This post is sponsored by Kaplan, all opinions are entirely mine.
Teaching can be one of the most rewarding careers for moms, because it blends so well with busy family life. I spent almost 10 years teaching children in preschool and elementary schools before becoming a stay at home mom and they were years full of joy, excitement, and fulfillment. So many of the skills I used in the classroom helped me in my parenting over the last 14 years and I see many women who’d make exceptional educators using the skills they’ve acquired through mothering.
Teaching can be an excellent occupation, especially for mothers looking to re-enter the workforce. After taking several years “off”, although we all know there really is no “down time” when you’re a mom, I’ve had several friends choose to pursue full time jobs outside the home or head back to school themselves. Entering the field of education can be a wonderful career for moms that gives them the opportunity to impact the world and use strategies present in everyday parenting.
Teaching provides several benefits for moms
Better Schedule
One of the chief concerns for any woman working outside of the home is finding quality, competent childcare for her children. One of the big benefits of a teaching career is that large blocks of time out of school, like Summer, Christmas or Spring Break, are also times when teachers are out of school so additional, costly childcare is unnecessary. There is also the advantage, in elementary settings, of having your child attend the same school that you’re employed at and therefore alleviate the need for before/after care for young kids. It’s a definite advantage, having a vacation and daily schedule matching your children’s.
Deeper Understanding
With a background in the field of education, you’re better equipped to understand the principles behind the curriculum and how it is chosen for your child. You get the “inside track” on the best ways to help kids learn and grow and are able to help your own children master difficult subject areas. You’ll have an increased knowledge of testing practices and current educational hot topics.
Stronger Bond
Being able to spend more time with your kids, traveling to and from school, and at school wide events provides additional opportunities for interaction. A sense of community and a deep connection between home and school life is fostered when a parent works at a child’s school. As a parent, you’re able to form relationships with your family’s teachers and provide additional support for school endeavors.
Wider Impact
All mothers are concerned with the culture that their children are growing up in and the world they’ll inherit. Teaching is a tangible way to truly impact future generations and ultimately the world. The hours a teacher spends pouring into young lives are never wasted and are part of bringing new ideas and change to the world. When a mother is also a teacher, she is helping shape the world her children and grandchildren will inherit.
Wouldn’t you agree that when it comes to careers for moms, teaching offers a wide variety of benefits? If you were thinking about pursuing teaching, are you’re wondering what your next step should be? Maybe you have a degree in another field and are ready to change careers, maybe you never had the opportunity to complete your degree or start college, now is your time!
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Stacy says
Going back to college and getting all three certifications required in order to apply to become an FLVS or Polk Virtual teacher would be cool…..but can’t afford it.
Stacy says
Correction: “all THE certifications needed”
Rebecca B. says
My sister is an elementary school teacher and loves it!! She has been doing it for 10 years and it was the only thing she ever wanted to be growing up!!
Meagan says
So true and such great information! Kids really do learn from their parents, especially when they have an education themselves. I love that there are so many great opportunities now for moms to get their degrees and higher degrees too. I’ve thought about getting a masters myself. It really can encourage your kids to work harder and they learn so much from your knowledge too. I think it’s a great way to help kids excel in the classroom.
Neely says
I actually went to grad school for teaching! It’s such a great career!
Debra says
My husband was a school teacher for three years and we actually saw him less than we did now because he had so much grading and such to do…. It is an amazing profession but I understand why people leave it!
LydiaF says
I learned a long time ago that I don’t have the temperament to be a teacher in a classroom setting. I do well in small groups, though.
Cathy @ Our Mini Family says
I went to school to be a teacher 🙂 Teachers are incredible! It takes a world of patience and resourcefulness to be a successful educator.
Margaret says
I’ve thought about being a teacher, but I’ve know too many who have quite because of major burn-out and politics. Sadly they were all really good teachers.
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
We love teachers! My stepmom and friend are both teachers at my daughters school! Great post 🙂
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
This is near and dear to me. Educators are some of the most selfless and caring people I know! With the right amount of balance, teaching can be an excellent profession for parents!
FabEllis says
I totally agree with you! Teaching is a fabulous career for moms. My mother, although not a teacher, worked in the school system and her schedule as well as the environment as a whole just provided a lot of benefits for her raising me, especially since she did it on her own.
Bonnie @ Living a Fit and Full Life says
I’m a homeschooling mom of 4 and love every minute of it. My kids love being able to learn at home or on our various outings.
Pam says
I’ve been a teacher for 7 years and I’m looking forward to continuing even after I have kids. I feel that it’s a great career to have as a mom for a variety of reasons. 🙂
Diana Rambles says
I am a certified teacher and I love that teaching allows a mom to be on the same calendar as her kids!
Jamie @ Coffee With Us 3 says
Teaching definitely does seem to coincide well with mothering. Once your kids are in school, you can work the same hours they go to school, and that’s nice. For me, it’s not a profession currently, though I am homeschooling my kids 😉
Janae Smith says
I’m majoring in middle school education and I really enjoyed reading this post!
Janae
http://www.hiyallblog.blogspot.com
Cristy says
Teaching is a wonderful career choice for women. That was my major in college before I switched to journalism.
Brenda @Schooling a Monkey says
Teaching is a great career for moms! One of my sisters is planning to be a teacher and my own mom has been one for years.
Melanie says
I finished up my bachelor’s degree online. I love that we can take courses from home!
Tiffani says
My mother was a teacher & school counselor throughout our school years so we always went to school with her. She knew the ins & outs of the educational system, was able to keep an eye on us & gave us a quiet place to do our homework…in her classroom. I was a School Counselor for years before I became a SAHM & I truly miss it. Now that my kids are older I am always thinking of how I can get back into the field. Teaching is a career that truly benefits the academic & social growth of your kids….now if only the pay reflected the efforts teachers put into their profession. Great post & loved the Kaplan link….will have to check that out, too.! 🙂
Michelle says
I love everything about this! I agree that teaching is absolutely a wonderful way for moms to get back into the workforce!
Valerie@Occasionally Crafty says
I actually let my certificate expire and will be working to renew it over the next year or so. It is the only thing I will consider doing now that my kids are in school because I think it’s just as important for me to be home when they are home now that they are older, as it was when they were little. Teaching is the only way to make that possible 🙂 Great points!
Julie @ Girl on the Move says
As a former teacher, I couldn’t agree more with so many of your points…I think teaching is a great career for moms!
Deb- It's me, debcb! says
I think teaching is a wonderful career for a mom. You have flexibility and are still able to work outside the home if you desire.