|
|
Post by Tasha on Nov 30, 2016 17:29:51 GMT
I think I've finally decided what I want to do when I grow up.  I would love to teach at the High School level. I would love to know the good and bad. I would absolutely love to teach Photography, but I know not all schools have that, and I'm guessing it might be difficult to find a place, so I'm looking at teaching english or history for a main course. Is my thinking right on that? Any help or advice would be so awesome! |
|
|
|
Post by redhead32 on Nov 30, 2016 17:39:36 GMT
I think art would be a better fit. I'm working on a HS social studies degree. I can see using photography in some lessons but not as a central component.
|
|
|
|
Post by monklady123 on Nov 30, 2016 17:53:37 GMT
What sort of training would you have to have to teach photography that would be different from teaching English or history? I mean, you'll still have to have the education degree, and I assume to teach photography you'd have to have a background in that. So could you do the education degree, do your student teaching in English or history, and then look for a photography job? But you'd have the English/history to fall back on. My dd took photography for all four years of high school and loved it. Her last year was even IB Photography which I didn't even know existed. lol. They had to send off an elaborate portfolio and have it all judged. Dd loved photography, and she loved having something creative in the middle of her day that was otherwise all academic.  |
|
|
|
Post by Tasha on Nov 30, 2016 18:05:42 GMT
I'm really not at all sure what training I would have to have! I'm guessing I'd have to have a degree in photography. I'll definitely be talking to an academic counselor.
I wouldn't use my photography in a history/english class, but as a separate photography class.
|
|
Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,662 
Location: Kansas City -ish
|
Post by Anita on Nov 30, 2016 18:16:28 GMT
I would suggest you look into the need for the type of teacher you want to be before you get a degree. Unless you are open to moving anywhere. After retiring from the military, my DH went back to school on the G.I. bill, wanting to be a high school history teacher. There wasn't enough need in the area, so they refused to pay for that program, and he wound up becoming a high school science teacher instead. And we still had to sell our house and move for him to get a teaching job. Keep your options open. Speaking with a counselor is a good first step.
Good luck!
|
|
|
|
Post by Basket1lady on Nov 30, 2016 18:28:08 GMT
I do {sort of}. I volunteer at a fine and performing arts high school. I work full time with the theatre, but we have a photography concentration at the HS as well.
I think it would be a good idea to have a degree in something other than photography. It will make you a more flexible candidate and may help you get your foot in the door somewhere else. But do you want to teach English or History all day, with maybe only a class or two in photography? I'm not sure how common arts high schools are, but I would think that is the only type of school where you would teach photography all day. A regular school may only have an elective slot or two. If over time, interest in your photography classes grew, you may create a niche for yourself. But it most likely won't happen the first year or two.
I know our photography classes are tied to the yearbook, as well as our arts magazine. Most HSs still have a yearbook, so that is something to consider.
With the ease of digital photography now, there is a lot of interest in the HS kids. We have one student who is actually in the Instrumental Music program who takes our performance photos. And another who just likes photography who took our head shots for the last show. We try to use cross talent at our HS. The art kids make the posters, the Dance concentration kids perform in the musicals, the Instrumental Music kids perform in one acts so there is a music component...
|
|
|
|
Post by vpohlman on Nov 30, 2016 18:38:48 GMT
I think an English Education degree would work well with photography so you could teach journalism classes and actively use the photography skills. I teach K-12 Instrumental and Vocal music and I love my high school kids! When you teach in an area where the classes are not required, you get the kids who really want to be there and work really hard. So much more fun than the classes they have to take and pass to graduate. Not that those classes aren't fun! Good Luck and have fun!
|
|
|
|
Post by myboysnme on Nov 30, 2016 18:39:06 GMT
My husband teaches social studies. It's not the same as me teaching but if you can do it you need to do a science or math track. Now I could not because I have no aptitude in those areas, but new graduate English teachers are almost as out of work as art teachers. In our district the art teacher is at a different school everyday so there is only one.
