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[quote=Anonymous]I made the switch from marketing to teaching middle school. Agree with PP that I'm so happy in the classroom. But I also got very lucky - maternity leave sub position in high performing school district turned into tenure-track position when the teacher decided not to come back. Supportive administration, not too testing-crazy because our students overwhelmingly pass. But, things have changed a lot over the past five years and even despite my comfortable situation, there's a lot more scrutiny from administration and parents. Budgets are a lot tighter too. And the red tape in my district to get administrative approvals for anything is very frustrating.

The first couple of years were extremely hard as far as planning and grading. It took a long time to figure out the best routine for me - usually involves arriving by 6:45am - if I get there after 7 I feel like I'm running late. Planning and lunch periods are inevitably eaten up by meetings. I leave between 4 and 5:30, depending on the day, and often do an hour or two of work at home (occasionally more). When I first started I was in the building 7am-7pm with a couple more hours of work at home.

I would recommend the Masters, but be sure this is what you want to do before you make a switch. I did my MA at night while working my corporate job full time. It was really hard and I didn't have kids at the time, but I felt really prepared. I know people who did programs like Teaching Fellows and it was very sink or swim. Most left after 3-5 years. Probably goes without saying but be prepared for a pay cut. I knew going in that my salary would drop but I didn't realize how frustrating it would be at times, when I felt like I was working harder and having more success than teachers who had been there for 20 years and were paid 2x my salary. Also be prepared for the teachers union. I often don't agree with the teachers union but have learned to keep my mouth shut and fly under the radar.

All that said, I love my job. I have never laughed so much in my life or had so much fun at work, as when I'm teaching. I love being creative with lessons and I adore my students, some of whom I still keep in touch with ten years later.

(And before anyone asks, I'm on maternity leave which is why I'm posting in the middle of the school day)[/quote]

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