And here I am. And I am so blessed. I love teaching. I love children. I love being able to play a part in their growth, discovery, and education as they become independent, contributing members of our society. And I won't lie, I will hope and pray that I am helping produce a better future.
So, Teaching. I was the lucky individual that got to experience a lot of firsts my "first" year of teaching: first year of marriage, first year of teaching, and (surprise!) first pregnancy. I got to experience what it is like to be a working mother right off the bat. Juggling family and work is HARD, but definitely worth it. One thing I love about teaching is that in my opinion, it is one of the most family friendly careers to have. I have been blessed to work for very supportive schools and so that has made it all the easier. Ways teaching is family friendly?
1. Your "office" comes automatically equipped with toys and is, for the most part, baby-proofed (ok, maybe not high-school classrooms, but in general there are not many hazardous and breakable objects inside a classroom)
2. There are lots of other kids around!
3. Summers...... (usually)
4. Free or reduced tuition (especially in a private school setting) OR an automatic in to your awesome school. Their spots are reserved basically for life (or at least as long as you teach there and for a super good deal)
5. Your co-workers are in general good with kids and comfortable with you having your kid with you during after-hours
6. Lots more reasons
HOWEVER.....
Sometimes life gets to the point when you ask if there is another way. Don't get me wrong, my years in the "traditional" classroom setting are nowhere near done. And maybe, MAYBE someday that will include administration in some way, shape or form. But for now, I am asking "What else is there?"
I am no good at "sales" or "telemarketing" or any of the typical "work from home jobs". But there had to be something. Teachers should be able to have options! Right now, I want to be more flexible. I want to spend a little more time with my family. I want my daughter and son to be able to actually spend some time at home, not just to eat (sometimes) and sleep. I have been exploring this for quite some time. I wanted to be able to say that I have the option to work from home as well! So after much research, prayer, consideration, and quite a bit of fear, my family made the jump into "here we go!" At this point I am still exploring, getting my feet wet, and hoping and praying I know what I am doing. :)
Here's what I have discovered are my and others options for "flexible" teaching jobs:
1. Substituting: Yes, I mean it. Subbing can be a great way of teaching if you want a flexible schedule. And so far, I am loving it! My perspective it: I am using this to learn and grow for the future. Here is the perfect opportunity to see how other teachers do it. I get to see classrooms, decorations, lesson plans, discipline practices, and much more in many different classrooms. And I can do this as many or as few days a week that I want! I have been able to work it so far that I can drop off my son at school, only work the days that my husband has off (go shift work), and no daycare!!!!!! That's a plus in my books. However, as she gets closer to Kindergarten, we will have to think of SOMETHING to get her socialized and K-ready. But I still have about a year and a half before that happens.
2. Online Tutoring- I'm finding myself a little lost at this but who knows what the future holds... I tried to dive in head first and had to pull myself out fairly quickly because I just wasn't liking what I was seeing. I know there are some super companies out there. Unfortunately there are also some you should NOT waste your time with. VIPKID? Nope, don't do it. It looks super on the surface but that's where it ends, unless you would like to be told opposing information from the same company when it comes to your teaching methods and you would like to be a drone that conforms to one way of teaching without any flexibility for your own personality, teaching style, and kids you work with. Oh well, live and learn.
3. Babysitting for Bible Studies, Church Groups, or MOPS. I love this plan. I get to still work with little ones, I get to bring my kid(s) with me, and I get paid on top of it. If you can find a church in your area that offers child care during the week for those that attend MOPS, Bible Studies, or other things you can serve as childcare in that aspect. A couple hours (after school drop off time) = a paycheck
4. (I am not yet doing this one but it is on my list of what I want to do) Online Teaching at an Online School. You get to have your own class and your own "classroom" (not really but you know what I mean....hopefully) I have noticed that this seems to be a growing trend in the past few years and I would love to get a taste of what this is like. How awesome to be a full-fledged teacher from the comfort of your own home (in your jammies if you want!)
5. (Not doing this either, but it is an option) Watch a young child or hold a preschool in your home. Parents are always looking for a good, private, safe place for their little one to learn and grow, especially if you are trustworthy and have good creds.
I see all of this as helping my diversity and ability in teaching. When I enter the classroom again in the future, after having had the time to spend with my kids and my family, going on field trips, being a class parent and other cool things I may not normally have the time to do, I will be a more diverse, able teacher. I will have more experience with lots of different ages, abilities, teaching methods, and cultures. I am excited for that time. I am excited to grow my portfolio and resume. But for now I am excited for being here. At home, with my family. And I am still teaching. I am still earning and contributing. I love it
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