If I was you I might look at computer science and technology as a degree with digital art and design as your focus.
|
|
|
|
Post by hop2 on Nov 30, 2016 19:05:33 GMT
What sort of training would you have to have to teach photography that would be different from teaching English or history? I mean, you'll still have to have the education degree, and I assume to teach photography you'd have to have a background in that. So could you do the education degree, do your student teaching in English or history, and then look for a photography job? But you'd have the English/history to fall back on. My dd took photography for all four years of high school and loved it. Her last year was even IB Photography which I didn't even know existed. lol. They had to send off an elaborate portfolio and have it all judged. Dd loved photography, and she loved having something creative in the middle of her day that was otherwise all academic. In my State photography is considered a visual art and the teachers mostly have a bachelors of art education. It's a very different degree than teaching other subjects. Although one could also have a bachelor of education and a masters in art ( or art education ) or a bachelors in arts and a masters in education. That might be more flexible in other subjects. Take a look at the requirements in the state where you intend to live |
|
moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,191
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
|
Post by moodyblue on Nov 30, 2016 19:17:18 GMT
Take a good look at the need for the teaching jobs you are interested in, and consider whether you can/would move in order to get such a job. In some areas, photography would not be a high demand position, and in some areas, art or electives of any kind would be one of the first areas on the chopping block if budgets are tight.
It won't do any good to get the degree and certification if there are not any job openings possible in your area or if you can't move to get a job once you've completed the requirements.
I'd look closely at the art/digital media/computer area too, since I think that fits better with the photography than English or history.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tasha on Nov 30, 2016 19:27:30 GMT
I think an English Education degree would work well with photography so you could teach journalism classes and actively use the photography skills. I teach K-12 Instrumental and Vocal music and I love my high school kids! When you teach in an area where the classes are not required, you get the kids who really want to be there and work really hard. So much more fun than the classes they have to take and pass to graduate. Not that those classes aren't fun! Good Luck and have fun! I honestly hadn't thought of that. But that is some great insight! Thank you so much! SaveSave |
|
|
|
Post by Tasha on Nov 30, 2016 19:30:02 GMT
Thanks for all your input. One of the biggest problems is that I'm not sure where we are going to live! We are moving for the 2 time in 3 years, and hopefully we'll move once more to get back to our Family. But who knows!
|
|
|
|
Post by bc2ca on Nov 30, 2016 20:29:37 GMT
At both my kids' high schools, photography falls under the Visual Arts Department and is taught by one of the art teachers. I think that is the way it would fit in most high schools, at least larger ones, and it would be hard to be hired as part of two different departments (Art and English or Art and History). Each department is going to hire the best fit for their department, not someone that will have dual alliances, KWIM. It is easy enough to look at your local high school departments online and see what else falls in the Visual Arts category. In addition to 2 levels of Photography, ours has: - 2 levels of Art
- 1 level of Design & Drawing
- 2 levels of 3D Design & Sculpture
- 2 levels of Mixed Media
- 2 levels of Digital Art & Media
- 2 levels of Graphic Design
- 2 levels TV, Film & Digital Media
- 1 level Video Broadcasting
- 1 Art History class
Any hiring team is going to look for a Photography teacher that is qualified to teach one or more of these other classes. In CA, all kids looking at college need at least one Visual or Performing Arts credit which does help keep the arts programs alive. It is tough if you don't know where you will be long term, but if your goal is to be near family, take a look at how the high schools in that area are structured.  |
|
|
|
Post by sugarmama on Nov 30, 2016 21:07:23 GMT
The high schools here have yearbook, photojournalism and broadcast--all of which may fit your area of expertise. These are all electives and subject to getting cut if not enough students sign up.
