Is elementary education a respectable career?

i am a nursing major and i just decided to switch major as i am not doing as well in the program. i think it is pretty embarressin to switch to elementary edu.(teacher of 2-5grades) as my parents think is a pretty good profession. They will be soo disappointed in me since i am suppose to set an examble for my younger siblings.Any adivise on how to break it to them and also what do you guys think of this major

Well the pay is alot less then nursing, but if you feel that you want to go into teachiing, then I would go for that. I think that your parents should be proud of you at least you will be doing something with your life.

Hey Hellat, I believe it's a very rewarding career, especially if you consider again all the children you will be helping. Just as with your nursing career you will help people and children alike. I think that's wonderful either way. Hope this helps. Mystic

It's great...and you get a lot of time off

It is respectable, but it is not respected.

I have been an elementary teacher for ten years, and it is one of the most difficult professions available. There is much, much more work and stress to it than people know. If you don't believe me, go to your local elementary school and ask a few teachers. Parents and paperwork alone are enough to make you want to kill yourself, and the number of teachers who leave the profession in their first few years is increasing -- quite a shame after going through all that schooling!

Also, I don't mean to sound cruel, but given the spelling and capitalization in your question, I don't think you'd be doing the kids any good. You can't teach them what you don't know, and you might not be able to pass the Praxis tests after going through all of your classes.

Please don't turn to education because you think the classes will be "easier" than nursing. If you can't make it in nursing, you won't make it in teaching -- if you did make it through your classes, you'll be eaten alive once you get your own classroom.

Did you choose nursing because you like it? Then make it work! Study harder, get a tutor, meet with professors individually for help. If you don't really like nursing, figure out what you DO like, and quickly! You're choosing your life's path right now! Don't worry about what your parents want; they won't have to do your job!!

It most certainly is a respectable career! I have been one for 20 years. Everywhere I go, I see former students and they call me by my name. It gives me a good feeling. I think my former students and parents have a great respect for me. Go with your heart. You were probably not cut out to be a nurse. Good teachers are sorely needed in our public schools. Please teach there. So many little children are crying out for attention and help.

Before switching, I would make an appointment with your campus career planning office and take some inventory tests. A career choice should be based on what you would find interesting and important, what would be a good match for your personality and strengths.
I think by doing this, you would be setting the best example for your siblings... by making a well-planned, informed decision rather than basing it on what your family might consider. Besides, you'll be the one having to do that "job" for the rest of your life.
I sense that your family is supportive and with an explanation of how you feel, they are more likely to respect your decision than hold it against you.
I would take the inventory first and do some research. Then tell your parents what you are thinking about doing. You might even start off by saying that you wanted to let them know because you respect their advice and input on this very important matter.

I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors,
Mon :-)

KEEP THIS IN MIND!!! It depends on which area of the counrty you are talking about.

There are some areas of the country (like SW PA) in which teachers are "in it for the money" and they make up to $80,000 (40 grand out of college) but it's VERY difficult to get a teaching job if you don't "know someone".

There are other areas in which teaching is considered a "part time job" and there is less than 20 grand a year involved.

No matter what, ANY career that requires college education is a respectable career. Also, remember, that no matter what your payscale in teaching, it will be the most thankless job as well as the most rewarding job all in the same day everyday.

why wouldn't it be a respectable career? you're teaching children. teaching is the most important career someone can go into. if there are no teachers there is no future. the world needs more good teachers out there that are passionate. best of luck. these days any job you have that's an honest one is respectable in my eyes!

It is only respectable if you think it is. If you are embarassed, then I guess you don't think it is respectable.

What is not respectable about working with children to help them have a successful future? I think that if you want to be a good example for your younger siblings--show them that you are passionate and committed to what you want to do. Don't pursue a career that you arent' interested in---what example does that set for your younger siblings? Someone above said it correctly--it is a respectable but not a RESPECTED career at the moment. That doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile to pursue.

You need to think about this very long and hard. I don't think there is anything wrong with deciding to work with children. They are amazing little people. And yes, the pay probably won't be as big as nursing, but you can get by on a teacher's salary.