The 'pay' Is Second to None

I would love to do this.

I love it. I look forward to going to work everyday. The kids are really amazing. They teach me more than I teach them, I think!

I love the sound of your work, Dee67. Is it the kind of job that requires a special degree? How many years of training before you were able to pursue such a cool job?

Wow, five hugs and you hadn't even started. That's not work!

Hi Tate3 - I actually have a year left on a teaching degree - but I decided to take a break for various reasons and work as an assistant - and I'm thinking about staying there, because it's an incredible amount of work, teaching, and being a mom already I don't know if I really want to dedicate myself to that degree - but as an assistant, it's like being the favorite aunt who comes to visit - I get to spoil the kids and they love me, but then I give them back to the teacher and don't have to worry about all that other stuff - it's really just being with the kids that I love. I went the expensive route - I could've taken the ed. assistant courses - would've been cheaper, but at the time I had my sights set higher. Now I've had a reality check, lol. I think it would've taken about a year for the assistant courses - I already had a degree so the teaching degree was another 2 years (at least for the program I was in). This is in Canada, anyways - and we get paid much better (both teachers and assistants) than in the US - not sure if you're there?

You're right, Owl, I can't believe I get paid $ to do this! ;)

I am a special education assistant and i am incollege to to it as a teacher. Congrats on your newfound love for this amazing field! It takes a very special person to do what we do, and it is the most amazing job. Not only is it extremely rewarding, but those little ones teach you more than you could ever teach them!!

Exactly, shawngreen, I couldn't agree more. Good for you for pursuing teaching. I am one year of university away from finishing an education degree (have a previous degree in psych).. but still am undecided whether to finish as I enjoy the support role a lot and have gotten a reality check as to how many hours teachers put into their jobs. With two children at home I'm just not sure I want to get into the full role of the teacher.. but I'm leaving it open for now to decide. All the best to you in your goals.. it takes much dedication and hard work, but the personal rewards are huge.

what a cool story!

My mom was in childcare for many years before she had me. My life story is very weird, but I've always had a loving mom. She talks fondly of working with children, and when she had me she was 24. She now has 5 kids, all younger siblings of mine. 3 little sisters, 1 little brother.

Thanks jp and austinr. There's nothing like getting to do something you love (and get paid for it!).