|
|
|
|
Post by littlemama on Nov 30, 2016 21:17:52 GMT
In DS' high school, photography was in the Art department. Unfortunately, at DS' school, you had to take Design before you could take Photography, while at the other HS in our district, there was no such requirement. DS would have loved to take Photography, but he wasn't going to do well in Design.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tasha on Nov 30, 2016 22:59:50 GMT
At both my kids' high schools, photography falls under the Visual Arts Department and is taught by one of the art teachers. I think that is the way it would fit in most high schools, at least larger ones, and it would be hard to be hired as part of two different departments (Art and English or Art and History). Each department is going to hire the best fit for their department, not someone that will have dual alliances, KWIM. It is easy enough to look at your local high school departments online and see what else falls in the Visual Arts category. In addition to 2 levels of Photography, ours has: - 2 levels of Art
- 1 level of Design & Drawing
- 2 levels of 3D Design & Sculpture
- 2 levels of Mixed Media
- 2 levels of Digital Art & Media
- 2 levels of Graphic Design
- 2 levels TV, Film & Digital Media
- 1 level Video Broadcasting
- 1 Art History class
Any hiring team is going to look for a Photography teacher that is qualified to teach one or more of these other classes. In CA, all kids looking at college need at least one Visual or Performing Arts credit which does help keep the arts programs alive. It is tough if you don't know where you will be long term, but if your goal is to be near family, take a look at how the high schools in that area are structured. That does make sense. But it is very frustrating for us Photographers that have absolutely NO other artistic capacity. I've received my AA Degree in Fine art, and STRUGGLED with each and every class that I had to actually use my hands to do! Photography is very different than painting/drawing/sculpture! SaveSaveSaveSave |
|
AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
|
Post by AmeliaBloomer on Dec 1, 2016 0:43:12 GMT
I work in several schools, including five high schools. Based on those schools:
-Know the curricular culture/trends. Only one of my schools, the biggest one at 4000 students, has a full-time photography teacher.
-Know the requirements. In my state, in addition to the secondary education requirements/degree, you need another major or at least 33 credit hours in the subject for which you want certification. Other states are different. Also, some states accept certificates from adjoining states without additional hoop-jumping.
-Know the shortages. In many states, including mine, it's notoriously difficult to get a History or English job. There are many fewer applicants for Science and Math positions and some special ed jobs. Also, some states offer grants to study in the shortage fields - or even loan forgiveness.
-Split jobs: I actually know several HS teachers who work in two departments, e.g. Music and English, Theatre and English, Theatre and Bio (yes, she's unusual). Arts majors who want to teach often get advice to get another certificate because there are so few full-time arts positions. But yes, department politics are often involved (like the English department that balked at being instructed to give the Choral teacher two sections of Freshman English for the next year, which bumped a less senior English teacher.)
-Extra-curricular needs: High schools are often on the outlook for teachers who will also coach/sponsor/teach extra-curriculars, which usually involves an extra stipend. I know new hires who were chosen because they had the same e.c. skills as a retiring teacher. This is where photography could be handy, maybe for a photography club, but also if combined with a knowledge/willingness to sponsor the yearbook, newspaper, literary journal, etc. It's something to emphasize/sell on a resume, cover letter, or in an interview, even if it's just a willingness to use your skills to start a new club.
|
|
|
|
Post by karen on Dec 1, 2016 0:51:58 GMT
The content of what you teach only matters to a certain extent. It really comes down to relationships.
Of course, teaching in a tested area like English or SS does add some stress. Data is king. Test scores must always improve.
|
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Dec 1, 2016 0:54:49 GMT
Former high school art teacher here.
You are thinking of going into the three areas where high school teachers are not in high demand.
If you want to teach art at a public high school, you will need a degree in art or art education (BFA with teaching certificate or BS in Ed. with major in Art Education, depending on the school). You would also need to be certified to teach English and/or History, and would need a number of credit hours in each area and then pass a content test in each, including art (at least in the state of Illinois). You also have to pass a general basic skills test.
If you ONLY want to teach photo, teaching at a high school is probably not for you. We wouldn't hire an art teacher who couldn't demonstrate mastery in multiple media. Because art is an elective, you have to be flexible. This would mean even being willing to teach multiple grade levels.
Teaching is HARD. It is a calling, not a job. Really ask yourself WHY you want to teach high school. Do you love your content, or do you love the idea of working with (often difficult and disengaged) young people? Do you love the idea of working in a job that can be very rewarding but not very respected? Do you want to be doing lesson plans, grading, workshops and continuing education in your "free" time?
I would do some soul searching about what draws you to teaching before you make any educational investments.
|
|
|
|
Post by SockMonkey on Dec 1, 2016 0:55:12 GMT
The content of what you teach only matters to a certain extent. It really comes down to relationships. Of course, teaching in a tested area like English or SS does add some stress. Data is king. Test scores must always improve. And you're constantly under the microscope! |
|
gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,084
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
|
Post by gsquaredmom on Dec 1, 2016 1:05:25 GMT
Do some subbing and make sure you really want to do this. Don't wait until you are student teaching to find out you really don't want this.
