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Second level vs third level teaching

  • 17-05-2006 11:33pm
    #1
    claire h
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,056 ✭✭✭


    Just curious - especially if anyone has tried/considered both - which is 'better' (more fulfilling, better hours, better pay, whatever you consider to be good in a job), teaching at second level or third level?

    I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. (Still an undergrad at the moment, but considering both of these options for the future.)


Comments

  • #2
    Tom Dunne
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,212 ✭✭✭✭Tom Dunne


    I would imagine teaching 2nd level is a hell of a lot more hassle/stressful than at 3rd level.

    I come in, give the lecture and if the students want to listen/learn, they do. If not, I couldn't care less, it's their future. Contrast this to 2nd level - I know which I would rather.


  • #3
    Trotter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,362 ✭✭✭Trotter


    Trust me.. its worse secondary teaching is getting. Some experienced teachers have told me that the main difference is that the parents are nearly always on little johnny's side now, regardless of the disruption he causes.

    The secondary students know your hands are tied. They have more rights than the teachers, and they know that.


  • #4
    spurious
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Education Moderators Posts: 27,316 CMod ✭✭✭✭spurious


    I teach second level, but have lectured to post-grads. Lecturing is MUCH easier, but not at all as satisfying (for me). If I was in this game for the money, I'd have left a long time ago.

    Personally I enjoy teaching second level children with difficulties. I've chosen to do it and feel I can make a difference there. There's nothing to beat the feeling you get when a successful young man or woman meets you on the street and reminds you verbatim of something you said fifteen years ago that inspired them.

    'Successful' may mean finally able to read independently, having got into his twenties without being arrested, staying off drugs - it's all relative. I'm probably not going to teach many kids who go on to get A1 in Honours Leaving Cert. and I'm not that bothered - it's not what I went into teaching for.

    I've a couple of friends who teach in universities. I think which level teaching you prefer depends on your own personality and what you find important.


  • #5
    arctic lemur
    Closed Accounts Posts: 442 ✭✭arctic lemur


    I taught at both primary and second level and found primary rewarding and less hassle. Although I did enjoy teaching in Dublin's inner city. The worst schools i ever taught in were single sex 'middle class' ones where you could barely reprimand a student for bad behaviour without mammy dearest siding with him! I loved teaching in a community school but left as no resources available for the teaching of subjects through Irish. Had to translate loads myself.


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