Tuesday, January 18, 2011

To Teach . . . Or Not??

I taught preschool for well over eight years before I had my daughter. I loved every second of.
Yes. Yes, I am sick and twisted, why thank you for noticing!
When I began my current degree plan, becoming a teacher, for some reason or another, never even really crossed my mind . . . too much.
But there are some circumstances that have changed that.
I have an opportunity to receive an accredited "alternative teacher's certification" for the state of Texas through a university.
Translation: I really could be a teacher.

But the question remains:
Do I want to?

I get so frustrated with my 14 year old son . . . How could I handle a room filled with teenagers?
And on the other hand, if I DO get my certification . . . Is there any real guarantee that I would be able to find a position, let alone an internship, anywhere?

And yet ANOTHER question: What to get my certification in? English? History? Special Education? Early Childhood?

I am praying about this decision, REALLY praying. But I have yet to gain any insight or sign from God. So, I'm putting it out there for you, my readers, to advise me.

To teach, or not to teach. That is the question.

7 comments:

Making It Work Mom said...

I say teach. There are so many definitions of teachers. It doesn't have to mean sitting with a group of surly 16 year olds tryign to get them to read Shakespeare!

Visiting from SITS

Mary K Brennan said...

Visiting from SITS. As a Mom, you are already a teacher. If it's something you really want, God will guide you through. I don't think you necessarily have to wait for him to give you permission.
I went back for my Masters while I had my children. It took 4 years. I had this plan that I would teach when they got bigger. But complications, and a Hubby that works over an hour away put my decision on hold.
Education never goes to waist. I have since begun my own at home cookie business. I love what I do. And I never know what I may be doing next. Life is too short to worry where you have to be tomorrow. Enjoy where you are today. You'll find your way.

Kmama said...

Oh wow. I think teaching is a calling. If you loved preschool, chances are, you'll love teaching. I know I could never do it. I just know it. Good luck with your decision!

Courtney said...

Jen! You're already a TEACHER...with all those children every single day! Go for it, woman. Plus, you don't HAVE to teach teenagers, do you? So excited for you!

More Than Words said...

That is definitely a hard choice!! Teaching is such a hard job, and it really does take a special someone to do it. Just continue to pray for confirmation from the Lord!!! How exciting, though!!

So glad you visited my blog! I look forward to reading more of yours!

... said...

Jen, my honest opinion is to get the certification. You don't have to teach now, but it is an excellent fallback plan! I often wish that I had finished college and was teaching instead of just substituting...consider it!

ONe PiNK FiSH said...

I too live in Texas. Austin area actually. I am a kindergarten teacher and love my job.

I have taught for 12 years and do not know what else I could do that could be as rewarding as beeing around 20 5 year olds every day.

I have been blessed to be able to inspire the next generation to be the best they can be. I have been given the priviledge to work with someone elses favorite love. They have allowed me to hold a piece of their heart every day and help to shape them into the man or woman they will one day become.

I do not think there could be a more rewarding or difficult job as that of the kindergarten teacher.

If you even remotely feel the pool, a certification would give you the experience to know if this is the right decision for you. Alternative certification is kind of nifty that way cause you get help along the way.

Good luck with your desicion.

Thanks for stopping by Natural Simplicity earlier today.