| Author | Message | ||
     wnb Citizen Username: Wnb Post Number: 458 Registered: 8-2001 |
I'm looking for some career change advice. My company has been doing a lot of downsizing lately, particularly in IT. I've survived so far but I'm investigating a few "Plan B" scenarios, one of which is moving into teaching. I have both hands-on and management experience in computer technologies, especially database technologies. I have a BA in Writing and went to graduate school for an MFA which I never completed. The only teaching experience I have is two semesters of teaching Freshman Composition. I have 10+ years of hands on and technology management experience, including financial management of technology. I'm not certified as a teacher in any subject. This is all very preliminary, but I'm wondering if anyone here as made such a change, and/or knows of any good resources for people considering something like this. As for specifics, I really don't know. I could probably teach English, potentially mathematics, possibly computer science... I'm not sure about what direction I'd want to go in. I also don't know whether Primary, Secondary, or College teaching would be my bag. As noted, this is all very preliminary, and I'm looking for resources that could help me determine not only how to do such a move, but also whether it is feasible at all for me and whether it is something I would really want to do or not. Any advice or guidance would be appreciated. | ||
| Anna Citizen Username: Anna Post Number: 71 Registered: 7-2004 |
Wnb, one thing you may want to do while making a decision is to visit some classrooms at the various levels you're considering. Do you know any teachers in this or other communities who might be able to set up some visits for you on some of your personal days? Also, have some conversations with teachers about what it's like (you'd probably need to do this after school or at night, because the school day can be hectic). These activities will give you a look from the inside at what teaching is like, as opposed to any perceptions you may have that may not be completely accurate. Having been a teacher myself in my first life and being married to someone who taught for more than 30 years, I can tell you that it can be unbelievably rewarding in many ways and a most wonderful career (my husband says he loved every single day of it and although I did it for a shorter time, I loved most of it). On the other hand, you have to be able to get your rewards internally (you won't be getting recognition dinners or team awards; the working conditions and the pay do not compare to corporate life; and it's WAAAAY harder than it looks, not in a physical way, but in an emotionally draining way. But, the look in the eyes of a child who finally "gets it", whatever it is you are trying to impart, or bumping into someone you taught years earlier who tells you that something you said made a difference and still resonates -- that is the payoff! Good luck! PS, I know someone in corporate life (in an IT area) who has been working on a similar career change for awhile. She's student teaching now, hoping to get a middle school or high school job teaching math for the Fall, and is thrilled about it. | ||
| Anna Citizen Username: Anna Post Number: 72 Registered: 7-2004 |
Another PS My understanding is that school administrators love to hire corporate folks to teach math, computer science, and such, because they have been out in the "real world" and can share how these skills can be put to use. | ||
| John Caffrey Citizen Username: Jerseyjack Post Number: 377 Registered: 11-2005 |
If you are going 'alternate route,' you are limited to science and math. Certified English and history teachers are a dime a dozen. You also have a better chance of getting hired in an urban district. Now, for the better part. The rewards. As posted above, you can't beat the look on a kid's face when you get a point across. Better than that is the rare time when you change a kid's outlook on life and get the kid on a career path or change a negative behavior pattern. One of my best memories as a U.S. History teacher was of the time I was teaching in New Providence H.S. and encouraged the class to attend an encampment of Revolutionary War Re-enactors in Taylor Park, Millburn. A junior class girl visited the encampment. Later she became a "camp follower." Several years later, she married a sergeant in the New Jersey Brigade. They have been married for 20 years and have children. Yes, consider teaching. | ||
| Wendyn Supporter Username: Wendyn Post Number: 3161 Registered: 9-2002  |
I went to Seton Hall grad school and they used several adjuncts (professionals/retirees who teach a couple of classes a semester) to teach night classes. I am in IT as well and after I got my degrees (MBA and MS in IT which no longer exists) they asked if I wanted to teach. So I would think that with all of the colleges in the area you might be able to test the waters with a class or two. If you want to speak to someone there about IT positions give Prof. Dave Rosenthal a call. I believe he is one of the directors of the IT program and he is a GREAT guy. | ||
| wnb Citizen Username: Wnb Post Number: 460 Registered: 8-2001 |
