4 answers
Sophia
Student
Methuen, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
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What ways can I start to be most invested into my future career, even as a highschool student?
Hi! I'm currently a freshman in highschool, and I have wanted to try and focus on my career path more often. I've always wanted to be a teacher, but I'm not sure if I'm wanting to be an acting/theater highschool teacher or an elementary teacher. Nevertheless, do you have any tips on how to take those first steps on taking the time to be more career-focused
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4 answers
Rudy Padre
Corporate Business Sales of AT&T Services
5
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Rudy’s Answer
As in most things in life, you'll want to find a qualified mentor or two. For you, introduce yourself to and seek advice from both a high school drama teacher and an elementary school teacher. It's always nice to have a mentor you like, especially if you've been in their class before, but also try to find the award-winning, well-respected teachers in your school district (not just at your school). If it makes sense and you can spare the time, ask if there are any opportunities to volunteer on any special projects, like maybe grading papers, serving as an assistant to the director of a school play (drama or musical).
Meet with your high school guidance counselor or someone in the guidance office who specializes in university education for teachers. Review all the types of courses you'll need to take at a local university, as your preference or dislike for certain courses may lead you towards a decision path.
Find a well-respected teacher on social media, like Instagram, and follow in their curriculum-building posts, if any. This should give you a good feel for the type of day-to-day work you may encounter once you're a teacher, too.
Share your goals and plans with your parents, but know that you will ultimately be responsible for the career choices you make.
Share your goals and plans with your friends and family, as you can use all the encouragement you can get as you begin studying for your career.
Rudy recommends the following next steps:
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1514
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi, Sophia, I am glad to hear that you would like to be a teacher.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Find out more on these different teacher types
2. Speak to your teachers and understand more
3. Try to shortlist the teacher type you have interest
4. Explore the qualification requirements to be different types
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Find out more on these different teacher types
2. Speak to your teachers and understand more
3. Try to shortlist the teacher type you have interest
4. Explore the qualification requirements to be different types
5. Explore the entry criteria of relevant subjects in the college
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
ShaRon Bynum
Program Manager
31
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
ShaRon’s Answer
Sophia!
Congratulations on your desire to become an EDUCATOR! It is a rewarding career as you will touch the lives of many students. Everyone no matter their station in life has learned from somebody. The impact of what Teachers do impacts the world!
First, I would talk to the teachers that you currently have access to and get some information and feedback from them on how & why they chose that path. Interview them and ask questions about what challenges and opportunities teaching has given them. Share you desire and ask a few to serve as mentors to you. Perhaps you can shadow those that do the particular area of teaching that you are interested in so you can see for yourself what the day in the life entails.
Second, I would look at Colleges you might be interested in attending. Look up the requirements to get in and what classes you will need to take for that teaching degree. You can take action now to make sure you are taking the correct classes as a HIGH SCHOOL student to prepare you for your life as a teacher.
Third, I would volunteer to help out at a after school program or as a teachers assistant. This will give you experience working with students. Look at summer programs that deal with students as an opportunity to gain some additional experience with students - like summer camps; tutoring centers, summer school programs at your school.
Fourth, Set up some time with your guidance counselor to discuss your aspirations and get them to partner with you now to help you set yourself up for success. They will love that you are not waiting until your senior year to begin planning. They may also be aware of programs and scholarship opportunities for you to participate in.
Finally Sophia I would encourage you to make sure you are investing time in your grades now. College admissions is competitive and so set academic goals to be in the top 10% of your graduating class. Join clubs that focus on things that will make you more effective as an educator later. Journal! This is a valuable tool that will allow you to reflect on years later about how teachers and situations you encounter affect you. It will make you a better person and put you in a position to serve your students someday by relating to them and their struggles.
Good Luck and I am so proud that you are interested in this path! The world needs great teachers.
Congratulations on your desire to become an EDUCATOR! It is a rewarding career as you will touch the lives of many students. Everyone no matter their station in life has learned from somebody. The impact of what Teachers do impacts the world!
First, I would talk to the teachers that you currently have access to and get some information and feedback from them on how & why they chose that path. Interview them and ask questions about what challenges and opportunities teaching has given them. Share you desire and ask a few to serve as mentors to you. Perhaps you can shadow those that do the particular area of teaching that you are interested in so you can see for yourself what the day in the life entails.
Second, I would look at Colleges you might be interested in attending. Look up the requirements to get in and what classes you will need to take for that teaching degree. You can take action now to make sure you are taking the correct classes as a HIGH SCHOOL student to prepare you for your life as a teacher.
Third, I would volunteer to help out at a after school program or as a teachers assistant. This will give you experience working with students. Look at summer programs that deal with students as an opportunity to gain some additional experience with students - like summer camps; tutoring centers, summer school programs at your school.
Fourth, Set up some time with your guidance counselor to discuss your aspirations and get them to partner with you now to help you set yourself up for success. They will love that you are not waiting until your senior year to begin planning. They may also be aware of programs and scholarship opportunities for you to participate in.
Finally Sophia I would encourage you to make sure you are investing time in your grades now. College admissions is competitive and so set academic goals to be in the top 10% of your graduating class. Join clubs that focus on things that will make you more effective as an educator later. Journal! This is a valuable tool that will allow you to reflect on years later about how teachers and situations you encounter affect you. It will make you a better person and put you in a position to serve your students someday by relating to them and their struggles.
