Appetizers

Starting with some basics.

Fun Starters

Getting to know the human side.

 Main Course

A quick deep dive into the day-to-day job.

Tell us about yourself and your job.

I'm a math teacher currently teaching at a middle school. Teaching is not just about teaching your desired subject area, but also guiding and equipping students with tools to go through adolescence. Our goal is to help students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

How did you end up in your field? What do you like about it?

A large chunk of your life is spent in school, so there is so much impact a teacher can make. I was heavily impacted by some of my high school teachers and I hope to do the same for my students. Teaching is difficult, but it is also extremely rewarding to be able to help students grow academically and emotionally.

What does a typical day look like on the job?

Your teaching schedule will vary based on your school site. A teacher will typically have to teach a certain amount of classes. Teachers also get a prep period, a free period for teachers to lesson plan, grade student work, or complete any other teacher duties. My current schedule to is teach an advisory class, have a prep period, and then teach math classes for the rest of the day.

What types of projects and meetings are you involved in?

Most of my work consists of teaching in the classroom. However, a large chunk of time is also used for lesson planning, grading student work, and collaborating with others through meetings. We have grade-level team meetings, STEM department meetings, and all-staff meetings.

Who do you collaborate with in meetings and projects? Cross-functional teams? What's it like?

As teachers, we collaborate with everyone at the school. The means and degree of collaboration will vary depending on your school site. I have weekly meetings with my grade level team to ensure we're all on the same page about 8th grade.

I also collaborate with other math and science teachers to establish common goals and teaching strategies as a STEM department. On a day-to-day basis, I collaborate with paraeducators, teaching assistants, etc. who help me in the classroom on a regular basis.

 Dessert

Now for some juicy insights in the tea room.

What's the most challenging thing about your job?

As a new teacher, the most challenging part about teaching for me personally is classroom management. Managing all 30 students' behaviors while maintaining student productivity is difficult!

What are some characteristics that can help someone succeed in your role?

Patience and Empathy.

Any advice on how to stand out and get hired for those just starting off?

Each teacher starting out will have similar levels of experience. Try to include your teaching philosophies and pedagogies in your cover letter. The most important thing is to research each school that you apply to. Each school site is different; they have different mission values and work cultures. Research as much as you can and showcase how you're a great fit for the school in your cover letter and during the interviews.

What's something that surprised you about your job?

Teaching is not just about teaching content.

Any last thoughts, advice, or recommendations for someone who wants to do what you do?

Teaching is difficult, so try to find out if you really actually enjoy working with adolescents and teaching through tutoring, volunteering, etc.