degree/teaching(sorry long)

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degree/teaching(sorry long)
By ABC123

I teach in public school so I do have a degree in teaching. I know that you can't get hired in the public school system if you don't. However, I didn't go back to get my degree until I was almost thirty. It took me four
years to finish school, and I have been teaching for 5 years now. This is something I chose because I LOVE to teach!
Now, what made me realize I wanted to teach? Well, I was a TEACHER for 10 years before that! I taught preschool and had NO degree. It was in a church preschool and I was just asked to consider the job. I did and took it. I fell in LOVE with teaching right then and

stayed there for 10 years. I had NO degree but I have to say, I was complimented more, requested more, had better observations than anyone else. I LOVED what I did and it showed! I was dedicated, hard working and, as the poster above stated, PUT CHILDREN FIRST! Yes, there were some that were jealous. I can't help that! I shared my ideas during planning time(some took them, others refused) that was their choice. But then when they saw all the cute things my class did, they wished they had tried them too..but they didn't say so, instead they would make snide remarks. (some of them didn't have degrees either, and some did but not in education). It was really unfair and very hard at times! I had others who supported me, thank goodness....they knew what I could do and the admin. encouraged me to get my degree (but was NOT a requirement). I did see that I was going to make more money if I did get my degree and go into the public schools. This was the right choice for MY family.

I know many teachers that work in a private school. I know they don't get paid anywhere near what I do. Most have degrees, some do not. Apparently the admin. at your school is happy with your work. He/She realizes your love for children, and your dedication to them. He/She believes you are a capable teacher. I chose to move on, because it was right for me and my family. It was not because I let others pressure me and run me away. DON'T let them do that to you! If you want to work on your degree then do so. If you love your job there, then do it! Maybe you could go to the one teacher that you trust the most and explain how they are effecting you. That you have been hired by someone that believes you are capable and all you are trying to do is do your job!

If they have a problem with your teaching (it is NOT your problem--you were hired by someone higher up). They need to go to them and voice a concern but not to you---you haven't done anything except do your job! Then your admin. could tell them that you were hired to do the job and you have fulfilled the expectations.

Now, I have to admit, that if you were teaching in my school with no degree and making the same I was making with a degree, I would have a problem. I know how much time I had to put in before I stepped into the classroom. The expectations were more higher in public school than where I was before. I have to honestly say I would feel cheated! If a degree is not required in your private school, then they have nothing to complain about. If the admin is doing something special just for you, then I guess I would feel cheated also. I wouldn't take it out on you because that IS NOT FAIR! I would, like I said, take it up with admin. If it is requird, maybe you could take some night classes. Alos, if you plan with any of the other teachers, try to share your ideas so they know you are trying to work with them.

Whatever you coose, I wish you luck. Like I said you do not deserve being personally attacked or harrassed by these teachers!