Thread: Is it worth it to become a teacher and make nearly nothing?

I really don't know anything about the exams you have to take in the US to become a teacher, but I went to university for six years to become a teacher and most of the time I do think it was worth it. Don't know if this helps you, but there it is...

In my state teachers start in the high $20k area for someone with a Bachelor's degree. (Someone with an MA will make more, and someone with that new National Board Certification will make more still). Our salary goes up with each year of teaching, until it hits a ceiling between $45k-$49k at 29 years of experience. According to a friend of mine in California the teachers make more than that there, although the cost of living is higher. Yes, you do have get licensed (and that is typical for the US in nearly all states, or so I have read someplace). We get state employee's benefits, and a small measure of job security (I'm employed right now when a good many of my friends, family and associates have lost theirs) through tenure. If you're looking for a job with a middle class salary, forget teaching though. The cost of living in my state is such that a truly well paying job is at least $35k- experienced teachers make upper middle class salaries but not beginners. I don't know what you do in the court house, but if you're processing inmates or something of that sort, you might find teaching easier
To sum my advice up, a career in teaching is not about money anyway. (although, I don't find it so bad myself- beats working in a factory for $8 an hour for 12 hours a day.) If you become a teacher, the only way you'll sustain yourself is that you became one for some more altruistic reason.

Well said Johnboy. I'm new to the forum and have been teaching in NC for 2 years.
You have to look at it as something you REALLY want to do and figure out whether you can afford to do it. I gave up a much higher paying job to go into teaching several years ago. Its not about the money and if you believe that, then it might be a good move. Also if you are mobile, there are teaching positions in various parts of the country.
As Johnboy mentioned, you can also raise your salary prospects by getting a Masters (which I'm just finishing) and taking your National Boards. You have to teach for 3 years before you can do that and not all states give you money for that, although NC does.
I enjoy teaching.

I have some advice for you. I went from making 6 figures in a corporate company to teaching for about 35K a year and I've never been happier!! This is not a profession you do for money but it is very rewarding and gives you a great feeling of accomplishment. Even if you just touch one students life it's worth it!! Don't get me wrong sometimes I want to bang my head on the desk but the good certainly out ways the bad. Also you can't beat the hours and time off (the entire summer, winter recess, spring break). There are also ways to make extra money in school districts as well - such as coaching a sport, being an advisor to a club etc... Also certain districts pay for you to go for your masters and once you have that your salary goes up. There are different ways of becoming a teacher - I am doing something called alternate route and I only had to take the Praxis Exam - so really look into what your options are! Good luck.

I would say it depends.

If you feel called to work with students; if each small success brings you joy; if you don't need much money and you like long hours; it might be worth it.

I would take a good look at the current climate before diving in. We are not in a cycle where teachers are respected, or where public education is respected or supported.

I've been working in public education for 21 years. This is the worst year I've ever spent in terms of demands, time spent, and lack of support. I've been at school a minimum of 12 hours a day since September 2nd. I've spent more out of my pocket for basic classroom supplies than ever before. And I have less support, and poorer working conditions, than ever before.

And I'm not alone in this feeling; morale in my large (25,000+ student) district is at an all-time low. Teachers are grim. Administrators are grim. Some, those who have the financial option, are leaving.

I still feel called. I still love every one of my students. I am frustrated this year with my inability to help them; I feel like my hands and feet are tied and my voice is gagged. Due to the make-up of the class, the schedule, and the top-down mandates that make my decisions for me. I'm still there, but not loving it. If it weren't for the smiles on the kids' faces, and the hugs and support from parents, I'd take bankruptcy over what I'm doing these days.

Hello, I'm 46, been in corporate America for 16+ years, and have decided the rat race is a losing proposition. I was 3 courses from having an English degree when I quit school. I went back and will have my BA this summer, and am considering my possibilities. I am financially sound (thanks to darling wife) and have the opportunity to quit work and go back to school.

I have many friends who have taught for 20+ years; they all love it (of course, at times they SAY they hate it.) I first considered going into a program to get teacher certification. I then thought I should go into a Master's program and get certification at the same time. My question - do schools shy away from MA's because they make more money? Would I do better to get certification, then go back for the MA?

Also - am I nuts to think about doing this?

Thanks!

Welcome.

No, you're not "nuts." But be sure you know what you're getting into before you commit yourself!

In other times, I would have said get the credential, get the contract, then get the masters. You are a more attractive new hire if you come cheaper.

These days, with NCLB's "highly qualified" requirements in force, I'd say go ahead and get the masters now; that way, when you start work, you can just work. It will be enough to keep you busy.

Thanks for the response, Kelley. This forum seems a little light on participation - several messages haven't had an update in quite some time, so I wasn't expecting such a quick turnaround.

I am coming at this from two angles...I have three children (ages 6, 12 and 19) so I've had experience with kids from that perspective. Also, I have the dozen or so teacher friends - I hear all their troubles, issues, etc. I've spent the past few weekends buying beers for a close teacher friend, to talk through all this with him - I've gotten lots of good direction and feedback.

I did a little student teaching in college (albeit 17 years ago) and since taking college classes again, I realize how energized I am around young people, helping them learn (I'm basically tutoring a few kids in my college classes.) I am not naïve – I know there is more to being a teacher than teaching, and you are all under pressure right now with NCLB among other things. I appreciate your advice; my teacher friend (who does not have a masters) complained quite a bit about the ongoing workshops, classes, etc. he has to take for the “highly qualified” requirements.

My gut says this is the way to go. I have a unique opportunity to shift gears, and spend the last 20 years of my career in something that will make a difference (a cliché, but I really feel it.) My worst-case scenario is that I decide it's not for me. At that point, I'd either go into something else (from an education perspective) or start looking for work in the business sector again.

I appreciate your response!

Jim

My two cents worth- get the MA now. Granted, in my state it is not given the same pay as National Board certification, but because it does count toward that "highly qualified" requirement (it sounds like some percentage of the faculty has to be) it makes you more of an asset to the school. Not to mention it is quicker to get it done as a full time student while you don't have to work at the same time.