Two questions both practical but one is more secular than the other:
(1) don’t you need a bachelor’s to be able to substitute teach?
It depends on your state, and sometimes even for particular school districts. Refer to your state’s dept of education for the exact answer.
(2) Sometimes, I feel like teaching at a public school, but I’ve heard that it isn’t responsive enough to parental needs, they are quite inefficient, and I can remember too that they were dirty relative to other work environments (1 class had rats and (and I used to attend a rather new school too). I just don’t feel like contributing to such an institution. But am I just being too hard on public schools? Could I work there if I choose?
It’s good to do a little research on the particular school(s) you are interested in. You are really generalizing here. Each school is different. You will want to know how the administration keeps discipline and how they present themselves. In terms of responsiveness, a lot of times this has a direct relationship to the specific teacher. Communication is key.
One thing I have experienced with public school is the
lack of support on the part of the parents. More importantly, the lack of support, and backing of leadership role of the teacher, and the lack of a support for learning, in general.
Each school is different in terms of cleanliness, too. I had actually attended a school during my high school time (1 of 3) that had rats, and another one that was in the extreme opposite, a meticulously clean school. You could always visit the school to see how they care for it.
No, you’re not being too hard. You are just looking at things from the few bad experiences you’ve had with them. If you choose (and really, ultimately if you get hired) you could certainly work there. Make sure you look at their website and read up on the school philosophy, and I would also suggest that you pick a school that fits you as well, if you get the choice.
You can really make a difference. You have no idea what one good/great teacher can do to make a difference in a school. You have the unique opportunity to affect children for the better. You really do learn to love your students.
I’m Pennsylvania certified 7-12 Biology/Life Science teacher. I have a bachelor of science degree in biology, as well.
