All that talk yesterday about the bullying and how to deal with it got me thinking about how I would deal with it when I start teaching. And then that just gets me nervous as there are days where I doubt what I am doing. I mean, really, who do I think I am changing careers after thirty? And what will the other teachers think? What if I can't handle it? What if I don't pass the PRAXIS? What if I do all this and it doesn't work out and I just threw away $20,000 on a master's degree?
Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled at the aspect of being a teacher. The more I think about it, the more excited I get. After every classroom observation I do I think, Hell Yea, I can do that! But I tend to second-guess decisions on a daily basis and I worry to much about not being prepared. I think about how the teachers I have observed so far have told me the hardest part of the job is the parents. Great. But, I deal with crappy people all the time in my current job, so I should be okay, right?
I do have someone to look up to, though. Out of college, Ray took a job as an IT consultant as he had a Management Science degree from Virginia Tech. For most of the six years until Ashley was born, Ray traveled. But by the time I got pregnant with Ashley, he was burnt out. He hated answering to someone else. He was sick of traveling (although I loved all the airline miles and Marriott points). His dream job? Real estate. So he went for it. He passed the real estate exam, got hooked up with a mom and son team in Virginia, and off he went on a new career the same time he had a brand new baby at home. And now? He's thriving. He's loves his career and his decision and he's happy and I'm happy he's happy.
I just get nervous...who doesn't?
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20 comments:
second guessing yourself is *why* you will be great. you care. not everyone does. but you do- and that will help you be a wonderful teacher.
and money spent on education is NEVER thrown away.
You probably will have an advantage over the younger teachers just starting out. You're more mature and will be able to handle things better.
You're going to make a great teacher - you care, that's what counts!!
We all second guess ourselves. You'll be a wonderful teacher--you're already teaching two young people NOW... :)
Changing careers is a BIG deal. It takes a lot of guts to venture into the unknown. I'm sure you have everything it takes to make a terrific teacher. Don't get nervous. You can do it!
And frannie is right, money spent on an education is NEVER thrown away!! :)
Yeah, I'd say you are completely normal. I've did a COMPLETE change of career in the past few years and it's been quite a shock to my system, but one that's been worthwhile both emotionally and financially.
We all have uncertainties of our own abilities and this is to be expected - after all we are only human and it does show we do "think", and above all we do "care".
As other's have already mentioned you have wonderful qualities that will hold in you high regard as a teacher and having your own "unique" abilities will be one of them.
Prove to yourself - you have what it takes and I know you will make a "Great" teacher.
You are just nervous - I wouldn't worry about it so much!
You WILL pass the exam...
You WILL be an excellent teacher...
You DID NOT throw away $20,000...
Keep repeating them until you believe them :)
okay, here goes, first comment. :D
From one teacher to another, I believe it is the second guessing, or fancy term: reflecting, that makes you a great teacher. It's normal, it will never stop, and it's a good thing.
HOnestly Amy, I have no doubt you will be an excellent teacher!! Don't second guess yourself. You are an awesome parent and most of teaching, really is acting as a parental role. Teaching children right from wrong and teaching them things their own parents should be teaching them but aren't. The role of a teacher has changed drastically in the past years...don't sweat it....You'll be AWESOME!!
Coming from a Teacher...I would be more than grateful to teach side by side with you....Keep your confidence up!!
To answer your question of "who am I to think I can change careers at 30" I think it is very admirable. I mean you realized you weren't happy doing what you were doing...then went back to school (which is HARD WORK especially with young kids), studied your butt off, and are now ready to enter the workforce again!! Some of the best teachers are those that chose the profession as a second career...they have the passion necessary to get through to the kids and make a difference!!!
To second the previous comments on second guessing: it's natural.
Any new undertaking - a new job, a new hobby, motherhood - will have a period of learning. You won't be expected to know everything (regardless of your age) from the get go. But you know what? You will learn. And soon it *will* be easy. Just think about the time you started your current job. At first you were likely nervous, but now?
You'll do great. :D
You will pass the PRAXIS and you will be a rockin' good teacher! I'd let you teach my girls and I've never even met you! : )
My hubby went back to college part time 5 years ago in order to change career. His final exams start in a few weeks and then hopefully he'll be able to get his dream job.
I'd love to train as a teacher but here in Ireland you have to be able to speak Irish. I can't and am hopeless with languages and would never be able to learn it fluently which is what is required.
"Who do I think I am changing careers after thirty?" - Amy, people do this every.single.day. Every man or woman who retires from the Armed Forces after 20 years does this. My dad, retired at 40 something, went to school, became a master mechanic, decided not to do that, went BACK to school, and became a teacher. Was that time in mechanic school wasted? No. It contributed to his person. To who he is.
Besides, it doesn't matter what you are doing, you are still going to be "over thirty" so why not be doing what you love?
You are an INSPIRATION to me. You have two kids (like me) a significant other who has a full-time job (like mine) and you are in the process of PROVING that you CAN have your dream job. I WANT TO TEACH. I want to go back to school and get MY degree and have MY dream job. You are inspiring. Think about that everytime you question what you are doing. xoxoxo
I think second guessing is normal. Don't we all? I think the parents are the ones I'd be worried about also but thats because I am one of those that the teachers don't always like to talk to. Just be willing to listen to them and not making them feel like you know more and you should be okay.
If you weren't nervous, then, something would be wrong. You will do just fine! Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith!
I wish there were more people like you out there who were teachers:) So many just don't care anymore! I keep thinking of going to nursing school and all these fears creep up to stop me! It is scary to start another career!
I think you'll be a great teacher! You are caring and dedicated, and you have KIDS, so you'll know how to handle situations.
I give you MAJOR kudos for making a career change as it's something that I've been considering for a while now, I just haven't jumped in with both feet and done it! But you did! And I think that shows a lot of character in itself!
It really does contribute to who you are as a person, and in the end you won't regret it!
I liked kids and teaching, but I admit that the job was a bit of a grind at times. I'm glad I did it and glad that I was able to stop when I did. Personally, I had no problems with parents but that was high school.
Change is always scary and all the questions are totally normal. I totally think you will be great. Ditto what working mom said!!
FYI, my hubby switched careers at 34 - he now works at the same company as me and really enjoys it. You'll be great!
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