Most of our teachers had other jobs before they were teachers.
An English teacher was a waitress for two years. She did not like that she got so dirty and what she did like was she met interesting people. She earned a little bit and tips too. She graduated from college to start teaching. She thinks there will always be a need for waitresses. Andrea, Gr. 6
A secondary teacher was in the Navy for ten years. He liked going to other countries, but he did not earn too much. He was also a postman for ten years. He liked walking in the sun. The post office paid good wages. He changed to teaching because he wanted to teach children and young adults. There will always be a need for teachers. Alex, Gr. 6
Interview with PH, by Kassandra S., Gr. 6
K, Gr. 6: What job did you do before you were a teacher?
PH: I used to teach piano. Next I became an elementary school teacher. Then I decided to be a special educator.
K: How many years did you do that job?
PH: I taught piano for 7 years, elementary for 4 years. Also, I taught special ed for 10 years.
K: What did you like/not like about that job?
PH: I did not like that the students would quit piano before they found out they were good.
K: How much did you earn?
PH: $30 for 30 minutes.
K: Do you think that job will change?
Students will need me in the future so I do not plan to leave this job.
Our music teacher worked in arts administration. He produced concerts and brought bands together for three years. He earned about $40,000 to $50,000 per year. He didn't like that he couldn't teach. He feels that "music is what humans do best", and it's "so important in the world". He says there is a need for his job in the future because when you study music your brain gets bigger. So never stop playing music.
By Marilyn, Gr. 6, Friday, Jan. 14, 2005
A primary teacher worked in the bank in the advertising department for three years. She remembers that it was a good-paying job. She was studying to be a teacher at that time. She plans to start a business called Mothers Morning Out when she retires. Children will do crafts while their moms are out. Jasmine, Gr. 6
A science teacher worked as a research assistant for an astronomer for one year. Studying galaxies was interesting, and she earned $13 an hour. There will be a need for research in the future. Rodric, Gr. 6
Scripps employs marine biology instructors. The team researches sea life and preserves the environment. They take students out on a floating lab. This lab has been in operation since 2000.
Three people work on the lab. They need scuba equipment for their dives. Their pay is around $15-20 per hour. They get a free vacation. They say they love their jobs in general.
In ten years the lab will be even bigger, because students need to take biology classes. I would love to work there.
Simon, Gr. 12
I worked in day care. It was owned by one person. I was a pretty fun experience. The job is to take care of children. The day care is open every day Monday to Friday. Sometimes on Saturdays the place is open 24 hours. One of the things that I like about day care is that we know how to take care of children. That was my experience. Jhoana, Gr. 12
The museum worker does a great job. She helps families dig up artifacts. I'd like her job someday.
Brianna, Gr. 3