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This is the Semester.

Outcast

Outcast

ATPSS
This is the semester that I get to figure out if I truly want to be a teacher or not. My dream job would really be working for a Zoo as an educator or something like that, you know, the person that gives little educational bits to visiting schools. I would love to do that. I would not have to have the same kids in the class every day all year round, and the political stuff that I keep hearing about in the school systems, really is turning me off that trail.
I just do not know what kind of experience I would need for that.
My parents think that I should change my degree to Zoology, and I plan on looking into it tomorrow, but we will see.
 
I always thought that working in the zoo education dept. would also be interesting. But I never pursued it. I have known many people over the years who worked in zoos (usually in the herp dept). They often complained about the politics at zoos, too. But I think that is a problem at all large businesses, as well.

Maybe you should consider pursuing the teaching degree, but also getting a minor in biology, zoology, etc? That might also allow you to teach science in middle or high school, as well as being an elementary school teacher - or working in a zoo.
 
I think the politics thing is in almost every job, everywhere. You'll just have to decide WHERE you'd rather be subject to office politics--in a school setting, or in a zoo. Having been a Special Ed teacher, and knowing how nasty school/office politics can be, I'd choose the zoo if I had it all to do over again!
 
It is funny that I start going through this dilemma right now. I was talking about it at work last night, and one of the managers at the store actually has a degree in teaching. He was a history teacher, he said the reason he quit doing that was not the politics, or the kids, but the parents. He also told me to try and get a different job, I know that with my current attitude towards people who do not show due respect, I will not get along with most of the parents that I have to talk to as a teacher, and would probably get fired for telling them whats what. I am working on my issue's, but I think it will be something that will have to take a lifetime to fix...
 
Many years ago...

we spent a couple of years trying to develop a business to give school presentations, mostly to 5th graders. We did both public and private schools in Palm Beach County, Fl. What a difference between the two types of schools! In general, the private school kids were orderly, organized, and listened. They asked questions that were reasonably well thought out. In contrast, the public school kids were rambunctious and kept asking the same questions over and over, since they didn't listen to what their classmates had to say. That year or two convinced me of two things: one is that if I ever had kids, I would try to send them to a private school, and the other is that if I ever had to work at a school, I would try to work for a private school. My feeling is that the families who go to private schools are kind of "self selecting". Because there are fees, and it takes more effort to enroll, my guess is that many (not ALL, of course) parents who take that extra trouble probably care more about education. I am sure there are many parents who care about education and can't afford private schools, but I am talking in generalities. Also, a big part of it might be that private schools can throw out troublemakers. Also, private school teachers may not be quite as regimented, depending on the school. If you search some of the old threads that Lauren posted a year or two ago about trying to make classes more interesting for the students, and how it was quashed as not needed, and a luxury, it will probably turn you off wanting to deal with the established school system in most areas. Whatever the difference, I would look into private schools, even though I hear they pay less.

I only know teachers who have taught in public schools, so I base this only on my presentation experience, and what I have read. But remember - that was over 20 years ago that we did this. I suspect the difference may be more pronounced now then it was back then. Maybe talk to some private school teachers and see what they think.
 
If you decide to switch your major to zoology, keep education as a minor OR get teacher certified at the very least as a component of your undergrad degree.

It sounds really awesome and amazing to do zoo education... and I'm sure there's 1000 other people on your campus thinking the same thing. Jobs in that field are few and far between--- so have a fallback plan.
 
I don't know if you'd consider this, but you could get a job as a park naturalist. I did that for several years. You teach kids and adults about nature and you get to choose, many times, what subjects you teach for your programs. You'd also get to interact with the animals at the nature center. Perhaps it's something to consider if the zoo thing is too competitive. Although park naturalist jobs are competitive too.
 
Nature centers are an interesting idea...

Although they are really strapped for funds these days (who isn't?), hopefully they will eventually be more stable. Our local nature center takes in new college grads as interns once or twice per year. They provide a place to live and a small stipend, and the students get hands on training, and something to put on their resume. A friend who is the herpetologist at a non profit nature preserve on Sanibel Island says that they also take on new interns in much the same way. So that could be an interesting way to prepare for that type of career. And I would think it would be fairly relevant experience for a future zoo education dept. career, too.

It seems like a a degree in zoology with enough teaching classes to become certified (as Lauren suggested) might be a good idea for that sort of thing. Maybe you could check with any local zoos and nature centers or parks to see what they suggest.
 
I am definitely going to be looking into the subject. I have a name and phone number to call and see if she can point me in the right direction on campus. I have been told by a few people on campus that even if I want to be a science teacher that I should change my degree to one of the sciences and then get my certification later on, that way I have more understanding about the subject I would like to teach.
I have a fallback, sort of, I could always get a job doing range clearance's or possibly demolitions for various mining operations. I guess that is a good thing that has come from my military training...lol
 
I teach high school German and I love it. Since my senior year of high school, I knew that was my vocational calling.
 
I too thought about being a teacher, but I'm not sure I'm cut out for that. I like the park naturalist idea, that sounds like a lot of fun.
 
Dreamsnake said:
I too thought about being a teacher, but I'm not sure I'm cut out for that. I like the park naturalist idea, that sounds like a lot of fun.
Click to expand...

It is. But you don't make much money and the jobs are very competitive...at least out here. And, you have to start with working weekends and summers. But it is a wonderful job.
 
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