The Snapshot
Early Childhood Educator
Researchers from Emory University have determined that our early childhood experiences can influence our personalities and behavior for the rest of our lives. At this age teachers are like stand-in parents for the day. When you think about it, early childhood educators can’t just play games and babysit. Early childhood educators or ECEs, work with children in nursery schools, daycares, or similar settings. Most ECEs work with children between the ages of two and five. ECEs need to understand how children learn and develop, not just mentally, but physically, socially,
Elementary School Teacher
Elementary school teachers or primary school teachers, teach children from kindergarten up to the fifth grade. They herald children to the educational basics like numbers, language, science, and history. They also help children develop into healthy, confident, socially aware members of society. Working closely with parents to help the children reach their full potential in a huge part. Teachers in elementary schools often teach a wide variety of subjects to one class of students, but some specialize in a couple of subjects and teach several different classes of students.
When they are not in front of the class, teachers spend a significant amount of their time putting together lesson plans for upcoming classes and grading students’ papers. Part of their job is figuring out interesting and innovative ways to approach educational topics to make them fun. They use lectures, group discussions, hands-on activities, and computer programs to engage their students. The knowledge that teachers pass on to their students includes not just academic subjects, but also values, attitudes, and life skills. In many ways, teachers are like stand in parents to the students in their class. Elementary school teachers monitor children’s social skills and try to resolve any problems they see, such as shyness or aggressiveness. Teachers meet with other teachers, to do administrative paperwork, in addition to that, they also supervise school clubs and playground activities, take students on field trips, meet with parents, and keep parents informed of students’ progress through report cards, conferences and phone calls home. In elementary school, teachers introduce students to academic learning by providing instruction in the basic principles of each subject, and giving them a good foundation of knowledge.
Middle School Teacher
Middle school or junior high, teachers have the important task of building on a student's previous foundation by delving further into these subjects with their students. Not all areas have middle schools. In these regions, elementary school teachers instruct students until grade 8 and then the students move directly to high school. However, in places that do provide a transition between elementary and high schools, middle school teachers prepare students for their high school educations. The exact grade levels taught by middle school teachers vary by state. On average, they teach students in grades six to eight. Because students start to learn more complicated and technical subjects in middle school, teachers at this level usually specialize in specific subjects. For example, they may teach History, Art or Math. Middle school teachers teach four or five classes a day. For each class, it may include about fifteen to forty students. They prepare a lesson plan that includes the information they want to provide, as well as the assignments they will give out to the class. Often there is a government-mandated curriculum that they must cover and state standardized testing, like the S.T.A.A.R. test in Texas.
Education isn't just about memorizing and regurgitating information. Teachers aim to motivate and energize their students, and instill a passion for education. To aid them in this process, they often use multi-media presentations, such as movies, they organize group projects, and use computer-based presentations. During the course of the semester or school year, middle school teachers hand out assignments, quizzes, and exams in order to test their students’ knowledge. They are responsible for grading these assignments and keeping track of each student’s grade in an organize electronic or paper grade book. They monitor their students’ progress, making sure that each one is acquiring the knowledge needed to pass the course. If a student begins falling behind, the teacher may discuss the problem with a parent and counselor, or work with the student on an individual basis during a private tutoring session to help improve his or her grades. Teachers support students in non-academic activities as well. They are often called on to help students resolve social problems, like bullying, and advise them while they are developing education and career goals. Many teachers are also involved in extracurricular activities. They supervise student clubs or coach sport teams. These activities include responsibilities such as arranging and supervising trips and games.
High School Teacher
The next time you complain about how much homework you have tonight, think about the amount of work your teachers have put into preparing it, and how long they’ll have to spend grading it. High school teachers or secondary school teachers, usually work with students from grade nine to twelve. Unlike elementary school teachers, they usually specialize in teaching just one, like math, English, history, wood-shop, or fashion design. High school teachers teach three to six different classes a day,
depending on their school’s scheduling system. Class sizes usually range from fifteen to forty students. Despite a larger number of students, teachers try to meet the needs of individual students. This can mean tutorials after and bore school for those who need additional help. Good teachers are creative, and find interesting and varied ways to teach information and motivate students to learn. They organize group work and research activities, and make use of technology. They are usually involved in extracurricular activities as well. Some coach teams, supervise clubs, and take students on field trips. Teachers sometimes have to deal with serious problems among students, such as fighting. They also need to be on the lookout for signs of drug and alcohol problems, abuse, and depression. These things affect students’ attendance and class work, so teachers can be the first adults to notice when a young person is in trouble.
College Professor
Being a college professor is a career that combines teaching with life-long study and research. Colleges hire professors in the traditional fields of the arts and sciences as well as in professional fields such as law, medicine, and business. Interdisciplinary departments bring together professors with different backgrounds so that a subject can be studied from several different perspectives. For example, professors trained in literature, sociology, and medicine may all teach in a department of women’s studies.
