Teacher who doesn't want to be a teacher

Question

I am in year two of teaching and I am feeling like I chose the wrong career path. I love helping kids but I'm finding I kind of wish I worked in an office setting or working more in small groups. I'm not sure what I can do with a degree in physical education or healthy education. I'm just looking for advice on what other jobs I could possibly do. I'm an introvert and feel like I chose the wrong path. Anything will help

Yvonne Munyan · Answer

Hello Anonymous, I thought you might look at your school district board since you already have teaching credentials, possibly you could acquire a position that would allow you to assist in district strategic planning.

Peg Bittner · Answer

i am not an expert but I will admit to creative thinking and helping anyone.  You state that you love helping kids and you have a degree in physical education. You prefer smaller groups. Have you thought of working in children's hospital or therapy facilities to help kids to more mobile or even restore   mobility due to illness or an accident.  Are you will to get additional training for more particular physical education for special cases?   You have the basics in physical education in the field but you can learn more for the special areas of physical education.  It is just like there are lawyers then there are lawyers who specialize in criminal law, corporate law, or real estate.  You could be a specialized physical education teacher or therapist.    I wish you well in your pursuit.

Jennifer A · Answer

Education translates to many places.  I thought I would be a teacher but realized early on that I couldn't be around kids all day and be sane when I went home to my own.  Instead I am a project manager and business analyst.  Yep, has nothing to do with teaching but I teach all day long.  I teach how to get a project done (yes, you do need to meet that deadline, how can I help you help yourself), I wrangle cats (project teams can be worse than kids, they don't want to listen and think they have all the answers), I translate tech speak into a language that most individuals DON'T want to learn but need to in order to be successful.  And I listen to what my sister does (middle school teacher) and thank the stars that I didn't go into teaching because I would have been miserable.

I was very fortunate, that I, like you, realized that a job teaching wasn't the best fit for me.  It took me a while and I had to pivot a few times but you can too.  This may require some trial and error and some outside the box thinking but if I can do it, so can you!

Good Luck!

Kathie Thomison · Answer

Girl I get you! I was a teacher for 10 years, probably five years too long. Good for you recognizing that this is not a good fit.  Have you thought about working with special programs like dyslexia or special needs?  They are small groups. Also, just because you have an education degree doesn’t mean you aren’t valuable to other career fields. Another thing that comes to mind is managing a learning center like Sylvan. Also look at jobs at the district level. You may have to take a pay cut. Most higher paying district jobs require a master’s degree ( if you have one then definitely look into it!).  After I left teaching I started a completely new career. I am now a 911 dispatcher. Yes I make less money, but the lower stress and no time grading are worth it! Don’t limit yourself to just the education field. Think outside the box. Look into corporate training positions too.

BarbaraRuland · Answer

Hi,
Maybe it's not the career but the setting, as Peg Bittner suggested. Have you considered working at a montessori?  I am an absolute non-expert since I have no kids.  But I have several friends who've sent their children to montessori because of the small group, nurturing and less structured environment.  I also know a couple women who've worked their in staff, rather than teacher positions and they all seem to love it. Best of luck!

Nancie Shuman · Answer

Wellness Coach, help develop education programs for on-line health organizations, become a small group instructor with a blog and an emphasis on health and wellness, as opposed to just fitness, or weight loss.

Find a good Coach who can walk you through this.

Teacher who doesn't want to be a teacher

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