Award Winning Teacher Looking for Transition Advice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, would you recommend working for DcPs? Is it realiatic to get hired at a good school for DcPS without a teaching license?

"Good school" is a very subjective term. I have found that working within a school if very principal dependent. A great principal, will lead to a great culture and quality of life. Conversely a terrible principal will do the exact opposite.

It's been awhile since I entered, however I believe you need a license or have to be working towards your license in a certified teacher program to be hired in DCPS.

[Anonymous]

Recommendation is to seek out and talk to a career counselor if you want to explore other fields. They can give you ideas and expectations. Laura has worked with a lot of former teachers: https://www.koepsellcareercounseling.com/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just to add.....

Currently, I work (teach) about 25 hours a week, spend approximately 10 hours in meetings, duty time, or planning, and enjoy summer breaks and holidays off. I don't typically bring work home, but despite these advantages, the job remains physically and mentally demanding, leaving me exhausted most days and weeks.

Lastly, another area I would need to consider is how a transition may impact my pension/retirement planning.

Private school teacher here (formerly public)

Maybe continue teaching, but in a different environment? My passion for teaching was renewed when I switched to private. It isn’t easier, but it was a great change.

I do have to ask: how do you manage to bring no work home? I’m in my 20th year and I work 55-65 hours a week. The grading alone takes 20 hours a week (essays, tests, projects). I can’t imagine bringing no work home!

Don't private school teachers make a lot less money?

I’m the private school PP.
I am paid similar to my public school pay. (Only about $2K less.) I make nowhere near $130K, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Project management get your pmp most of us barely work and easily make 130k

Could you elaborate on the topic? In order to obtain a PMP certification, you are required to have accumulated 36 hours of experience in leading projects. While I have fulfilled that requirement, my experience lies outside of a formal project manager role.

Additionally, the title of "project manager" suggests responsibilities such as managing individuals, budgets, deadlines, and other related aspects. Considering that projects exist in every field, how does one determine which specific field to pursue? Or do project managers jump from field to field following projects they find interesting or qualify for?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the teachers I know in this region that have transitioned have gone into government contracting - there are a lot of instructional design or training positions that you might be qualified for.

Thanks for the pointer. I am noticing this along with some non-profit instructional/training positions that I may qualify for. May be worth a deeper look.

You’re going to work a lot more hours than 35 hours per week + all of the school breaks for 130k.

+1. DCPS has 28 days off for teachers and students scheduled when offices generally get 10 at most. And, you know, then there's also the 40 work days teachers have off in the summer. That's 1600 hours. Your salary would have to be far higher than 140k for your new job to be comparable if you are working FT.

Point taken by you and the PP. The time off is one of the biggest perks and can't be ignored.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the teachers I know in this region that have transitioned have gone into government contracting - there are a lot of instructional design or training positions that you might be qualified for.

Thanks for the pointer. I am noticing this along with some non-profit instructional/training positions that I may qualify for. May be worth a deeper look.

You’re going to work a lot more hours than 35 hours per week + all of the school breaks for 130k.

+1. DCPS has 28 days off for teachers and students scheduled when offices generally get 10 at most. And, you know, then there's also the 40 work days teachers have off in the summer. That's 1600 hours. Your salary would have to be far higher than 140k for your new job to be comparable if you are working FT.

Point taken by you and the PP. The time off is one of the biggest perks and can't be ignored.

It’s not just days off. You’re working PT for a FT salary. You understand that, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the teachers I know in this region that have transitioned have gone into government contracting - there are a lot of instructional design or training positions that you might be qualified for.

Thanks for the pointer. I am noticing this along with some non-profit instructional/training positions that I may qualify for. May be worth a deeper look.

You’re going to work a lot more hours than 35 hours per week + all of the school breaks for 130k.

+1. DCPS has 28 days off for teachers and students scheduled when offices generally get 10 at most. And, you know, then there's also the 40 work days teachers have off in the summer. That's 1600 hours. Your salary would have to be far higher than 140k for your new job to be comparable if you are working FT.

Point taken by you and the PP. The time off is one of the biggest perks and can't be ignored.

It’s not just days off. You’re working PT for a FT salary. You understand that, right?

I believe one important point to consider is that not all work hours are equal when comparing different professions. While the number of hours I work may be fewer, the mental and physical demands of my job are significantly higher compared to certain other professions. The mental and physical demands of a teacher cannot be directly equated to sitting behind a computer, answering emails, and attending meetings.