Thanks everyone, this is some good advice. I know one teacher, he and his family visited us this weekend, which inspired me. He was very encouraging. I've been contemplating a number of "Plan Bs" but hadn't considered this. It sparked my interest. My kids are too young and not in school yet, so I don't know any teachers locally. I don't for a second think teaching would be easy in any way... my two semesters teaching Freshman Comp alone were so hard it made me change my career plan from teaching to technology! However I do feel that at that time I was a bit immature in my approach to the job. I've taken a pretty good hard look at this aspect of it, because I did not enjoy that particular teaching experience. On the other hand, I have this feeling if I could go back there now, and do it again, I could do it so much better. I agree that my ability to teach math, science, or computer programming skills are probably a lot more marketable than English & writing, however that backgroud could be a tremendous asset especially in teaching people these types of subjects. It is inspiring to hear the great stories of teachers who have changed students' lives in some way. I guess other than actually determining whether I'd like to do this, the question at hand is a "chicken and egg" situation -- how does one actually go about doing this. If one were to lose his corporate IT job and have a little severance package (say 4 months pay), how would one go about actually instigating the change? This is, of course, assuming said person did determine exactly what kind of teaching he'd like to do. I assume it would be a pay cut. How much I don't know but I'm somewhat prepared for that. As for all those perks, at my company, at least my part of the company, they are a long gone thing of the past. Recognition comes in the form of your bi-monthly paycheck showing up in your bank account. All we get here is pressure, pressure to cut expenses, pressure to move jobs to India, pressure to create yet another PowerPoint presentation justifying why they shouldn't can you on the spot. Sooner or later I figure my ppt skills are going to fail me and the boom will drop. However, aside from the pay cut, which I would expect, I don't really see how you can do the change without some kind of significant unemployed period where you go out and get whatever kind of certification you need -- before you could even apply for a teaching position. For instance if I had to go back to school for two years before getting a teaching job, I just can't see how I could possibly pull that off. Wendyn thanks for that contact, I think I might try to give him a call once I start to get my story straight! | ||
| Anna Citizen Username: Anna Post Number: 73 Registered: 7-2004 |
WNB, I think I can connect you with a few teachers both in this district and in Millburn (hs math), and possibly Randolph (hs social studies) and maybe even others if you'd like to spend a little time observing in the classroom. Regarding how to actually go about making the change, we may be able to offer some other suggestions (I am using the royal We here -- it would actually be my husband who may be able to help.) I can also check with the Corporate IT person I know who has made this change recently to see if she can describe the process she followed. If you are interested, PL me. Anna | ||
| Strings Supporter Username: Blue_eyes Post Number: 900 Registered: 4-2004  |
WNB - Teacher salaries vary district to district, though there was a huge "40K all the Way" campaign a few years back pushing for all NJ districts to pay starting teachers $40,000... most districts do and generally start in the 40-41 range. Salaries are based on experience and education, though I don't know if a masters degree without a teacher certification would have a huge impact on salary. I am a certified teacher but my understanding of alternate route is that you actually get the job FIRST and they help you out getting your certification. You do have to pay for all that out of your pocket, mentoring is required for first year teachers and I believe the state fee for alt. route is $1000 for that service. Some mentors are fantastic, some are only in it for the extra money. Urban areas would be your best bet, however, I taught in Randolph for 2 1/2 years and knew of two teachers there that were doing the alternate route, so most districts will hire you if you show real promise. You might also consider private school to get your feet wet. The pay cut may or may not be bigger than if you entered public, but it's generally easier to get hired without a degree. The private school I teach in (special ed) has emergency certified a few teachers - it's like a different version of alternate route where you get your certification first, but must complete the classwork and PRAXIS within a certain amount of time. Teacher jobs aren't posted in the classified section of the newspaper, they're in the back of another section, but I can't remember which right now... it's been a while. I found my current job posted on NJ.com. Also, you can check out NJhire.com which is a search engine for teaching positions in NJ, but not every district posts there. Good luck! | ||
| Krista Citizen Username: Klt12275 Post Number: 30 Registered: 6-2004 |
I am a middle school English teacher in Springfield and was certified alternate route seven years ago. It's a little harder now with the No Child Left Behind Act requirements to get hired alternate route. Teachers need to be "highly qualified" in their subject area, so districts look for people who are content area certified. If you send your college transcripts to the state and take the PRAXIS exam in the area you're interested in teaching in, the state will send you back exactly what you would need to do in order to complete teaching certification. (Even if you got a job alternate route, you still may need some college classes to get the certificate). The state is not very helpful and the process can be frustrating and confusing, so please PL me if you have questions. I know the Morris-Union Jointure Commission has an alternate route program because I've had people observe my class from there. Teaching, for me, is worth every minute. It's different and challenging every day. Good luck and let me know if I can help! | ||
| CJH Citizen Username: Christel Post Number: 121 Registered: 1-2006 |
Don't know if this might help inform your decision, but Bank Street College is hosting a forum next month: "Are you considering a career change to education? Learn more from those who have made the jump: Becoming a Teacher: A Forum for Career Changers" http://www.bankstreet.edu/news/ |
