...but there is a downside.

[learnteach]

The economics of teaching in the schools, and the mindset, mean that while I can teach and earn money, there's not enough money to get beyond basic maintenance--and that only if I sign up with multiple districts, cover a wide geographical area, and make some great contacts. I may be good at teaching, but being even mediocre at technology pays so much better that I'll be back in it soon. There's not enough money here in comparison; substitute teaching so far will be 2 days in a month...and even if I went full time, no health or dental or other benefits.



So, I've done it, and now need to face the reality.

Comments

[terpsichoros.livejournal.com]

If you're willing (and credentialled?) to teach Special Ed, you should be able to find steady work doing it. But a day of substituting is between one and two hours of IT contracting.

[beanolc.livejournal.com]

For what it's worth, I used to teach in Gilroy and they were hurting for subs. We just couldn't get them. Districts composed of higher socio-economic status (SES) demographics usually have a glut of subs and of teachers. Districts composed of lower SES tend to be the opposite.

[kawgirl.livejournal.com]

If money is the bottom line, then I think you're right. You'll end up back in high tech. But there are all sorts of other benefits from working with kids and that's something you give up completely when you are working in high tech. For me, I'd rather take the pay cut and continue working with the kids.

BTW: special ed teachers are in demand in my district. Big time.