MALIA RODRIGUEZKINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY TEACHERWRITER

04/29/15 Period 3

Introduction to Teaching

I chose teaching because I have a passion for teaching and leading. Watching my pupils fully understand a concept after I gave an explanation is truly an amazing feeling, and getting to watch young, bright children learn would be a dream come true for me. My inspiration for this career is Jake and Ryan Stork, two Autistic toddlers I babysit. Watching them thrive shows me that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

Jake and Ryan Stork

Introduction to Writing

I chose writing because English has always been my favorite subject in school, and the process of coming up with an original piece is a hobby that I love exploring. I think that my creative side would thrive in this career, and journalism is a major that I am definitely considering.

The Specific Jobs of a Teacher Plan lessons that teach students subjects, such as

reading and math, and skills, such as studying and communicating with others

Assess students to evaluate their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses

Teach lessons they have planned to an entire class of students or to smaller groups

Grade students' assignments to monitor their progress

Communicate with parents about their child's progress

Work with students individually to help them overcome specific learning challenges

Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state

Develop and enforce classroom rules to teach children proper behavior

Supervise children outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or recess

The Specific Jobs of a Writer Choose subject matter that interests readers Write fiction or nonfiction through scripts,

novels, and biographies Conduct research to obtain factual

information and authentic detail Write advertising copy for use by

newspapers, magazines, broadcasts, and the Internet

Present drafts to editors and clients for feedback

Work with editors and clients to shape the material so it can be published

Communication Skills- Writers People skills for a

writer is not a top priority, because it is individual work. The only people you need to impress are your publishers and managers, because they are the people who really launch your work and create your fame in the writing world.

Communication Skills- Teachers A teacher definitely

needs people skills, because you are constantly communicating with students and fellow staff members. A teacher needs to be caring and kind, and needs to possess the four communication skills. The most successful teachers are able to distribute an idea that a large group of people can understand, representing the ability to interact successfully with others.

Adaptability. Writers and authors need to be able to adapt to newer software platforms and programs, including various Content Management Systems (CMS).Creativity. Writers and authors must be able to develop new and interesting plots, characters, or ideas so they can come up with new stories.Critical-thinking skills. Writers and authors must have dual expertise in thinking through or understanding new concepts, and conveying it through written word.Determination. Writers and authors sometimes work on projects that take years to complete. Freelance writers who are paid per assignment must demonstrate perseverance and personal drive.Persuasion. Writers, especially those in advertising, must be able to persuade others to feel a certain way about a good or service.Social perceptiveness. Writers and authors must understand how readers react to certain ideas in order to connect with their audience.Writing skills. Writers and authors must be able to write effectively in order to convey feeling and emotion and communicate with readers.

Qualities A Writer Should Possess

Communication skills. Teachers must collaborate with teacher assistants and special education teachers. In addition, they need to discuss students' needs with parents and administrators.Creativity. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers must plan lessons that engage young students, adapting the lessons to different learning styles.Patience. Working with students of different abilities and backgrounds can be difficult. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material.Resourcefulness. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers need to be able to explain difficult concepts in terms that young students can understand. In addition, they must be able to get students engaged in learning and adapt their lessons meet students' needs.

Qualities A Teacher Should Possess

Work Environment- Writers

About 1 in 4 writers and authors worked part time in 2012. Some writers keep regular office hours, either to stay in

contact with sources and editors or to set up a writing routine, but many writers set

their own hours. Freelance writers are paid per

assignment; therefore, they work any number of hours necessary to meet a

deadline. As a result, they must be willing to work evenings and weekends to

produce something acceptable to an editor or client. Although many freelance writers enjoy running their own business

and working flexible hours, most routinely face the pressures of juggling multiple projects or continually looking

for new work.

Work Environment- Teachers

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers held about 1.5 million jobs in 2014.

Kindergarten and elementary school teachers work in public and private schools. Some

private early childhood education programs have preschool classes in addition to

kindergarten. Most states have tenure laws, which mean that

after a certain number of years of teaching satisfactorily, teachers have some job security.

Seeing students develop new skills and learn information can be rewarding. At the same

time, however, teaching also may be stressful. Some schools have large classes and lack

important teaching tools, such as computers and up-to-date textbooks. Most teachers are

held accountable for their students' performances on standardized tests, which can

be frustrating.

A bachelor’s degree is typically needed for a full-time job as a writer. Because writing skills are essential in this occupation, many employers prefer candidates with a degree in English, journalism, or communications.

Writers and authors often need years of writing experience through on-the-job training before their work is ready for publication.

Writers who want to write about a particular topic may need formal training or experience related to that topic.

