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

AI Thread Summary
The 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. Teachers express frustration with these issues, noting that they can hinder effective teaching. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding the specific school context when considering a teaching career in STEM, as experiences can vary widely based on the student demographic and school resources. Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the complexities and challenges faced by STEM educators in public high schools.
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.
 
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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...
 
https://www.aapt.org/Conferences/ lists the next set of conferences 2026 Winter Meeting - January 17 - 19, Las Vegas, Nevada 2026 Summer Meeting - July 18 - 22, Pasadena, California 2027 Winter Meeting - January 9 - 12, New Orleans, Louisiana 2027 Summer Meeting - July 31 - August 4, Washington, DC I won't be attending the 2026 Winter Meeting in Las Vegas... For me, it's too close to the start of the semester. https://www.aapt.org/Conferences/wm2026/index.cfm...
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