On 10/26/09, Scott wrote:
> I have about 10 years until retirement. I am wondering if
> you guys had to do it all over again, would have been a
> teacher or choose another field to make more money, etc.,
> etc

I must admit that the educational and legislative leadership in
my state is very discouraging and if I was considering going
into teaching at any level today I would not do it in
California. Education and a healthy business climate is clearly
not a priority in this state and will probably not be for many
years. Consequently the tax base will be gone for a while and
there will not be a qualified (read: educated) workforce to
fill needed jobs. Now I will get off the soap box but it really
is part of the response.

I worked as an engineer for a few years before going into
teaching. I loved engineering, but I love teaching it more. It
is great watching young adults grow and transform into
professionals. I have maintained relationships with many of
them after graduation.

I have also watched the preparedness of students for college
level education deteriorate over the past two decades. Since I
define my success by how much my students actually learn,
education is getting more discouraging each year. I am using
lots of new technology, outcomes assessment, etc, and feel I am
keeping even at best.

If I had it to do over again under the conditions back then the
answer is a definite yes. Deciding based on conditions today
the answer is "probably", but in another state.

BTW. I spent many years as our department chair over 15
faculty, 300 students, 10 labs, and 4 staff. The first two
years were productive. The last years were a pounding
headache...I was so glad to go back to my teaching position.

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