Because many writers today prepare material directly for the Internet, knowing graphic design, page layout, and multimedia software can an advantage.

Training/ Skills / Degree- Writer

All states require public kindergarten and elementary school teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree in elementary education. Some states also require kindergarten and elementary school teachers to major in a content area, such as math or science. They typically enroll in their university's teacher preparation program and also take classes in education and child psychology in addition to those required by their major.

In teacher education programs, future teachers learn how to present information to young students and how to work with young students of varying abilities and backgrounds. Programs typically include fieldwork, such as student teaching. For information about teacher preparation programs in your state, visit Teach.org.

Some states require all teachers to earn a master's degree after receiving their teaching certification.

Teachers in private schools do not need to meet state requirements, such as certifications or licenses. However, private schools typically seek kindergarten and elementary school teachers who have a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

All states require teachers in public schools to be licensed or certified. Those who teach in private schools are generally not required to be licensed.

Training / Skills / Degree- Teacher

Pay And Outlook

Professional, scientific, and technical services

$61,630

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

59,290

Other services (except public administration)

54,410

Educational services; state, local, and private

52,340

Information 51,940

The median annual wage for kindergarten teachers was $50,120 in May 2012. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,450, and the top 10 percent earned more than $78,230.

A teacher’s pay depends on how long they have been working, and their rank.

Writing Teaching

Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 3 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations.

Employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected due to projected increases in enrollment as well as declines in student–teacher ratios. However, employment growth will vary by region.

Would I Choose These Careers?

I would consider choosing writing as my profession. It seems a lot harder than teaching, mainly because it is completed by using your original ideas to create a piece of work. If your piece does not interest others, you have failed, making writing seem harsh. I do appreciate how creative it seems though, and how your work is a direct reflection on yourself.

I would definitely chose teaching. There are so many amazing outcomes that could come from teaching young kids, and I would love to have my life based around actually making a difference in the lives of innocent children. It will be challenging, because of their short attention spans and small level of understanding, but I would love to be able to help them reach their goals one day at a time.

Writing Teaching

Perks and Drawbacks of Writing

Perks: Writing is individual

work, you do not have to depend on anyone else

You work on your own schedule

You can work wherever you would like

There are no specific guidelines or rules that you have to follow

Drawbacks: Writers block can prevent

your source of income Writing is competitive, so

you always have to watch your back

You may not get paid until your project or piece of work is finalized

You have to be persuasive and fight for what you want, all of the time

Perks and Drawbacks of Teaching

Perks: You have the ability to

create what you decide to teach

Your lessons are personalized, and your hours allow the opportunity to work individually with all of your students

Your co-workers may help you with your difficult tasks

Paychecks are regular

Drawbacks: You stand the chance of

being disrespected by your students

Some students may understand a concept while others do not

Mental disabilities among the children may require a different form of teaching

Your students could fail, and one idea may not be comprehended as quickly as you hoped

You may miss deadlines

Teaching

I learned through this project that teachers are heroes. I have always deeply appreciated all of my teachers, but researching the job has shown me that there is more work included than I ever gave them credit for. Teachers develop their own lesson plans, and have obstacles with their students that cause them to keep every child in mind. I now have a much deeper respect for teachers, because of their dedication and caring natures, even if it is not always apparent to the students.

Writing

From doing this project, I have learned that writing is a concept that

has many levels to it. Writing is extremely difficult, because it is

stemmed from your own creative thoughts and ideas, which can be hard for some people to come up

with. Unlike teaching, writing is competitive and always changing, presenting a challenge that only a

special few people can conquer.

Compare and Contrast

Writing Both Teaching

• Your job is individual, is only focused on popularity and content

• You create your own individual content based on a topic

• Your job is centered around working with and teaching others

• You work on your own schedule, based on your plans alone

• Both work for a superior, like a principal or publisher

• You have set hours of work that you can not change based on your plans

• Your school can be based on a variety of subjects

• You need at least a bachelors degree to be qualified

• Your school is based on one or more subjects of teaching

REFLECTION- WHICH CAREER WOULD I CHOOSE?

Out of the two careers, I would choose writing. Although it may be a little harder than teaching, I love a good challenge. I love that every piece of work you create shows your readers a little piece of yourself, as if every word is a completely new part of your personality. Teaching is amazing and very honorable, but I love English, and feel that I would be more likely to be excited for work if it were on my own schedule. The act of putting your feelings down on paper is therapeutic, and would help me in life by giving me a reason to kick off the covers in the morning.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1)California Occupational Guides- www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/occguides/

2) Occupational Outlook Handbook- www.bls.gov

3) Bridges Website- http://www.collegegrad.com/careera/all.shtml

4) Google- www.google.com