Is a maths/science secondary school school/ college teacher a good career?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the viability of pursuing a career as a maths or science teacher at the secondary school or college level. Participants explore various aspects such as job prospects, financial considerations, and the overall experience of teaching in different environments.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on whether to become a maths teacher, questioning the prospects and financial rewards associated with the career.
  • Another participant emphasizes that passion for teaching should be a primary motivation, suggesting that financial incentives alone are insufficient.
  • A different viewpoint suggests a negative perception of teaching, encapsulated in the phrase "those who can do, those who can't teach," implying a lack of respect for the profession.
  • Concerns are raised about teaching in challenging environments, with one participant sharing a personal experience of working in a poorly rated school and the associated difficulties, including safety concerns.
  • Another participant notes that teachers in urban areas often face low pay and disrespect, indicating a challenging work environment that may deter potential teachers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with some arguing against teaching for financial reasons while others highlight the importance of passion. The discussion reflects multiple competing views on the teaching profession, particularly regarding job satisfaction and working conditions.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences and perceptions that may not represent the broader teaching landscape, indicating a reliance on anecdotal evidence rather than comprehensive data.

imy786
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Hi,

Anyone a maths teacher or science teacher here?

need advice if i should become a maths teacher?

good prospects?
good money?

Immy
 
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I hope that money is not the only reason you are considering teaching as a career path. We already have enough hacks teaching . Go only into teaching only if your are truly passionate about teaching.
 
Those who can do, those who can't teach. So no.
 
- If you're in it for the money, don't teach.

If you want to teach in a high school, I would advise you to stay away from schools in bad neighborhoods. I spent a year in a F/D graded school in a heavily ghetto neighborhood. It was not a nice year. I knew the teachers hated the students and probably their jobs. I remember my 12th grade economics teacher leaving in the middle of the year because she feared for her life after receiving threats from a couple of gang members.
 
Benzoate said:
I hope that money is not the only reason you are considering teaching as a career path. We already have enough hacks teaching . Go only into teaching only if your are truly passionate about teaching.
The same message would apply to just about every profession requiring technical qualifications.
 
i don't know if this is generally true, but most teachers in urban areas aren't that well paid, and get disrespected a lot. I remeber my HS days, i feel sorry for those teachers. i prolly wouldn't mind the pay IF the kids didnt get all rowdy and disruptive.
 

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