Alternate career options

[af1212]

Hi all! I was in the classroom for about 10 years before having my kids. Youngest is almost 2 and although I'm still several years away from returning to full time work I always like to ponder my options.

I truly can't imagine returning to a full-time classroom, although I miss it a great deal. It was just so much work! Meetings, lesson plans, PD, parents, etc. I enjoyed it so much though so would love to somehow still have that classroom-teacher-feeling if possible.

I think it would be more realistic for me to either do something PT, or FT but with less "extra" work. I am very involved in my community, several volunteer organizations, and my kids' schools so would like to try to maintain some of that if possible.

Any suggestions? I have certs in ECE, k-6, reading specialist, and special ed.

[morecoffeeplease]

Subbing? It's what I'll probably end up doing soon.

[af1212]

Doesn't it pay well where you are?

I subbed a bit when my oldest was a baby but really did it more for fun and to get out of the house. Around me the pay is pretty low, and I wonder if I could make it work with having to pay for before/after care for my kids. How do you plan to work those things out?

[morecoffeeplease]

Gotcha! I will start subbing when both kids are in school and I will more than likely sub at their school. They can come in with me and leave with me. The subbing rates around me range from $100-$120 a day.

At all of the schools I worked at there were a lot of subs that were moms (they needed a bachelors degree, not a teaching certification)

[nsl]

I subbed briefly and hated every second of it. I even had two long-term jobs where I got to do lesson planning, and still chafed at not having my "own" classroom and students.

What about becoming a paraprofessional? It pays more than straight subbing IME, gives you a lot of student contact, and doesn't require planning. You could also look into becoming a library/media center assistant if you want to work with kids but don't want to be in the classroom anymore.

[imimahoney]

Do you want out of schools? You could look into educator type positions in non-school settings. Museums, historical societies, etc.

I know there is a specific degree for museum education but maybe places might be willing to work with ex-teachers.

[nachos]

Jun 26, 2017 18:19:32 GMT -5 imimahoney said:

Do you want out of schools? You could look into educator type positions in non-school settings. Museums, historical societies, etc.

I know there is a specific degree for museum education but maybe places might be willing to work with ex-teachers.

Working in a museum or writing/editing would be my non-school choices, personally.

[NandaB]

Jun 26, 2017 18:04:26 GMT -5 nsl said:

I subbed briefly and hated every second of it. I even had two long-term jobs where I got to do lesson planning, and still chafed at not having my "own" classroom and students.

What about becoming a paraprofessional? It pays more than straight subbing IME, gives you a lot of student contact, and doesn't require planning. You could also look into becoming a library/media center assistant if you want to work with kids but don't want to be in the classroom anymore.

Its funny you say this because i was the total opposite. I really like subbing and like the flexibility, and the lack of lesson planning. but it wasn't money we were relying on and i had free childcare from my mom. Being a para and taking ditection from a teacher i may not agree with sounds awful. But im kinda bossy, lol

[af1212]

Hmm I hadn't thought about not liking the direction of the lead teacher. That's a good point. I have very specific philosophical views about early education and I would have a hard time working under someone with conflicting views.

Thanks for pointing that out!