Education Careers >> Ask a Teacher >> Ways to "test drive" becoming a teacher?
Ways to "test drive" becoming a teacher?
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Posted 29 days ago Hi all, I am currently thinking about a mid-career change to teaching. While I am excited about the change, everyone tells me that school doesn't prepare you to teach and that you learn this on the job. I'm almost 40 so I don't want to embark on school if this is something that I find I'm not suited for. Is substitute teaching a good way to "test drive" the profession? Some have told me it's not. What are some other ways that someone with a non-teaching background (I work in project managment and have a engineering undergrad and a public policy master degree) could see if this is worth exploring? Thanks! |
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| Posted 29 days ago It's wonderful that you're putting so much thought into your career change. While substitute teaching may be a good way to "test drive", before you go through the process of becoming a qualified sub, you may be able to do simple observations.
Do you know what grade or subject you would like to teach? Honing in on those first, then doing observations will help you decide. Here are two links that may help:
Decide if Teaching is Right for You
Quiz: What Should You Be Teaching?
Good luck!
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| Posted 27 days ago Sumac, I'm about at the same point in life that you seem to be. I worked in a reprographics factory for 13 years and it was a solid job. Then I got into the Carpenters Union and although I enjoy having the knowledge, I've know for awhile that it hasn't been making me happy. When I was in school, I loved Chemistry and Physics and was pretty good with Math. My teacher stopped class one day and told me flat out I should be a science teacher. Well at that point all I ever heard was teachers complaining about no pay, so I didn't want to even think about it, but I have never forgotten that day. Now Im 38 and in my first semester of college. In taking Algebra, I've been enjoying it again and listening to my teacher say that Math and Science teachers can write their own ticket. My teacher also worked construction for a few years when he was younger, so when he commented about never caring about the weather because he was always inside, I knew exactly what he meant. I also have been looking back on my years in drag racing and also at work when Im handed an apprentice. In a way, I've been teaching others who have come to me with questions and thats something I remember enjoying, sharing knowledge about a common interest. If you feel that it will be enjoyable and fulfilling, then go for it. Study up and look into an area, then go see what there is. GOOD LUCK. |