Just to clarify, I am referring to my SO who earns a similar salary, operates from home on a daily basis, and typically spends 2-3 hours engaged in actual work tasks such as emails, meetings, and reports. In my opinion, the latter situation appears to be more favorable, even though technically the work hours and days may be longer. In essence, my point is that my part-time hours often equate to a full-time workload, while some individuals experience the opposite—a full-time schedule that equates to a part-time workload. While I may not want exactly what my SO has, I may be interested in trading my 5 hours of non-stop, mentally draining work for 7 hours of more intermittent, less stressful work. Just exploring at this time.

Does my quality of life point, resonate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the teachers I know in this region that have transitioned have gone into government contracting - there are a lot of instructional design or training positions that you might be qualified for.

Thanks for the pointer. I am noticing this along with some non-profit instructional/training positions that I may qualify for. May be worth a deeper look.

You’re going to work a lot more hours than 35 hours per week + all of the school breaks for 130k.

+1. DCPS has 28 days off for teachers and students scheduled when offices generally get 10 at most. And, you know, then there's also the 40 work days teachers have off in the summer. That's 1600 hours. Your salary would have to be far higher than 140k for your new job to be comparable if you are working FT.

Point taken by you and the PP. The time off is one of the biggest perks and can't be ignored.

It’s not just days off. You’re working PT for a FT salary. You understand that, right?

I believe one important point to consider is that not all work hours are equal when comparing different professions. While the number of hours I work may be fewer, the mental and physical demands of my job are significantly higher compared to certain other professions. The mental and physical demands of a teacher cannot be directly equated to sitting behind a computer, answering emails, and attending meetings.

Just to clarify, I am referring to my SO who earns a similar salary, operates from home on a daily basis, and typically spends 2-3 hours engaged in actual work tasks such as emails, meetings, and reports. In my opinion, the latter situation appears to be more favorable, even though technically the work hours and days may be longer. In essence, my point is that my part-time hours often equate to a full-time workload, while some individuals experience the opposite—a full-time schedule that equates to a part-time workload. While I may not want exactly what my SO has, I may be interested in trading my 5 hours of non-stop, mentally draining work for 7 hours of more intermittent, less stressful work. Just exploring at this time.

Does my quality of life point, resonate?

I think you’re dreaming, but good luck with your job search.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the teachers I know in this region that have transitioned have gone into government contracting - there are a lot of instructional design or training positions that you might be qualified for.

Thanks for the pointer. I am noticing this along with some non-profit instructional/training positions that I may qualify for. May be worth a deeper look.

You’re going to work a lot more hours than 35 hours per week + all of the school breaks for 130k.

+1. DCPS has 28 days off for teachers and students scheduled when offices generally get 10 at most. And, you know, then there's also the 40 work days teachers have off in the summer. That's 1600 hours. Your salary would have to be far higher than 140k for your new job to be comparable if you are working FT.

Point taken by you and the PP. The time off is one of the biggest perks and can't be ignored.

It’s not just days off. You’re working PT for a FT salary. You understand that, right?

I believe one important point to consider is that not all work hours are equal when comparing different professions. While the number of hours I work may be fewer, the mental and physical demands of my job are significantly higher compared to certain other professions. The mental and physical demands of a teacher cannot be directly equated to sitting behind a computer, answering emails, and attending meetings.

Just to clarify, I am referring to my SO who earns a similar salary, operates from home on a daily basis, and typically spends 2-3 hours engaged in actual work tasks such as emails, meetings, and reports. In my opinion, the latter situation appears to be more favorable, even though technically the work hours and days may be longer. In essence, my point is that my part-time hours often equate to a full-time workload, while some individuals experience the opposite—a full-time schedule that equates to a part-time workload. While I may not want exactly what my SO has, I may be interested in trading my 5 hours of non-stop, mentally draining work for 7 hours of more intermittent, less stressful work. Just exploring at this time.

Does my quality of life point, resonate?

I think you’re dreaming, but good luck with your job search.

Teacher here (posted above)

I rather agree. OP, your situation sounds ideal.

I understand what you mean about not all work hours being equal. Yes, teaching is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. There are few quiet breaks, which is hard for the introverts among us.

Still, you have managed to find a way to work an actual 35-40, whereas many of our colleagues are working far more.

I’d stay in your situation.

[Anonymous]

I’m a 4th year teacher who is envious of your setup. I make about 75k and work close to 60 hours a week during the school year.
Even my summers are not free as I have some courses I have to take along with a content workshop I signed up for. I’m not getting paid for the summer work. I agree that teaching is mentally and physically draining. I could never do it without the summer break. And the day to day intensity can be too much sometimes. But you have it so good. Keep us updated as I’m curious if you can switch to something without a reduction in pay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You might look into some of the nonprofits (or corporations) that do federal level educational contracting work.

