maleficent

I taught, on a volunteer basis, in NYC for a few years, at an alternative evening high school, and like the Army, it was the toughest job I'd ever love. It was hard. Volunteering got me around the pesky need for a Masters Degree (some states require it, a Bachelor's isn't enough for public schools - -private schools are less choosey)

It's hard work, but if you love it, it's worth it. In my assignment I had 7 students in the evenings I worked (3 nights, 2 hours a night) Not exactly a full time job, but it's a rush to see them get interested in something. One of the kids, I still remain in contact with, and is graduating from college next year (not bad for a total screw up, who got tossed out of no less than 4 NYC public schools)

You won't get rich financially teaching, but you get rewarded in other ways.

My mother was a teacher on all levels, and when she retired 15 years ago, she was a professor on a University level. There were days that she'd get frustrated, not with the kids, but with Administration, your hands get tied a lot, and unless you're a drone, and jsut do what you are told, it can get annoying and you want to move on. She much preferred middle school to the little kids or the high school kids.

If there's a subject that you get excited about (Math was mine) then teach - because your excitement is worth everything, the students pick up -- you will have one or two students that make the drudgery worthwhile.

If I had the motivation to go back to school and pursue my Masters, I'd love to teach fulltime. (just would have to figure out how to support myself)

Summer breaks? Most teachers will have part time jobs lined up for that because it's tough to live on that salary, your bills don't stop for the summer when you aren't working. It's also not a 9 - 3 day, teachers work late grading papers, planning lessons, improving their own education, it's a lot more than what you see in the classroom.

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