Teaching is my profession

Jessica 2/24/12

Career Next year in college I plan to major in secondary education and one day become a high school teacher. Ever since I was little I have waned to become a teacher. This has always been a dream of mine. Now that I’m going to college next year, I am one step closer to making that dream a reality.

Although the salary is not the highest I still wish to be a teacher. High school teachers can make anywhere from $34,600 to $82,000 per year. Teaching subject areas such as math, science and bilingual studies offer a higher paying salary. The state a person teaches in also contributes to salary. Some states pay their teachers a higher salary while other states do not. Advancement opportunities include head of department, administrative duties, master of education, and doctor of education. A teacher is paid a salary not an hourly rate. A teacher's benefit package will all depend on what school district the teacher teaches in.

Jessica 2/24/12

However, most teachers get health insurance, paid time off, vacation time, and 401k plans. I would not be able to start my own business unless I opened my own private school which is unlikely. If times get hard teachers would not lose their jobs. A teacher is a stable career choice.

There will always be a demand for teachers. All children will need to be educated regardless of the economy. Next year I plan to start working towards my masters in teaching. Once I receive that I plan to start working and then if I feel it is not enough I will go back to school and earn my doctorate. I do not believe I would get tired of teaching. Kids are unpredictable and no day would be the same. My health would affect my career no matter what job I had. If I get tired of teaching there are other things that an individual can do to be successful with a teaching degree. I am unable to determine when I will retire at this point. When my retirement is will be determined based on my savings.

Jessica 2/24/12

Choosing the career path of a teacher is not based on making money. I want to be able to help students learn about the world and themselves. Being able to impact the lives of students would make me happy and motivate me to continue teaching. I will not be gone from my family and will be able to get married and have children. I can live in any type of community to have a career as a teacher. I will not be required to travel for my job. Every day will be a different experience teaching. It is a job that would require me to work with other teachers and students. It will force me to get along with others. Each school district has different benefits and vacation time for their teachers. If I am injured I can take a leave of absence. There are no physical risks or dangers in becoming a teacher. I would rate the stress level as moderate. I was drawn to this profession because I read the Freedom Writer’s Diary and became inspired to be a teacher one day.

Jessica 2/24/12

When speaking with a teacher I asked what the advantages and disadvantages are. I was told that the disadvantages are watching students give up because it is difficult and watching students with great potential. The advantages include impacting the lives of students, helping students get to college and be successful.

When asked if they could redo it they responded with “I wouldn’t change a thing.

I love my job and my students.

I strive to become a teacher and create an environment that is friendly to students and learning.

This is my dream job regardless of the disadvantages and pay.