You might find the salary and benefits to be lower, however. Here's an example job: https://jobs-airdc.icims.com/jobs/12712/senior-researcher%2c-school-and-district-leadership/job

Thanks, I will look into it further.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any job that pays the full time equivalent (175K) is basically a owns-you-soul situation.

I had a career crisis about a year ago after being brow beaten by a couple worker and attended a vision seminar that helped me refund my passion for my work and purpose in moving forward. I'm really glad that I took it as opposed to giving up or continuing to work like a Zombie.

https://rajikamahan.com/workshop

Thanks, looks like there is one in July for $35. I appreciate the recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the teachers I know in this region that have transitioned have gone into government contracting - there are a lot of instructional design or training positions that you might be qualified for.

Thanks for the pointer. I am noticing this along with some non-profit instructional/training positions that I may qualify for. May be worth a deeper look.

You’re going to work a lot more hours than 35 hours per week + all of the school breaks for 130k.

+1. DCPS has 28 days off for teachers and students scheduled when offices generally get 10 at most. And, you know, then there's also the 40 work days teachers have off in the summer. That's 1600 hours. Your salary would have to be far higher than 140k for your new job to be comparable if you are working FT.

Point taken by you and the PP. The time off is one of the biggest perks and can't be ignored.

It’s not just days off. You’re working PT for a FT salary. You understand that, right?

I believe one important point to consider is that not all work hours are equal when comparing different professions. While the number of hours I work may be fewer, the mental and physical demands of my job are significantly higher compared to certain other professions. The mental and physical demands of a teacher cannot be directly equated to sitting behind a computer, answering emails, and attending meetings.

Just to clarify, I am referring to my SO who earns a similar salary, operates from home on a daily basis, and typically spends 2-3 hours engaged in actual work tasks such as emails, meetings, and reports. In my opinion, the latter situation appears to be more favorable, even though technically the work hours and days may be longer. In essence, my point is that my part-time hours often equate to a full-time workload, while some individuals experience the opposite—a full-time schedule that equates to a part-time workload. While I may not want exactly what my SO has, I may be interested in trading my 5 hours of non-stop, mentally draining work for 7 hours of more intermittent, less stressful work. Just exploring at this time.

Does my quality of life point, resonate?

I think you’re dreaming, but good luck with your job search.

Teacher here (posted above)

I rather agree. OP, your situation sounds ideal.

I understand what you mean about not all work hours being equal. Yes, teaching is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. There are few quiet breaks, which is hard for the introverts among us.

Still, you have managed to find a way to work an actual 35-40, whereas many of our colleagues are working far more.

I’d stay in your situation.

+1

If you're not happy then you're not happy and nothing I'm gonna say will change that. But as far as teachers go, you're living the dream right now. I can't imagine giving that up for some boring 9-5 with two weeks vacation.

(Teacher here)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the teachers I know in this region that have transitioned have gone into government contracting - there are a lot of instructional design or training positions that you might be qualified for.

Thanks for the pointer. I am noticing this along with some non-profit instructional/training positions that I may qualify for. May be worth a deeper look.

You’re going to work a lot more hours than 35 hours per week + all of the school breaks for 130k.

+1. DCPS has 28 days off for teachers and students scheduled when offices generally get 10 at most. And, you know, then there's also the 40 work days teachers have off in the summer. That's 1600 hours. Your salary would have to be far higher than 140k for your new job to be comparable if you are working FT.

Point taken by you and the PP. The time off is one of the biggest perks and can't be ignored.

It’s not just days off. You’re working PT for a FT salary. You understand that, right?

I believe one important point to consider is that not all work hours are equal when comparing different professions. While the number of hours I work may be fewer, the mental and physical demands of my job are significantly higher compared to certain other professions. The mental and physical demands of a teacher cannot be directly equated to sitting behind a computer, answering emails, and attending meetings.

Just to clarify, I am referring to my SO who earns a similar salary, operates from home on a daily basis, and typically spends 2-3 hours engaged in actual work tasks such as emails, meetings, and reports. In my opinion, the latter situation appears to be more favorable, even though technically the work hours and days may be longer. In essence, my point is that my part-time hours often equate to a full-time workload, while some individuals experience the opposite—a full-time schedule that equates to a part-time workload. While I may not want exactly what my SO has, I may be interested in trading my 5 hours of non-stop, mentally draining work for 7 hours of more intermittent, less stressful work. Just exploring at this time.

Does my quality of life point, resonate?

That depends on your personality. Have you ever worked for demanding clients with tight deadlines? I think teaching must be difficult, to be "on" all the time. But maybe you underestimate the other stresses add up just because presenting all day is gone. You don't get to go home just because the kids are gone. You work until the work is done.

[Anonymous]

I would switch to a good private school and take up tutoring to make up the income.