2 answers
Kate
Student
Westland, Michigan
4
Questions
Updated
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Should I change my plans of becoming a teacher so I will have a potentially more stable financial future?
I really want to be a teacher but I am worried I will not make enough money to support myself/my family in the future. #tobeornottobe #teaching #education
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2 answers
Bryant Gomer
Education Manager at CareerVillage.org
34
Answers
Menlo Park, California
Updated
Bryant’s Answer
Hi Kate,
First, I think it’s terrific that you are passionate about becoming a teacher. For me, teaching has been one of the most influential experiences on my life. Teaching allowed me to grow in so many ways both professionally and personally. I truly believe that classroom teaching is a one of a kind experience that is invaluable. If teaching is your passion then I highly recommend that you pursue it 100% not only because it is an excellent career choice, but also because our students deserve passionate educators like yourself.
While it is true that teachers are not adequately paid, it is also true that there are teachers in every single school that are successfully providing for their families. Especially now, I would not let money deter you from your desire to teach. Income was an issue for myself and several of colleagues, here are a few examples of ways we supplemented our base teaching salary:
1)Coaching! Coaching a sport is a great way to continue working with your students and receive extra compensation. I personally coached golf with a team comprised of players that had NEVER played and it was an amazing experience
2)Period subbing: Most schools provide their teachers with a ‘Prep’ period to prepare for your classes that day or the following day. Many schools allow their teachers to substitute teach during their prep period for other teachers that are out for meetings, school events, or for teachers that a sub could not be found for in time. I personally was able to earn several hundred dollars of extra pay a month because I frequently chose to sub during my prep period.
3)Not all school districts pay equal: Sadly, across public school districts, teacher pay is not equal so if money is a major concern, you can strive for a teaching position with a district salary you are comfortable with. (As you can imagine, higher paying districts are usually the ones with
fewer open positions)
4)Supplemental income: I know several teachers that supplement their income with additional part time work such as Uber/Lyft driving on weekends, part time work at the public library, after school/weekend tutoring, etc., and Summer jobs
5)Teach Summer school! Summer school is often 6-8 weeks so that still leaves you with 2+ weeks of vacation time
Again, if money is a heavy burden, there are usually ways for teachers to add to their income. I think it is insightful to know that teachers carry out these extra activities for additional income to illustrate just how passionate they feel about teaching.
I hope this gives you some helpful insight, and best of luck pursuing your passions!
Bryant
First, I think it’s terrific that you are passionate about becoming a teacher. For me, teaching has been one of the most influential experiences on my life. Teaching allowed me to grow in so many ways both professionally and personally. I truly believe that classroom teaching is a one of a kind experience that is invaluable. If teaching is your passion then I highly recommend that you pursue it 100% not only because it is an excellent career choice, but also because our students deserve passionate educators like yourself.
While it is true that teachers are not adequately paid, it is also true that there are teachers in every single school that are successfully providing for their families. Especially now, I would not let money deter you from your desire to teach. Income was an issue for myself and several of colleagues, here are a few examples of ways we supplemented our base teaching salary:
1)Coaching! Coaching a sport is a great way to continue working with your students and receive extra compensation. I personally coached golf with a team comprised of players that had NEVER played and it was an amazing experience
2)Period subbing: Most schools provide their teachers with a ‘Prep’ period to prepare for your classes that day or the following day. Many schools allow their teachers to substitute teach during their prep period for other teachers that are out for meetings, school events, or for teachers that a sub could not be found for in time. I personally was able to earn several hundred dollars of extra pay a month because I frequently chose to sub during my prep period.
3)Not all school districts pay equal: Sadly, across public school districts, teacher pay is not equal so if money is a major concern, you can strive for a teaching position with a district salary you are comfortable with. (As you can imagine, higher paying districts are usually the ones with
fewer open positions)
4)Supplemental income: I know several teachers that supplement their income with additional part time work such as Uber/Lyft driving on weekends, part time work at the public library, after school/weekend tutoring, etc., and Summer jobs
5)Teach Summer school! Summer school is often 6-8 weeks so that still leaves you with 2+ weeks of vacation time
Again, if money is a heavy burden, there are usually ways for teachers to add to their income. I think it is insightful to know that teachers carry out these extra activities for additional income to illustrate just how passionate they feel about teaching.
I hope this gives you some helpful insight, and best of luck pursuing your passions!
Bryant
Hi Kate,
So happy you want to be a teacher!!!! Bravo to Bryant who has shared some great resources. Yes sometimes it might seem like you should earn more - and you should - but somehow you will live just fine because the work you will do is a blessing and good work comes back to you! In the meantime, I also agree with having supplemental income. For many years I taught summer school, and now I am a curriculum writer too. Both of these jobs helped me pay bills, travel, and even shop!
You'll be fine as you have chosen a special field!
Stephanie
Stephanie Hamilton
Anthony Brown
Teacher's Assistant
10
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Continue to strive for teaching knowing that its your passion. Continue to balance out your priorities with everything, netwrok and network to the very best of your ability, ask questions, and continue to look for high levels of opportunity for yourself. Continue to strive to find other work in that field that supplements extra income for yourself.