31 Responses

Answer

Respondent

It is too stressful, and parent expectations are ridiculous. When people aren't happy, they go to social media rather than working it out with the teacher.

Anonymous

My kids are both teachers in public High Schools. Both initially did not want to go into public education, yet both found their way there. My parents were both teachers and I believe all the dinner time conversations were an inspiration for them.

Anonymous

I have enjoyed my career of over 30 years, but I am concerned more about the lack of respect shown to teachers in our ever changing society. There is less and less respect and more and more suspicion. 

But in the end, I want my children to be happy and I tell them to find something that will make them happy. Education has been that happy for me.

Anonymous

It is too politicized and teachers are underappreciated and don't get the respect they deserve.

Anonymous

The worst mistake I ever made in my life was to go into teaching.

Anonymous

Due to the breakdown in the family home over the last 30 years, today's teachers and schools are required to do more than just teach. One could say that today's schools are the last Bastone for middle-class values.

Anonymous

Still a great profession.

Anonymous

The teaching profession squeezes water from stones getting every last drop out of these mostly woman who all thei life will accommodate for the good of child who needs more. They (myself included) can not say no to increased demands and bogus data driven crap that the state demands that truly do not benefit the child or help the teacher feel satisfied with the craft of teaching.(WA Kids for kindergarten is one example). Then we get soulless curriculum we are forced to teach with fidelity.

Anonymous

Not only the pay scale that teachers receive considering teachers prepare students to advance to successful careers that pay 3x more than teachers do, but the breakdown of respect from parents and students makes the job even more difficult to enjoy doing. Over the years I received dozens of resumes by email, this past summer, I had to spend money with Indeed.com to find teachers. They are leaving the field to other professions, mostly healthcare.

Anonymous

My daughter chose to be a teacher and I support her. She works in an inner city school in a state that pays a pittance. But she is driven and focused. Compassionate and caring. I hope she does not lose any of this.

Anonymous

For one of my children, currently going to college to study for elementary ed, it is still the most natural fit. She has to follow her passion. And the world needs good teachers!

Anonymous

More than pay and benefits, is the disrespect that has been given to educators for these past 20 years. Elected officials have no clue about the real issues but make laws that handcuff the profession and allows for others to point fingers.

Anonymous

My Granddaughter is currently a classroom teacher at a Middle School. That's where I got my start, too!!

Anonymous

Yes as it is a noble and fulfilling profession as we shape the world. No matter the profession, everyone's life has been touched by a teacher (teachers). We shape the world and the future.

Anonymous

...but I’m proud of him for doing it anyway....

Anonymous

Would never have them consider teaching

Anonymous

Never

Anonymous

I did...both are but came in late. I would not recommend it today.

Anonymous

The lack of respect and continuing threats to wages, school budgets, benefits, tenure, bargaining rights and pensions make it less viable for my daughter who is a biochemistry major.

Anonymous

I wanted my children to follow their own path. None teach in schools. Oddly, all of them do some instruction of co-workers. One, an insurance expert, trains auditoriums full of agents and business people. Same skill set as needed for teachers with no need to correct papers or call parents.

Anonymous

Teaching could be a very rewarding occupation. However, I would only recommend teaching in certain environments. First, investigate the community - the students, the parents, the school administrators, and the safety of the location. Otherwise, don't bother. Just do volunteer tutoring during your spare time to encourage the students and hopefully make a difference.

Anonymous

I accepted it because she had a calling to do so and had seen first hand what she could expect.

Anonymous

My daughter is the finest teacher I know-teaches upper-level event riding -- people and horses...

Anonymous

Especially on Long Island where they grew up. Excellent school districts with the highest paying teacher salaries in the country!

Anonymous

I only responded no because it was not what they wanted to do. If they had, I would have supported them.

Anonymous

It’s not as rewarding as it used to be. Too much pressure and stress, especially on the weekends.

Anonymous

I don’t believe teaching is the right profession for my child but I would not be against it if that was what he wanted to do. Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher.

Anonymous

Whatever profession they chose would be OK, as long as they can get a job -not just about the money. With that said, anyone who thinks teachers have poor benefits (or poor pay - based on hours worked) needs to realize what pension is worth & what it is like to work all year long with no school holidays or summers off. Maybe all should work in industry a while & take a should be required finance class (not eco). Most don't have pensions worth millions, only a 401K to supplement social security.

Anonymous

If that is what they want to do.

Anonymous

After 29 years of teaching I have less money than family members who did not attend graduate school . My life style is simple and I live paycheck to paycheck . I will have a pension but not enough to buy a second vacation home !

Anonymous

It’s really the child’s choice, teachers do not usually enter the profession for the salary. Teaching has immeasurable rewards like helping young people to reach their potential. One of the most un-spoken aspects of teaching is establishing a connection with your students, nurturing the whole child can impact student learning exponentially in ways that cannot be quantified. These are rewards that will never be shown on a pay stub.

Anonymous