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Job Title: Teacher
Type of Company: I work as a teacher for the Archdiocese of Boston.
Education: BA, Sociology, University of Lowell •• M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction, University of Lowell
Previous Experience: My first teaching position was in a Catholic school; I taught there 'til the school closed down. I took time off when I had my first child. I then attempted to get into the public school system where I lived. I did a series of long term substitute jobs, but I wanted my own class. I went back to teach at a Catholic school for 5 years. Then I worked in a public school teaching for 3 years. Now, I'm back in the Catholic schools and this is my 5th year.
Job Tasks: My primary responsibility is to teach Science & Social Studies to grades 6, 7 & 8. I am the homeroom teacher for grade 7. There is just one class of each grade. In total, I have about 65 students.
A typical day for me starts at 8:00. I start the day saying a prayer and doing the "Pledge". I take attendance, collect anything going to the office, then my 7th graders leave for their first class and I get mine. Normally, I either teach a lesson or correct homework with the class, do a science activity or class discussion or review for a test. Every day is different. Some days are great and I really feel that the kids are learning . Other days it's just the opposite; perhaps a couple students are being unkind to one another. The school day goes by very quickly. After 7 periods that are 45 minutes, I have twenty minutes to chat with the other teachers, unless I have recess duty. My day ends at 2:15. I am usually tired at the end of the day. I always look forward to the next day.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The best part of my job is when the students are so interested in the lesson or the topic that they don't realize that it's time to switch, when they stop me in the hallway to continue the discussion or they tell me that they went home and had a discussion with their parents. It's wonderful to see them get enthusiastic about what they learned, so enthusiastic they want to share it with others.
The worst thing about my job is when one student is being treated unfairly by another or a group of students. It's awful to see a student all by himself at lunch or recess because he's not "cool" enough to hang out with or even to be friendly with.
Job Tips: I would recommend working as a camp counselor during the summer if you are considering a career in education. If you could volunteer in a school tutoring that would also help to show you if you have the patience to teach. I cannot think of a more difficult job if you aren't patient and enjoy a little chaos every now and then.
Additional Thoughts: If you do decide to teach, be passionate and enthusiastic about learning and be a life-long learner yourself.
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