Teaching can involve lecturing to a few hundred students or running a small seminar group. Professors also develop course plans, meet with students individually, grade papers and exams, and oversee teaching assistants. In addition, professors conduct research and publish original essays, articles, or books. Professors are also responsible for some of the administrative work in their department and in the college as a whole. A professor might be on a committee that reviews the applications to the department’s graduate program, or on a committee that decides on purchases for the college library. Some choose to do less teaching and more administrative work as a department head or the dean of the faculty.
Whether it be an early childhood educator or a college professor, people with a career in education, shape the minds of the next generation. Every type of teacher is different but one thing stays the same, students are like sponges just waiting to soak more knowledge through this journey we call life.
The Interview
Ms. Emily Sutherland - Kindergarten Teacher at Creekside Elementary
Earlier this week I interviewed Ms. Sutherland, a young and very enthusiastic kindergarten teacher at Creekside Elementary, with the hopes of gaining a better understanding of what it means to be an Elementary School teacher. Here's what she had to say about her career:
Describe your experiences working with students at this age level.
"Wonderful, magical, crazy, and never boring! Five and six year olds are still very sweet, easy to please, and are not yet corrupted by the outside world. They are so fascinated by everything and love to learn. I have taught older kids before and kindergarten is by far my favorite!"
Describe your philosophy of teaching.
"I believe that respectful, caring bonds with children and their families are the vital foundation for a wonderful kindergarten experience. Every child who is in my class will be treated with respect and kindness. As a teacher of the young, I share with parents the responsibility for teaching their child. I believe that each child has unique strengths, varied prior language learning experiences, and preferred learning styles. My instruction must be differentiated to provide enough challenge and support for all children to build on successfully and to develop positive attitudes about learning. I believe that parents and children need to understand that books build memories, and researchers say that reading books of one’s own choosing every day is the best way to become a good reader. I believe that the kindergarten experience must nurture social-emotional skills in each child and create joyful school memories. Kindergarten is a magical journey, and one of my jobs is to develop the imagination and create memorable rituals, traditions, and celebrations that honor childhood. I value dramatic play, block building, dance and movement, and the many forms of literacy play. I want children to be active learners and disciplined, creative thinkers; to learn to make good choices and to work cooperatively; and to be kind and responsible. I want children to love coming to school each day."
Why did you want to become a teacher?
"Because like so many, I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to recreate the magical experience that I had when I was in elementary school that I still remember to this day. I had always loved children and couldn't sit still. I knew I needed a job that would be challenging and never boring."
What makes a great teacher?
"A great teacher is someone who is able to create a nurturing, respectful environment that keeps children actively engaged and having fun, while still learning what they need to in order to be successful in the future."
Describe your student teaching experiences.
"I student taught in kindergarten and 4th grade. I had the most amazing experience and mentor teacher during my kindergarten experience. She is who I strive to become as a teacher. I enjoyed every minute of student teaching in kindergarten and that experience is the reason I wanted to become a kindergarten teacher. My 4th grade experience was basically the opposite. While I really liked my mentor teacher as a person, it was very obvious that she was feeling the demands of teaching and on the way to burnout. With the school environment and lack of support, who could blame her? I received much less guidance and instruction from her and felt as if I was only there to help take on her never-ending, impossible workload. I also saw the influence of standardized testing and how terrible it has become."
What are some of the most important things you learned when student teaching?
"I learned that exhaustion would be a constant in this field and there was no such thing as "finishing your work". I learned that parental support, as well as a good team made all the difference. I learned to always, ALWAYS have a backup plan. I learned that consistency and good classroom management are the hardest, yet most crucial things you need in order to create a successful learning environment. I learned that while it was a lot of hard work every day, that I was able to make a difference, even if it was just a small one or for just a moment in time."
Describe one college course that taught you the most about being a good teacher.
"Elementary Language Arts with Mrs. Alexander. She was the most amazing teacher ever and taught us how to teach children to love reading and writing."
Who influenced you to become a teacher?
"My mom, because she made my childhood so magical. Mrs. Sisson, my mentor teacher in student teaching, because she recreated and extended my dream classroom."
What part of the job do you look forward to everyday, what makes it all worth it?
"The children of course! They definitely keep me on my toes and drive me crazy on some days, but I love them all and want to make sure they are taken care of and successful in the future!"
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges that teachers face today?
"Lack of support and appreciation from all angles (parenteral, administration, society in general). Teachers are unfortunately not valued like they should be and it is continuing to decline. The workload has become ridiculous and impossible and the support continues to diminish.
Many parents do not work with their children at home and then point the finger at the teacher when their child does not progress. The same thing can be said about behavior. There are no consequences for bad behavior for many of these children at home and that makes it very difficult for the teacher."
What are the benefits when it comes to teaching?
"The benefits are of course, summers off, never being bored, and making a difference in children's lives!"
