Question: How does teaching at public and private schools compare?
Private schools are known to hire non-certified teachers. Although skipping certification and teaching in private school may seem an attractive choice to some, the pay scale is lower. However, teaching at a private school allows you to gain experience before making any long term career decisions. Additionally, you have the ability to work while earning a teaching certification. Once certified, you may choose to work at a public school, which will provide you with a higher salary.
Answer: Advantages of Public School (note that there is lots of variability; not all schools fit these characteristics)
- higher salaries
- more emphasis on core subjects
- diverse student populations
- certification is required
- higher incidents of violence
- government bureaucracy (less control over school)
- larger classes
- lack of facilities for teachers
- outdated books and equipment
- little control over their lesson plans
- complaints are not addressed quickly
- certification is not required
- lower incidents of violence
- no governmental bureaucracy (more control over school)
- smaller classes
- more facilities for teachers
- newer books and equipment
- more control over lesson plans
- complaints are quickly addressed
- lower salaries
- Less emphasis on core subjects
- Lack of a diverse student population
