going for it

[ak_powder_monkey]

So I signed up for education classes today on my way to becoming hopefully a high school science teacher... One semester without school was enough I guess

[MotherFucker]

Good luck.

I just switched to elementary education, myself. I want to catch the kids before they turn into bastards.

[RootSkier]

Hopefully your ex's kid won't be one of your students.

[Caucasian Asian]

Don't try to sleep with your students

[The Suit]

on my way to becoming hopefully a high school science teacher...

Its not that I suck at spelling, its that I just don't care

Please fix ...

[ak_powder_monkey]

real science teachers don't care about spelling either...

[systemoverblow'd]

You got more balls than I do.

[dumpy]

The wife is a school counselor, I noticed something at her work's Xmas party.

Most of her female coworkers range from "yeah, what the hell, I'd hit it" straight up through "daaaaumn"- regardless of age. Some straight out of college cuties, some late 20s/early 30s lookers and some straight up MILFs.

Most of her male coworkers are clumpy, pasty dudes that likely wouldn't have a chance with any of their coworkers.

Despite the lackluster pay, working in a school might have it's benefits.

[irul&ublo]

When I saw the title to this thread, I thought AKPM decided to buy a full size love doll

[AKPogue]

Most of her male coworkers are clumpy, pasty dudes that likely wouldn't have a chance with any of their coworkers.

You just described AKPM!!

[systemoverblow'd]

You just described AKPM!!

shit, as soon as I read that part I scrolled down to post almost the exact same thing you just did. Solid work!

[Bobby Stainless]

High schoolers need to be put in labor camps, where they will learn construction and repair roads and such.

[Flounder]

Good luck.

I just switched to elementary education, myself. I want to catch the kids before they turn into bastards.

Good luck with that. The wife teaches kindergarten and has a class full of psychos this year. She has been attacked with a yard stick, had chairs thrown at her, and is told she was going to be killed on a daily basis. All by 5 year olds that have never had to do what they were asked to do. Telling a kid it is time for math sessions results in full blown melt downs. Of course the parents don't see it as a problem and get all upset if there are any consequences for the behavior.

To the OP, good luck! We need more math and science teachers. It is a hard combination of skills. There are plenty of great science minds that lack the ability to teach the concepts to kids. My wife is nearly complete with adding a masters of science Ed degree. It is a great area for future growth.

[Chugachjed]

Have you looked into AKT2? I'll be graduating in May and that's probably the plan, get a teaching certificate with a BA. Spend some more time in a village/fish/hunt/enjoy life.

[DeathVan]

You know Kodiak is considered "rural"

I know quite a few people who started out in the villages (remote or on island), they seem to have enjoyed the experience for the most part although a few years can feel like a long time in some places out west, and life is let's say "different" in some of the villages here.

AKPM or Jed: If you guys have any questions I'd be happy to relate my experiences.
-and go for the Masters asap, SE has a remote program (I know a number of folks that went this route)
-best access to jobs I found is through Alaska Teacher Placement (ATP)
http://alaskateacher.org/jobs/

Good Luck and good choice, it is a rewarding career in more ways than you may realize at this time.

[ak_powder_monkey]

Have you looked into AKT2? I'll be graduating in May and that's probably the plan, get a teaching certificate with a BA. Spend some more time in a village/fish/hunt/enjoy life.

Yes... I'm kinda in no hurry so I'm starting at UAF because my undergrad GPA is horrible, and I'm not so stoked about living in the bush yet..

[gatorboy]

This is my 8th year of teaching (2nd career). It definitely has it's ups and downs.

I've taught 1st, 5th, and now 6th grade.

Be sure to do your research for districts that you want to work in, volunteer and do practicums there, and kiss the secretary's butts. Before you start college, get someone in the education department as your college adviser.

Good Luck.

[abraham]

We need more math and science teachers. It is a hard combination of skills. There are plenty of great science minds that lack the ability to teach the concepts to kids.

Good luck, I'd say my science teachers have made the biggest impression on me of all my teachers.

[XXX-er]

I sometimes do a little tech/handyman/grunt work in a research center with folks who all have PHD's,masters or some kind of professional designation

IME they are just people who like to go to school a lot, and we all seem to get a long fine at cocktail parties

SO how many academics does it take to change a lightbulb ?


none ... they call me and I change it

[stuckathuntermtn]

High schoolers need to be put in labor camps, where they will learn construction and repair roads and such.

Woulda set my ass straight. Not that I was so outta control, just a giant pussy.

AKPM teaching.
I could see fly fishing guide.
not science teacher.

[snowsprite]

I love teaching science. It's really fun because you get to plan and carry out a lot of cool activities where kids actually learn by doing. My students have a lot of fun w/ the labs and activities I plan and I feel like I learn a lot along the way too...deepening my understanding of science.

BUT....

I hate teaching in an urban setting. The classes are huge, the kids are WILD, nobody has any discipline (staff included), the expectations are completely un-meetable thereby setting you up for automatic failure. When a kid can't read, do math, SIT STILL or even LISTEN and TALK appropriately...well you have a problem trying to get them to explore, learn, discover. Or rather, you could do it with one kid certainly and even maybe 12 or 14 kids with issues like that. But TWENTY FOUR??? Hah. Try that and it'll put some hair on your chest really quickly (yeah, I have stock in Nair by now).

It's very draining, disheartening, and really sad. I hope to get into a less intense environment after this school year. I know that rural & suburban settings all have their issues as well. But I am raising the flag and admitting I can't take the heat in this kitchen. And I'm out.

Plus...I wanna be where I can ski!

Good luck AKPM, and it's a great career just careful where you settle in--and yes, research the area you will teach in. Try starting out by being a substitute teacher there. They treat subs the worst so you'll get an idea of the worst you'll be in for.

Sprite

[irul&ublo]

AKPM....according to friends of mine in education, there always MILF (or semi-MILF) teachers looking to hook up. Get your cougar hunting license.

[Roo]

Try starting out by being a substitute teacher there. They treat subs the worst so you'll get an idea of the worst you'll be in for.

This is how I recollect the whole substitute teacher thing at my school.

[ak_powder_monkey]

I am a sub, kids hate me they think they get away with stuff, but I just have them suspended

[Flounder]

I am a sub, kids hate me they think they get away with stuff, but I just have them suspended

AKPM, sounds like you are well aware of what you are getting into. One thing to add for improving job chances is your student teaching time. Find the best mentor teacher you can and then bust your ass for that semester. My wife usually has a couple student teachers a year and they come from both ends of the spectrum. The ones that show up as late as possible and do as little as possible leave a bad impression. Get in as early as the teacher, help out as much as possible and try and get things right the first time. It greatly helps if you are teaching in an area where you want to ultimately get a job. It isn't that my wife can say the word and a good student teacher is hired, but she can say a word and the student teacher will never get hired in the district. Even if you are moving to a different area, having a great recommendation to take with you can only help.