After spending time with Ms. Sutherland and her class, I have realized that I have become one those people who doesn't appreciate elementary teachers as much as they should. Prior to the interview I saw elementary school teachers more as wranglers and not as educators. It seemed as though they spent more of their time "shhhing" and disciplining than actual teaching. Unbeknownst to me this was apart of the teaching process along. Others need to follow in my footsteps and recognize the foundation of education teaches lay. Whether you are a Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle or High School teacher, an educator is an educator, there isn't one that is more important than than the other.
A Closer Look: Public vs Private Teaching
Determining whether public or private is the right situation is a personal decision. In the end, we are all educating today’s youth who are tomorrow’s promise. Public and private institutions offer different experiences. Teachers in search of a job should consider factors that can help to make the right decision. The following question should guide your decision making.
What will I be teaching? Public schools must follow state standards regarding the curriculum and how it is taught. Certain subjects such as religion and sexual practices are touchy subjects. Decisions in many court cases over the years have determined the limits of what can be taught and how it is taught in public school. Private school can teach whatever it likes and present it in any way they choose to do so. Parents choose to send their children to a specific school which has a program and educational philosophy with which they are comfortable with. As a rule both public and private high schools require a certain number of credits in core subjects such as English, Math and Science in order to graduate.
Who will I be teaching? Public schools must accept all students within their jurisdiction with very little exceptions. A private school, on the other hand, accepts any student it wishes to according to its academics and other standards. It is not required to give a reason why it has refused to admit anyone. Both private and public schools use a kind of testing and review student transcripts to determine the grade level for new students.
How is discipline handled? Discipline is handled differently in private in every school. Discipline in public schools is somewhat complicated because students are governed by due process and constitutional rights. This has the practical effect of making it difficult to discipline students for minor and major infractions of the school's code of conduct. Private school students are governed by the contract which they and their parents sign with the school. It clearly spells out consequences for what the school considers unacceptable behavior.
Will I be safe? Impetuous in public schools is a top priority for administrators and teachers. The highly-publicized shootings and other acts of violence which have taken place in public schools have resulted in the application of stringent rules and security measures such as metal detectors to help create and maintain a safe learning environment. Private schools are generally safe places. Access to campuses and buildings is carefully monitored and controlled. Because schools usually have fewer students than a public school, it is easier to supervise the school population. Both private and public school administrators have the teachers’ and students’ safety on top of their list of priorities.
What teacher certification will I need? Public school teachers must be certified by the state in which they are teaching. Certification is granted once statutory requirements such as education courses and teaching practice are met. The certificate is valid for a set number of years and must be renewed. In most states private school teachers can teach without a teaching certificate. Most private schools prefer teachers to become certified as a condition of employment. Private schools tend to hire teachers with a bachelor's or master’s in their subject.
What teaching opportunities will I have? Because there are many more public than private schools, there are a great number of teaching positions available in the public schools. When searching in the public school systems, applicants can
first consider location and demographics in their search for a job. There is also a good chance of finding the desired grade level or subject area position. Teachers looking to move into administrative roles also will find more opportunity in the public schools systems. On the other hand, private schools can offer greater flexibility to teachers. Private institutions make their own budget and staffing decisions so working part time or sharing a position can be an option.
How big will my class be? Historically, private schools have offered smaller class sizes. This continues to be the case; however, many states have passed laws that require better student to teacher ratios in public schools.
What will my salary be? One of the greatest appeals of working in a public school is a higher salary. Public school teachers typically make more than their private school ones. However, public school salaries vary from state to state so it is important to research pay scales and consider the cost of living in various areas. Generally, salaries in urban and suburban areas are higher than in rural areas. In recent years, private schools have increased salaries to compete with public schools in recruiting highly qualified applicants. Like with public schools, salaries of private schools vary based on such factors as endowments, alumni support, and tuition. Health insurance is also a reason that teachers choose
public over private. Typically state systems offer good coverage for independents and families. Retirement plans for public school teachers are also a major draw. If an individual is planning to teach for at least 20 years, the retirement plan is well worth the years of service.
What is the appeal? One of the great benefits of teaching in the public schools is that you are helping to provide one of our nation’s great services: a free education. Many teachers feel called to work in a school where the doors are open to all and prefer the diversity of a public school setting. Conversely, teachers who prefer to work in a school with religious affiliation can gain that experience through the private sector. With the rising emphasis on end of grade test performance, many educators find the private schools to be a nice relief from the added pressures public educators are feeling.
How much administrative support will I receive? Because private schools are run onsite, instruction is not controlled by state and system level administrators, giving the teachers more involvement in the decision-making. Instructional decisions are based on school need and staff opinion. Teachers often get to select the materials that they use and find easier accessibility.
One of the great benefits of teaching is that you are helping to provide one of our nation’s great services, an education. Many teachers feel called to work in a school where the doors are open to all and prefer the diversity of a public school setting. And others prefer to work in a school with religious affiliation can gain that experience through the private sector. Whether it be private or public, both types of schools need good teachers to educate the next generation.
