Kindergarten teachers?

Question

Hey all, I’ve spent the past few days thinking long and hard about what I want to do and what career path I want to take. For over 6 years I’ve always thought about becoming a social worker or something in regards to young children. I’ve always thought about being a teacher for young children but never put real serious thought into it. I’m 27 years old and have a 2 year old and it’s now something I’m seriously thinking about. Questions for teachers and younger grade teachers. Is it to late to start? I know the pay isn’t very good and I’m not wanting to do it for the pay.. how does being a teacher affect your home life? As in family life? How does pay work during the summers? How many years of schooling would I need to take for this ?

Answer

I'm a teacher. Do not become a teacher.

Answer

It’s not too late.
Pay varies by state.
In my district, you don’t choose your grade level. You take what’s available when you’re first looking, and then you select your grade level based on seniority. Many districts are the same. So you would not be guaranteed a position in kindergarten, or any primary grade for that matter.
Teaching is all encompassing much of the time. Work/Life balance is incredibly difficult, especially in the beginning of your career. I’m 17 years in and only now really getting that balance under control.
I love teaching kindergarten very, very much.

Answer

I decided to become a teacher last year at 32 years old. My first year was HARD especially because I had to teach hybrid. I already had my dehree but had to go through a certification program.. This year should be better though. I just found out I'm pregnant with twins. So I've been spending a lot of time this summer preparing centers for a sub to take over easily. We just got a raise so my district pays almost $60,000 for 2nd year. Every district/state is different. I spent my weekends working last year instead of spending more time with my 3 kids. I've prepared myself better this year so I will have more time for my family.

Answer

I was a 2nd grade teacher. Left to be a SAHM but I am about to go back to be a substitute this year. I was a provisional teacher, which means I’m pretty much a long term substitute with teacher responsibilities to put it simply. I don’t have a teaching certificate but I have a college degree. The work life balance was so so so hard. You’re working all the time. I’m sure after a couple years into the swing of things you’d get that figured out. I wasn’t teaching that long though. Our school was very data driven, and it’s the only thing the district goes by. Data was by far the hardest thing for me since we’re under a lot of pressure to get the data where it needs to be, and in turn where your students should be grade wise. But HELL I loved those kids!!! Which is why I’m becoming a substitute :)
I would suggest being a substitute, a building/long term sub or para first and then see what you think! I’m still considering going back to get my teaching license but I think substituting is where I’d prefer to be right now. Good luck🍀 !

Answer

I'm 34 and thinking about becoming a teacher. its not too late. all my friends are teachers and I'm always super jelly around summer time and Christmas time lol

Answer

Nope. Depends on your state but if youre already back at school, just boost yourself to masters/masters equivalency so you dont start at the bottom of the pay scale. 
Its a tough gig, and culturally in america, people mostly hate your guts. BUT! You do amazing things for kids and see them grow in a way you never could otherwise. And it makes you SUPER good at parenting for that age group because there are zero surprises. 12-18 year olds? Maaaannn i have GOT this!

Answer

I am not personally a kindergarten teacher, but her is from a friend who is: the work-life balance is nice. It is not much at all on evenings or weekends. There is little daytime flexibility, like for appointments and kids stuff. I would not consider it too late in your life! You still have lots of working left to do. The pay works by dividing your annual salary over all 52 weeks. You will continue to get paid over the summer.

Kindergarten teachers?

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