October 10, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR SHEILA ENGLAND IN PA
I started out as a Math teacher. Here are some of the situations I
encountered that caused me to change careers:
1. It was difficult to get a job unless I knew someone in the school
district
2. I was expected to work as a day-to-day substitute without benefits
and at very low pay until I earned the right to get a job.
There was no promise that this would result in a job.
3. Applying for a job in the teaching field is a difficult process that
takes a lot of time, involves a lot of paperwork and is costly.
4. When I did get a job, I taught 7 classes a day with 30+ students with
one preparation class for three subjects and one 30 minute lunch period.
After school, I was required to stay for one extra class period to monitor
students in detention.
5. Many of my students did not know how to do basic math operations when
they came to my Algebra class and others were advanced. This made it
difficult to meet individual needs and given my schedule, it was not
possible to meet with them between classes for tutoring. Some of them were
so behind because they had been passed without acquiring competence that
even if I had the time to help them, they could not have learned enough to
pass General Mathematics.
6. I always felt like I was doing two jobs. One was preparing to teach
and then the other was teaching. I often worked late into the evening
preparing for my classes, making tests, grading homework and tests.
7. I could make more money doing only one job that I could often leave
at the office when I went home.
8. Being a public school teacher is demanding and rarely appreciated by
parents, by students and by school administrators.
********************
A: FROM MENTOR JUDY LONG IN CO
When I was in college studying Math I considered being a teacher
and took classes in teaching. However, it was well
known that teachers didn't get paid very well compared
to engineers so I stopped taking the teaching classes
and kept taking Math classes. I don't think it's
right that teachers don't get paid very well because
their jobs are really important and can be difficult
at times. I love my job as an engineer but feel like
I have it easy compared to a teacher. I work at my
computer all day, can work any hours I want to, and I
get paid well. Teachers have to be in the classroom
before, during and sometimes after school hours, have
to know how to deal with many different student
personalities, have to continually take classes
themselves and they don't get paid very well. I
admire teachers tremendously for being dedicated to
their careers despite the challenges. If you have a
difficult time learning from your math teacher maybe
you can ask to be placed in a different teacher's
classroom. I did that in college and it made a lot of
difference in my ability to learn. If you still need
help look for a tutor. I also went to a tutor a lot
in college when I was trying to learn Physics. He
helped me get through some tough courses. Good luck!