PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS

Stiles says that “avoiding procrastination, delegating, taking summers off,” making time for family and friends, and taking care of herself physically and spiritually help her beat performance stress and the stress of always needing to be prepared.

“Public schools are sometimes at the mercy of school boards trying to be innovative and creative to compete for funding” with private schools, charter schools and the trend for home-schooling, says Lee. This can be a source of frustration for teachers who simply want to do their jobs.

But in the end, says Stiles, teaching is about reciprocity. “Helping others develop helps me develop. I teach to learn and learn to teach.”

“I love knowing that I make a difference and that, at the end of the day, I know I’ve done something positive for society,” says Lee. “The kids will remember you for the rest of their lives, if you do your job right.”

Average Starting Salary: $31,704
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree through Ph.D., depending on school district and grade level
Growth Rate: 17 percent more jobs by 2014
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, The American Federation of Teachers