You may have trouble getting a job in any of your fields.
Teaching is getting harder and harder, and it may only get worse with the new Education Secretary. I would wait and see what she has planned before I start paying for a degree.
|
|
|
|
Post by Merge on Dec 1, 2016 3:02:18 GMT
You've gotten great advice from those above. I would encourage you to observe or shadow a teacher at your local high school to see what the job is really like. Having a passion for a particular subject area and having a passion for teaching are two different things - and you need both.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tasha on Dec 1, 2016 3:49:34 GMT
Thank you for all your advice. And just to explain myself further. I love teaching. Now, I've never taught in a School setting, mostly church classes and the occasional Scouting merit badge. It definitely isn't the subject matter (besides my obvious passion for photography) But it is teaching. I do feel as though it is a calling. But shadowing or subbing is a very good idea. Making sure my love of teaching and of youth will translate to an actual school setting!
|
|
The Great Carpezio
Pearl Clutcher
Something profound goes here.
Posts: 2,940
|
Post by The Great Carpezio on Dec 1, 2016 4:30:48 GMT
I can only speak for my district and the high school I work in, but our photography classes are not taught through the art program.
Our photography classes are under the industrial tech umbrella. One of our industrial tech teachers just teaches photography and web design.
STEM teachers are needed. SPED teachers are needed. We are starting to see a big difference in apps for all areas though. When I first applied for a job in English 20 years ago, we had like 78 applicants. I was interviewed but not hired. I subbed for three years before I was hired in that district (I wanted this district).
The last job we posted had 17 applicants. We interviewed 5 and all were great. The year before we had a mid year opening in social studies. I helped interview for that (team teacher) and we had like 11 applicants. We interviewed 5 as well and only two were good. We have had over 100 applicants for ss before.
It's hard. It's frustrating. It's rewarding. Good luck.
|
|
msbtastic
Shy Member
Posts: 22
|
Post by msbtastic on Dec 1, 2016 4:59:36 GMT
Hi Tasha!!! We have the same name! And I'm a high school teacher- how exciting. So, I'll add my 2 cents here as well. Like everyone said- education is in a slump right now and due to budget concerns, there aren't many jobs out there. I teach math, so. I'm pretty much guaranteed a job anywhere. Almost! Since I wanted a job at the school I did my student teaching at, I had to take a position as a special education teacher. In order to do that, I had to be enrolled and succeeding in a master's special education program. If you are willing to do that for a bit, it may make you more marketable. i got out of it after the first year because it was horrifying (at least to me)- you have to really have a passion for SPED. Also, like has been stated before- you must have training in the field you choose- for instance, I would have graduated with 2 bachelor's degrees if I had taken 1 more math class. And you have to have the right grades. As well as passing big tests over both teaching methods and your subject area. The subject area tests are the hardest. So choose something you love- you'll have to teach it multiple times a day for years . Also, we have a full time photography teacher, but our school has specialized academies that allow the student to graduate with a foot in the door to a job or further ed. Next- it hasn't been mentioned- the colleges of education have requirements before you can be accepted into the program. Find those out asap! Here, we had to have 100 documented hours with kids outside of our college experiences. You have to have a certain gpa, references, etc. Volunteering and working at summer camps got me my hours and also more information about how to work with kids. But those experiences are still wildly different than being a teacher. Volunteer in a variety of schools- low income, high income, diverse, and more segregated. Ask teachers and staff questions about the worst parts of the job and ideas to combat them. Ask to grade papers, about testing and lesson planning, etc. Since you have a passion for teaching, it would be devastating to burn out quickly. One of the reasons so many teachers leave before 5 years is because colleges don't prepare you for the hardships of teaching. There is a lot of glossing over of difficulties in the college classes. This is my sixth year of teaching and it has been the single hardest thing I have ever done. I've cried so many times, lost friends (it's hard to understand the teacher life), it's costed lots of money and time. It is also the best experience I've ever had and it has changed me into a better person. I get kids from years ago thanking me for the math & non-math things they learned. Good luck!!! |
|
I would love to teach at the High School level. I would love to know the good and bad. 
