Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grade Teacher?

Well are you? Do you think you have what it takes to beat a fifth grade teacher?



Be prepared to be surprised because it takes a lot to be a teacher, let alone an elementary school teacher. As y'all know, I'm about to become a teacher and even though I'm preparing to be a secondary (6-12 grade), I'm surrounded by IDS (soon to be elementary teachers) students. Some are even student teaching right now!

Anyway, a lot of people are like telling me I should switch to elementary school because "it's easier" when nothing could be further from the truth! I have a level of respect for these students because they have to deal with kids all day which I do not have the patience or the sarcasm to deal with. This isn't even dealing with the number of tests they have to take to become certified to teach these little darlings, so to say something is easier is not exactly true.

I mean, think about it. To become an elementary school teacher you have to be good in all subjects including subjects you may or may not like. For me it's science. I understand science up until a certain point then I fall asleep. Not that science is boring, not in the least, but I just don't like it. We don't really get along.

And besides all of that, an elementary teacher has to teach them the basics and hope to God a kid is potty-trained. Yeah, it's "recommended" that a kid is potty trained, not required. Crazy huh? You can only imagine that conversation!

"Ms. Hinton, I have to go potty!"

Ms. Hinton looks up and sighs then says, "You can go."

"But Ms. Hinton, I don't have a diaper!" She starts the potty dance, "I can't hold it!"

"You mean you don't know how to use a toilet?!" Ms. Hinton says in alarm then says to herself, "HOLY CRAP!" Runs out of the room in hysteria and frustration.

You see what I mean? Larissa + elementary school=BAD!

This isn't even touching upon the screaming, yelling, running, whining . . . Just the thought of the tattle telling makes me want to dart in the other direction.

I know what some of you are thinking, "Wait a minute. They must pay elementary school teachers a good sum to deal with these lovely kids, right?"

Absolutely! They pay elementary school teachers about 30,000 dollars a year. Not a lot, huh? Secondary teachers like me get more. Makes no sense, huh? You know how much daycare workers get paid? 20,000 dollars a year.

Yeah, let's do the math: 30,000 dollars - 20,000 dollars=10,000 dollar difference!

And I bet you ten bucks that you don't have to go to college to be a daycare worker!

Now don't get me wrong, I have been raised at a daycare for practically half of my life so I totally understand the need for them and I have respect for them too. Additionally, I wanted to work for my old day care to get some working experience with kids.

However, *holds up one finger* think about the money and time an elementary school teacher spends on college to make 10,000 dollars more. Here at Hampton University, you pay more in tuition alone in one year. So the math is off, right?

Think about this. Some more stuff to chew on: Most of the education students want to be elementary school teachers!

Yes, you heard me right: Most  education students at Hampton University are going to teach in elementary school.

So what does that say? A lot.

Two words: Major competition.

Every year, we have an education career fair. And what do you think most school systems need?

I'll let you in on a fact: It's not music teachers.

Why?

Simply because they are cutting back on art programs everywhere, so they are obviously not looking for music teachers. Which is why I'm worried about a lot of art and music teacher majors because when they go out looking for a job . . . It's going to be tough to say the least.

Anyway, let's move on. These are top subjects (not in any particular order):

English
Science
Math

Why? Well, this may surprise you but because of standardized testing. Every school, in Virginia (and I'm pretty sure in every state in America too, but don't take my word on that!), has to take these tests to make sure students are being taught at very least the basics of the subject matter. And for those schools who pass, get funding. For those who don't, well it's not exactly a good thing! I'll leave it at that.

And would you look at that! My subject, English, is up there! Yippee! I actually got a lot of attention last year at the education career fair because I wanted to teach English. You would be surprised about another fact: Because I wanted to become a Reading Specialist (I'm not sure when, but probably after five years of teaching), I got even more attention. Apparently, it's hard to find Reading Specialists!

Oh, really? *smacks cheek!*

So what am I saying in general? Please do your research!

If you are a high school student looking forward to going to college (and let's face it, most students should go to college and try to get some study abroad experience along with it) then you should look at the major and see what the demand of that field is.

If you want to be a business mogul and major in business, please please please do yourself and your money a favor: Look up the demand for someone with a business degree.

If you want to be an artist, then please way the advantages of going to school for that and the disadvantages. Many people will discourage you, and some may actually want to go. In the end, it's your money.

That's the one thing I do not understand about freshman: They skip class, fail classes, and end up partying away thousands of dollars. Why? To be with their friends.

Well, it's time for a wake-up call: That time you didn't show up to class? You paid 300 dollars for it.

That time you failed that class? Yeah, cough up 800 dollars all over again.

That time you were partying the night away on your eighteenth birthday instead of studying for a major test, that's money out of your pocket!

Sometimes I so wish I was taught about this in high school! I just hope I can pass this knowledge to my students to make them really consider college and how much it really costs.

Do you all agree? Do I have any fellow teachers who try to teach their students the value of money? Or do I even have some college students who have a few comments to add? Or maybe some high school students blown away? Well, if you have something to add then please add it in my comment section! :) I do love to hear your opinions.