Good Luck and I am so proud that you are interested in this path! The world needs great teachers.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3844
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Sophia!
You're at a great point in your life as a high school student, where you can start paving the way towards your dream career and delve into your passion for teaching. Here are some friendly pointers to help you kick-start your journey towards a career-focused mindset:
Discover and Dive In: Start off by exploring the diverse career paths in the realm of education. Investigate the duties, qualifications, and opportunities that come with being a high school acting/theater teacher and an elementary teacher. This will give you a clearer picture of what each role involves and which one matches your interests and ambitions.
Chat with the Pros: Don't hesitate to connect with professionals in the education sector, like teachers, administrators, or guidance counselors. Ask for informational chats or opportunities to shadow them, giving you a firsthand glimpse into their everyday life, the hurdles they face, and the satisfaction their roles bring. This will gift you with invaluable viewpoints and assist you in making a well-informed choice about your future career.
Pitch In and Learn: Look for volunteer roles or part-time work that lets you interact with kids or work in an educational environment. This could include tutoring younger students, helping teachers in classrooms, or joining after-school programs. By getting practical experience, you'll not only build crucial skills but also figure out if teaching is truly your calling.
Enroll in Relevant Classes: While you're still in high school, try to sign up for classes that sync with your potential career path. If your school has drama or theater classes, think about joining them to explore your interest in acting/theater teaching. Also, make the most of any education-related courses or clubs available to get a deeper grasp of the teaching profession.
Set Goals and Map Out a Plan: Spend some time pondering over your long-term dreams and aspirations as a teacher. Think about the steps you need to take to reach those dreams and chart out a plan accordingly. This could involve setting short-term targets like maintaining good grades, joining extracurricular activities related to teaching, or finding mentorship opportunities.
Meet and Mingle: Make it a point to go to career fairs, education conferences, or workshops to mingle with professionals in the education sector. Forming connections with people who share your interests can offer valuable guidance, mentorship, and possibly future opportunities.
Keep Learning and Evolving: Stay in the loop with the latest trends and developments in education by reading books, articles, and research papers about teaching. Participate in online forums or communities where educators exchange their experiences and resources. This will keep you informed and help you gain a deeper understanding of the field.
Remember, it's perfectly okay for your interests and career goals to change over time. By taking these initial steps, you're setting yourself up for success by gaining valuable experience, exploring different options, and making well-informed decisions about your future career path.
Top 3 Go-To Reference Publications/Websites:
National Education Association (NEA) - www.nea.org
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
Teach.org - www.teach.org
May you be showered with abundant blessings!
James.
You're at a great point in your life as a high school student, where you can start paving the way towards your dream career and delve into your passion for teaching. Here are some friendly pointers to help you kick-start your journey towards a career-focused mindset:
Discover and Dive In: Start off by exploring the diverse career paths in the realm of education. Investigate the duties, qualifications, and opportunities that come with being a high school acting/theater teacher and an elementary teacher. This will give you a clearer picture of what each role involves and which one matches your interests and ambitions.
Chat with the Pros: Don't hesitate to connect with professionals in the education sector, like teachers, administrators, or guidance counselors. Ask for informational chats or opportunities to shadow them, giving you a firsthand glimpse into their everyday life, the hurdles they face, and the satisfaction their roles bring. This will gift you with invaluable viewpoints and assist you in making a well-informed choice about your future career.
Pitch In and Learn: Look for volunteer roles or part-time work that lets you interact with kids or work in an educational environment. This could include tutoring younger students, helping teachers in classrooms, or joining after-school programs. By getting practical experience, you'll not only build crucial skills but also figure out if teaching is truly your calling.
Enroll in Relevant Classes: While you're still in high school, try to sign up for classes that sync with your potential career path. If your school has drama or theater classes, think about joining them to explore your interest in acting/theater teaching. Also, make the most of any education-related courses or clubs available to get a deeper grasp of the teaching profession.
Set Goals and Map Out a Plan: Spend some time pondering over your long-term dreams and aspirations as a teacher. Think about the steps you need to take to reach those dreams and chart out a plan accordingly. This could involve setting short-term targets like maintaining good grades, joining extracurricular activities related to teaching, or finding mentorship opportunities.
Meet and Mingle: Make it a point to go to career fairs, education conferences, or workshops to mingle with professionals in the education sector. Forming connections with people who share your interests can offer valuable guidance, mentorship, and possibly future opportunities.
Keep Learning and Evolving: Stay in the loop with the latest trends and developments in education by reading books, articles, and research papers about teaching. Participate in online forums or communities where educators exchange their experiences and resources. This will keep you informed and help you gain a deeper understanding of the field.
Remember, it's perfectly okay for your interests and career goals to change over time. By taking these initial steps, you're setting yourself up for success by gaining valuable experience, exploring different options, and making well-informed decisions about your future career path.
Top 3 Go-To Reference Publications/Websites:
National Education Association (NEA) - www.nea.org
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - www.bls.gov
Teach.org - www.teach.org
May you be showered with abundant blessings!
James.