I hope this isn't too off-topic, but I am currently weighing up whether to keep struggling as a university tutor/adjunct teacher in my obscure field (which I love), or to get a diploma in education so I can teach high school.
I know I'm good at teaching undergraduate adults, but the university feels like a sinking ship these days. On the other hand, I keep hearing teachers (on here and elsewhere) say things like 'so glad I'm leaving teaching, it sucks, I wouldn't recommend anyone start it now!'
The negativity in both places is really crippling my decision-making process; I'm a mustachian-science-type, and I want to optimize this decision, but it seems like most advice says 'stay away from all teaching.'
Does anyone have experience teaching at both the university and high school levels? Which would you choose?
(should I make this question a new thread?)
I have experience in both. For me, public schools K-12 are the best option. More job security, and far fewer politics than higher ed.
I have a few ideas on this but am on bedtime duty so have to be fast!
1) I would start the new thread, yes. You'll catch more ideas.
2) I am from Minnesota, and that will color my answers. Every state has different rules for teacher licensing, and different levels of demand for teachers. Given that, and the fact that you didn't disclose your obscure field of study, I'd approach this question in the following manner:
- Because you're working in higher ed, I'll assume you have at least a Bachelor's degree. In Minnesota that's enough to substitute teach without a teaching license IN SOME districts (if they are full up with licensed people, some won't take what is called the short call license here - but many districts will). This is the fill-in for the sick teacher for a day or two or five option, in any kind of classroom. The advantage to this is that you can start making money now (IMO it's decent for a temp job, around $120/day here). It would also be flexible so you could work around your adjuncting gigs, accepting or turning down jobs as your schedule permits. You'll start to get a feel for buildings you like, ages you like, classroom management techniques, etc. It won't always be easy, but you'll be able to see if you at least enjoy it.
- As you are doing this you can start to check out licensure programs. In this state, except in very unusual circumstances, you need a teaching license. And the universities will evaluate your transcript to see what coursework you need for that license. And if your undergrad major was weird enough, you might have to start over. For high school teaching here, you major in your area of study, NOT education, though you do plenty of education coursework to get the license. But let's say you have a psychology major, well, there is no psychology license for high school teaching. KWIM? It's more generic types of majors. But they will know how to advise you on this. And you wouldn't really have to completely start over, just fill in the gaps to get the major and go from there. At least as of a few years ago. ;)
- You'll also be able to figure out if there is another area of education that would attract you. My girlfriend decided she wanted to teach, but not in the major she did in college. She decided since she was going to do a licensure program anyway, she'd do one in special ed, where there is more demand and she felt a greater calling. Lots of times there are people who would be fine special educators (an in-demand license area) who just don't think to go into that area because they have had no contact with this kind of programming or population. You'd be almost guaranteed a job.
If I knew your area of study I might change my advice. But there it is FWIW! Good luck!!
P.S. In MN K-12 is going to pay you a SHIT TON BETTER than higher ed. And with better job security and I'm guessing better bennies too.