So, I may have come to a life decision recently. I may chuck what I am doing and become a teacher. I would like to teach high school history, preferably at the high school I went to (Catholic school in Mass.). My questions for you all who teach:

What is the job really like? How difficult? How rewarding? Hours manageble? Difficult to keep students interested day after day (or at least somewhat interested)? Any insights would be much appreciated. Thanks.

my guess is that they're all teaching right now.

I went to a Catholic high school, and my history teacher was possibly the scariest man I've ever seen in my life.

Yeah, I probably should of thought of that before I posted in the middle of the day. Maybe I'll just bump the thread later on

Back in the day I used to teach woodwork part time and really enjoyed it. I would go back part time in a heartbeat, full time is a different matter the kids I was teaching were coming because they wanted to so the rewards were there but not the difficulty of dealing with kids who just do not want to be there and give abuse the whole time.

i'm not (yet) a teacher, but i can tell that, in general, the most difficult subject to get teaching jobs in nowadays is history/social sciences. maybe you can get a math/science degree, those people are practically writing their own checks.

being a teacher at a college or university is the way to go.

I suck at math/science so that is def. not an option. Think I'll stick with history and see what happens. This is like a long term thing. I really couldn't leave my current job until earliest December but most likely May. I have two options: stay in higher ed (I work in student/academic affairs) but in a different capacity or pursue the teaching thing. I have an "in" at my old high school, if something opens up.

well, good luck. apparently in illinois they don't actually want people to switch careers to teaching, 'cuz after spinning my wheels for over a year i'll finally be able to attend school part time in january to start getting certified while i work during the day. whee.

Teaching history at a Catholic school won't give you a chance to teach much other than total lies and horribly skewed "history". At least go for a public school or a private school that won't dictate education through God-colored glasses. Then again, if that's what suits you..

Yeah, I'll never forget the day Mr. H explained to us that the war of 1812 was stopped suddenly, when the angel Gabriel came down from Heaven and told them to stop all those violent shenanigans.

Not true if I go back to my old high school. It's a pretty progressive school and the history teachers there were great. God was left to the our Theology classes and activities outside of class. I''ve never really been that into religion and never felt (same with many of my friends) that religion was shoved down our throats. Probably because of the sect the school is under (xaverian) but I'm not sure.

history is full of action,wars,social themes ...its easier to keep the students interested than other subjects

Teaching is a lot of work, but a wonderful occupation. If your looking for an job that presents new challenges everyday, chance to elighten the minds of young people, and to really make a difference in the world, then its the job for you.

It is difficult to keep students interested in certain subjects / topics, but it can be done as long as your always mixing things up. This is my third year teaching 7th graders, and I have found the only way to get through to some of them is to provide hands on activities and "off the wall" projects during class. It keeps them on their feet, not knowing what to expect next.

Ive discovered the worse thing about teaching, is all the legislation an educator has to follow, especially with all the No Child Left Behind bullshit. Paperwork is also a pain in the ass, especially if you have 90+ students during the day.

Pay isnt great either, but you can't beat the amount of vacation time!

Wasn't that the angel Hans?

Anything is possible when you're getting a Catholic education!
One time my gym teacher was sick, and Jesus subbed for him! he's a cool guy, but he made us play soccer instead of hockey.

I am in my 6th year as a math teacher. It has its up and downs. If you are patient and like long hours it is great. The long hours only last the first couple of years until you get your curriculum down. what works what doesnt. it depends on how much you grade papers and essays. I teach geometry and only grade papers on friday. so my days are 30 minutes before school until 30 mins after. sometimes i go longer when i need more but not often. the major downfall is i work at an underperforming school so i have meetings like 3 times a week. and they last from 1-3 hours. then i have all the extra data i have to analyze and type up and the extra tests i have to grade and give. the pay isnt outstanding and yea i get lots of days off, but in the summer i spend about a month( not 40 hours a week) getting ready for the year. changin little things here and there, getting new info, trainings, and every 5 years i have to do 150 hours of professional growth but that is pretty easy to get. as for the kids you got the good and bad. they have all abilities and motivation. you just have to find what makes them tick. you have to be a certain type of person to teach. but i love it. as for the person who said 90+ kids. i dont know what teacher has that. i am supposed to teach 5 classes but i teach 6 for the extra cash. i have around 190 students in a day.

im in my 6th year... taught at 2 different high schools and now at a junior high... personally, it sucks for the first couple weeks of ever year... then you get into your routine and things roll... most people have done a good job of telling you what it's like... i'd just add that even if you hate your job, a lot of people hate there job too, but they dont get june, july, and august off ever year... along with spring break, christmas break, thanksgiving break, and 10 other days for polish explorers and the like... even when i've had a horrible principal in the past, which ive had one complete asshole, it's not like you cant find a job somewhere else... and if you like to move around, all the better, cause they need us everywhere... best of luck

this thread was a good read, as I am looking into a future in this profession at the moment