, you'll find a way to make it work for you.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
456
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
Definitely YES. In the US, it's common to hold a degree in Education and pass state-approved exams to teach in that state.
Kodi Shiflett
Software Engineer
25
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Hayward, California
Updated
Kodi’s Answer
Becky Haluska has a great answer and I was also a former educator that changed careers. I am now a software engineer which gives me less stress, a lot higher compensation and better work life balance. Though my time as an educator was the most rewarding and gave me so many precious memories, after 10 years I decided to change.
I will add that you don't have to think about being confined to the US as an educator. I taught and lived in China and Japan at international schools that pay very well and compared to the cost of living you can have a comfortable life. Also helped me pay my student loans off faster because I was making more with lower cost of living. Living overseas away from family and friends isn't the easiest thing and not for everyone. There are language barriers and culture shock but if you can get through the tough beginning it is a very rewarding experience in itself. When thinking about becoming an educator, take a global perspective as well.
I will add that you don't have to think about being confined to the US as an educator. I taught and lived in China and Japan at international schools that pay very well and compared to the cost of living you can have a comfortable life. Also helped me pay my student loans off faster because I was making more with lower cost of living. Living overseas away from family and friends isn't the easiest thing and not for everyone. There are language barriers and culture shock but if you can get through the tough beginning it is a very rewarding experience in itself. When thinking about becoming an educator, take a global perspective as well.
Efran Menny
Literacy Specialist
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Efran’s Answer
Your question is crucial, as many aspiring education majors and teachers wonder the same thing. Considering the upheaval in education due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and numerous other concerns, it's essential to think carefully about this issue.
Before becoming an administrator and instructional leader at my school, I spent 9 years as a direct teacher. I taught English for six years and served in teaching roles through the federal program AmeriCorps for three years. Although the pay was lower, the experience ignited my passion for teaching and led me to pursue it long-term. When I secured a full-time position at a school, my salary improved over time. As I consistently met district benchmarks for student progress and grew as a teacher, my rating increased, resulting in yearly raises.
Moreover, the district I worked in consistently offered extra-pay opportunities, such as after-school tutoring, summer school, curriculum development, enrichment activities, and seasonal coaching. These programs significantly contribute to a school's and district's functions and can be a valuable source of additional income.
Furthermore, my salary has always been enough to support my family (wife and two children) and cover expenses. It's essential to be realistic about your living costs and total debts when considering any position.
Teaching is a crucial profession that can lead to life-changing connections with students and create lasting positive change in the community. If you have a strong sense of duty, a desire to help others, and a passion for empowering people through knowledge, I hope you'll seriously consider a career in education!
Before becoming an administrator and instructional leader at my school, I spent 9 years as a direct teacher. I taught English for six years and served in teaching roles through the federal program AmeriCorps for three years. Although the pay was lower, the experience ignited my passion for teaching and led me to pursue it long-term. When I secured a full-time position at a school, my salary improved over time. As I consistently met district benchmarks for student progress and grew as a teacher, my rating increased, resulting in yearly raises.
Moreover, the district I worked in consistently offered extra-pay opportunities, such as after-school tutoring, summer school, curriculum development, enrichment activities, and seasonal coaching. These programs significantly contribute to a school's and district's functions and can be a valuable source of additional income.
Furthermore, my salary has always been enough to support my family (wife and two children) and cover expenses. It's essential to be realistic about your living costs and total debts when considering any position.
Teaching is a crucial profession that can lead to life-changing connections with students and create lasting positive change in the community. If you have a strong sense of duty, a desire to help others, and a passion for empowering people through knowledge, I hope you'll seriously consider a career in education!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3773
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Ellie,
Exploring the Advantages of a Teaching Career
A career in teaching is a fulfilling path that empowers you to leave a lasting, positive imprint on students' lives. As a teacher, you become a vital architect of the future, imparting knowledge to the upcoming generation. The profession offers a diverse range of work environments, such as public, private, and charter schools. Moreover, teaching provides a flexible work-life balance, with summers typically free and a consistent schedule throughout the academic year.
Understanding the Financial Investment for a Teaching Degree
The financial commitment to become a teacher fluctuates based on the degree type and the educational institution. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that for the academic year 2019-2020, the average yearly tuition and fees for undergraduate studies were $16,188 at public institutions and $41,426 at private ones. For postgraduate studies, the average yearly tuition and fees were $18,383 at public institutions and $29,539 at private ones.
Assessing Teachers' Salaries
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly income for elementary school teachers was $60,660 in May 2020, while for high school teachers, it was $62,870. These figures, however, fluctuate based on the school's location and type. For instance, teachers in cities generally earn more than those in rural areas. Also, private school teachers may earn less than their public school counterparts.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Becoming a Teacher
Choosing to become a teacher involves a careful evaluation of both its rewards and challenges. While the profession is fulfilling, it's crucial to weigh the financial aspects of embarking on this career path. Considerations such as the cost of education, potential earnings, and job satisfaction should be factored into your decision. Ultimately, the worthiness of becoming a teacher hinges on your personal aspirations and values.
God Bless!
James Constantine Frangos.
Exploring the Advantages of a Teaching Career
A career in teaching is a fulfilling path that empowers you to leave a lasting, positive imprint on students' lives. As a teacher, you become a vital architect of the future, imparting knowledge to the upcoming generation. The profession offers a diverse range of work environments, such as public, private, and charter schools. Moreover, teaching provides a flexible work-life balance, with summers typically free and a consistent schedule throughout the academic year.
Understanding the Financial Investment for a Teaching Degree
The financial commitment to become a teacher fluctuates based on the degree type and the educational institution. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that for the academic year 2019-2020, the average yearly tuition and fees for undergraduate studies were $16,188 at public institutions and $41,426 at private ones. For postgraduate studies, the average yearly tuition and fees were $18,383 at public institutions and $29,539 at private ones.
Assessing Teachers' Salaries
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly income for elementary school teachers was $60,660 in May 2020, while for high school teachers, it was $62,870. These figures, however, fluctuate based on the school's location and type. For instance, teachers in cities generally earn more than those in rural areas. Also, private school teachers may earn less than their public school counterparts.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Becoming a Teacher
Choosing to become a teacher involves a careful evaluation of both its rewards and challenges. While the profession is fulfilling, it's crucial to weigh the financial aspects of embarking on this career path. Considerations such as the cost of education, potential earnings, and job satisfaction should be factored into your decision. Ultimately, the worthiness of becoming a teacher hinges on your personal aspirations and values.
God Bless!
James Constantine Frangos.