 |
|
|
|
Job Title: Science Teacher
Type of Company: I work for a school district in the North Carolina tidewater region.
Education: MA, University of Virginia
Previous Experience: I have worked as a bartender, cartographer and mate.
Job Tasks: I am a science teacher at an alternative school. My job is to make sure that students have a safe environment to learn and earn high school credits in science. In order to provide a safe environment for students I have to establish relationships with students who have severe emotional problems, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and, in many cases, develop relationships with convicted felons. In order to develop those relationships, I have to learn about each student and keep up-to-date on best practices, including the use of individualized instruction. I often have to develop relationships with the students' parents as well....and members of the community who can provide services for my students.
I usually have about 50 different students each year, but not all of them at the same time. Managing a classroom full of students who have not had much success in school requires knowledge in many arenas of life. It is not something a rookie can walk into and expect to be successful. I must also keep up-to-date on all of the different branches of science. Students at the Alternative school can earn credits in Earth Science, Biology, and Physical Science. Students can also complete middle school.
I teach students from ages 11 to 20. Science is a dynamic subject and it often changes with new discoveries.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The best part of my job is the vacations. A couple of months in the summer, 2 weeks at Christmas, and Spring Break. I also enjoy being around teenagers because it keeps me feeling young, even though I am not anymore. I also enjoy feeling proud of my students...like when they graduate.
The worst part of my job is the times when I don't win. Many of my students drop out of school and do not positively contribute to our community. It is heartbreaking to see so many people making such poor decisions at a young age, because it will affect them forever.
Job Tips: Don't take anything a student says or does personally. You must be a grounded, extremely confident and even cocky person to enter this profession.
Have a life outside of work. Lots of hobbies and friends that will keep you sane.
Have a sense of humor, and be prepared to laugh at yourself often.
The inside stories from people actually working in the field.
Click a story title to show the story, and click the title again to hide it.
All Types
Career Stories are concise, real-world career overviews written by people relating their personal career experiences and wisdom. They provide invaluable insights and mentoring advice to students and career changers.
Most stories include:
Please also see our detailed information about Secondary School Teachers, including:
Copyright © QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
