The Pros and Cons of Teaching at a Public School

Pros and Cons Teaching

two arrow shared cards pointing in different directions. One reads "private" the other reads "public"

Why do teachers choose public school employment over other educational alternatives?

The first ‘public’ teachers in the 1800’s usually had training in other fields that enabled them to instruct children in basic arithmetic, reading, and writing. Some were merchants or farmers, and nearly all were men. Very little formal training existed aside from review by the local town council or school board. The most highly educated typically moved on to careers in law or the clergy, where they were more likely to teach in religious or prestigious private schools.

With the establishment of a public school system, new training models arose whereby prospective teachers learned instructional methods and pedagogy (the art, science, and discipline of teaching) and professional standards were established. By the start of the 20th century, the university model had evolved and state certification as we know it came into play, with requirements for licensure including standardized testing, minimum undergraduate education, student teaching, and certification.

Today, public school teachers are expected to stay abreast not only of current teaching practices, but course material that has changed over time to steer children toward the highest possible learning outcomes. With increasing global competition, changing demographics, and a host of other factors that make teaching more challenging than ever, it is important to consider the pros and cons of working for a large state bureaucracy.

Pros

Consistent certification standard

Since the training requirements for public schools vary little between states and regions, it is easy to get certified in one place and readily acquire a job in another.
Licenses are transferable between most states without excessive additional requirements

As with certification, public school teachers are usually able to transfer their certifications between states/regions without much difficulty.
Access to more diverse student populations

Public schools are required to admit anyone regardless of background, so teachers desiring this experience are more likely to find it in a public setting.
Higher salaries

Teachers in public schools tend to have higher, more consistent salaries than teachers who work in private schools. Salaries are regulated by the public legislature in some states with the aid of unions in others, which allows them to leverage public pressure.
Teaching resources

In wealthier areas, public schools may have superior access to teaching supplies and resources than private schools, though in less-privileged areas the reverse may be true.
Job security

Public school jobs tend to be more stable than private positions due to job security policies and the presence of unions in certain states.
Better benefits

Public schools also tend to supply greater benefits than private schools in terms of insurance, pensions, health programs, and investment opportunities.
More support and resources for teachers

Public school teachers generally have more access to professional support and training resources than teachers in private schools.

Cons

Larger class sizes

Due to current demographics and a general shortage of teachers worldwide, class sizes in public schools tend to be larger and more labor-intensive to manage.
More diverse student population

While this can be viewed as a positive in the public setting, it can also be challenging to manage large numbers of students with different backgrounds, experiences, and abilities in one room.
Larger classes lead to higher workloads

With higher numbers of students to manage in a public school classroom, the increased workload can lead to burnout.
Parental Involvement

Parental involvement in public schools (particularly in lower income areas) tends to be lower than that of private schools, leading to less support for teachers.
Less flexibility in instruction

Public schools are subject to mandates when determining subjects offered and topics taught. They are also required to use government assigned standardized testing, and prescribe specific curricula.
More stress

Depending on school, students, class size, test requirements, bureaucratic input, behaviors and other factors, working in a public school can be more stressful than other types of settings, with a higher degree of frustration.
Less safe

Though societal violence has become more prevalent in general over the years, the crime level in public schools (particularly in urban areas) is typically far higher than that encountered in private schools.
More licensure/continuing education demands

The requirements for data-tracking, professional development, new learning programs, new technology, social-emotional instruction, behavioral training and political-based initiatives increases each year and is ever-evolving in the public school.

Clearly there are many factors to consider when deciding whether to seek employment at a private or public school. Private school teachers, though generally paid less with fewer perks and instructional resources, often report less stress and greater job satisfaction than their publicly employed peers. Public school teachers face increased pressure with larger class populations, violence in the workplace, test and achievement requirements, and higher than average pay overall. Given the current pressures faced, prospective teachers in any setting must prepare themselves for ever-evolving challenges, and must, above all else, love children in order to succeed.