Career Questions and Answers
I am thinking about becoming a middle school teacher. Are the job prospects good?
Asked by shirese1975
I have a bachelor's in English Literature and I am thinking about becoming a teacher. I have no idea what the job market looks like. I need some advice.
Asked by shirese1975
I have a bachelor's in English Literature and I am thinking about becoming a teacher. I have no idea what the job market looks like. I need some advice.
A:
Best Answer:
Are you sure you want to teach in a middle school? My daughter has been an 8th grade teacher for years, and it's probably one of the hardest group of kids to teach
Are you sure you want to teach in a middle school? My daughter has been an 8th grade teacher for years, and it's probably one of the hardest group of kids to teach
A:
Make sure you prepare for the subject matter and make sure you treat all students the same When you first start be firm and straight to the point and let the kids know you are their to help you have a job to make sure they are learning. They have a job to to make sure you are teaching so they have to do all that required by the school policy.
Answered by Tocquen H
Answered by Tocquen H
A:
It totally depends on the market where you live. That is the only way to know, because in some places, they are flooded with applicants and in others, they need teachers. However, there is absolutely not a nationwide teaching shortage. There are certain subjects that need teachers but only in certain parts of certain states. It really is that specific.
Middle school seems to have more openings than high school, but English is the toughest subject, because there are more people looking for those jobs. There are more jobs in Math and Science. I know the high schools get 500+ resumes for English jobs here in most cases. Very tough. I would think middle school would be less, but still competitive.
Your best bet is to get certified in multiple subjects because that will make you more marketable.
If you are willing to move to where the jobs are, that would be the greatest chance of finding work.
Generally, jobs are very hard to find in MI, NJ, PA, NY, OH. There SEEMS to be a need in PARTS of Texas and South Carolina and Las Vegas. Inner cities and private schools will be less congested with applicants, but could still be competitive. I know in my area, Math and Science seem to be the only open areas, and maybe foreign languages.
One way to gauge the market is to go on the school's individual websites and see what they are hiring for. Check the Sunday newspapers and see if your state has any websites for teaching jobs. Mention your interest to people and see if they know anything. Oh and teaching is very political-having connections is essential in some areas. In mine, you have to know someone really high up or be super super lucky.
I left the business world to teach elementary based upon the idea there was a shortage and the fact I enjoy it. I mentioned it to family and friends. Then, I realized I was up against hundreds, sometimes 1000 people for one job. When I started meeting LOTS of people in my boat at job fairs, and then started mentioning it to random people, I was shocked that no one was surprised-my husband continues to meet people and is working with people (not teaching) who cannot find work. I wish I had known. And we cannot move.
Oh-do not listen to college profs and counselors. They lie or they must be living under a rock. Seriously, one of my now retired profs has known me for 20 years and still cannot help get me in anywhere, despite my honors and experience as a teaching aide and sub. He finally admitted the market is impossible and told me to move or sub for 5 years (no guarantees) because a lot of his students are doing that.
So, just be careful. Take some time to research. And definitely see if you can get subbing experience because that is a big help!!!!!! Anything on your resume to make you stand out is necessary.
Good luck!
Answered by gettingby
Answered by gettingby
Best Answers are selected by the person who asked the question or other Yahoo! users. Find out more at Yahoo! Answers
Find Career & Employment Answers
Enter a keyword below to find questions and answers from real people