Question for STEM high school teachers — What do you like and dislike?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the experiences of STEM teachers in public high schools, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of the job. Key points include the significant differences between teaching in public versus private schools, with public school environments often presenting challenges such as student disinterest and disrespect. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the school context when evaluating the teaching experience. The conversation also touches on the need for teachers to share their perspectives to foster a better understanding of the challenges faced in STEM education.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of public versus private school educational environments
  • Familiarity with STEM curriculum and teaching methodologies
  • Knowledge of student engagement strategies in high school settings
  • Awareness of certification requirements for high school teachers in the US
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective student engagement techniques in STEM education
  • Explore certification requirements for high school STEM teachers in various states
  • Investigate differences in curriculum and student demographics between public and private schools
  • Learn about classroom management strategies for challenging teaching environments
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for current and aspiring STEM teachers, educational administrators, and policymakers interested in understanding the dynamics of teaching in public high schools and the unique challenges faced in STEM education.

Josh0768
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As a STEM teacher at a public high school, what are some things you like and dislike about your job?
 
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Josh0768 said:
As a STEM teacher at a public high school, what are some things you like and dislike about your job?
Since you recently completed high school, maybe you can relate some of your experiences being a student in a public high school in STEM classes?
 
berkeman said:
Since you recently completed high school, maybe you can relate some of your experiences being a student in a public high school in STEM classes?
Maybe if someone creates their own question inquiring about what it’s like to be a student in a high school STEM class, I will. But for now, I would like answers from the teacher’s perspective.
 
It would have been better if you had answered my question, IMO. There is a reason behind it.

Thread locked for a bit until you send me a PM to let me know that you are willing to post your thoughts first. I do have some experiences I would like to share, but not until you go first.
 
Last edited:
After a PM discussion with the OP, the thread is re-opened. I'm not able to tell what he wants, but hopefully within a few replies we'll be able to tell.

@Josh0768 -- The point I was going to make is that it depends a lot on the type of school where you are teaching. There is a large difference between teaching in the public school system and in private schools in the US, in my experience. From an earlier thread:

berkeman said:
What grade levels do you want to teach? I'm assuming that you want to teach at the high school level? I'm not of any help on the certification requirements, but on the issue of challenging environments, I do know that teaching math or science in public high schools can be a frustrating endeavor. In my experience (as a parent watching some HS classes in recent years), the level of disinterest and disrespect of many public school students right now is pretty hard to deal with. Teaching in a private school would probably provide you a better set of students...
 

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