So I took a year off of school to determine what the heck I was going to do with my life and i've finally decided.
Background: Since 2nd grade I've wanted to be a teacher
Reality: I would rather be a social worker...
SO: Is anyone here in that field? I need a little direction figuring out how to get there and what kinds of jobs to look for while I'm going to school that will allow me to get great experience.
Any advice, tips, opinions are accepted :)

We have a wonderful social worker that works at the school. She gets to work with kids on a daily basis. I think going to be a school psychologist or social worker would be a great meshing of the two fields. Just an idea. (I teach middle school... was a social science major for a few semesters and decided to major in English and History instead.) I admire the social workers, but know I chose right because I enjoy teaching kids. Find something that you are happy with because thirty+ years is a long time to be in a field you don't enjoy.

That's been my mindset lately! I want to enjoy what I do and a couple key experiences and thoughts stand out that makes me want to be in social work so I can work directly with the kids who need someone to love them! I just think nowadays some parents just don't love their children like they should!

What I advise is this, Ask what the job market is like in your area, or the area in which you want to live is for these two jobs. Sometimes that may have a big bearing on the final choice :wink:

Remember that demand for a school social worker will not be as high as a teacher. Have you thought about Special Education or ESL as a concentration? Those kids usually have lots of "needs" that a good teacher can really influence.

Also, a social worker is a job that is in demand at the hospitals, retirement homes, etc. Pay is not usually more than about $35k. The reward is in the "giving".

This is very noble. Very very noble. I would caution, however, to really know what you're getting into with social work. I know that maternal feeling, of wanting to love everyone and take care of everyone. In social work that is a very good trait...to have that extra drive to get them the best help possible. The crux of the matter is, a lot of times this same caring and concern tears at your heart because you can't save everybody. Not even half the everybody. And the "reward" of knowing you had influence and put the kid/person on a good path....you just gotta believe that you did. You may never see that kid for years and years, if ever. It takes practice to master being the rock, the stability, the one that people come to because you're motives are honest and true, with no agenda, to help them untangle a complicated life. Within the framework of a profession, no less.

Wise words. I remember when I was a very shiny new social worker and I worked with a woman who had been in the profession for over 30 years. She was a chain smoker, who always wore bright red lipstick. She said to me "Darls, it is like working in the cancer ward - you'll win some and you'll lose some". I was horrified - of course I will save them all, and they all want to be saved. I often think back to her words, and I find them comforting and real.

I'm a registered nurse. I love people of all shapes sizes and ages. But now that I'm getting older I wish I had been a teacher. Nurses get nothing for retirement (medical I mean) We usually know as much as doctors with our advanced training these days but get blamed for what they decide ,work ungodly crazy hours etc.
Having said this I still love nursing but I'll have to work till I drop to get medical, while teachers get a great retirement package (well deserved) awesome hours, yeah, the political stuff goes on there too but these are just my thoughts. I have great respect for nurses, teachers, and social workers, by the way!! :D
Good luck in whatever you decide.

Teachers can begin work after a 4 year degree, whereas a social worker typically requires a MS.

Special education is a good idea.
Are you looking to work as a volunteer while going to school, or paid employment? A support role in a school will let you see what it's like inside the system before you get your degree. Is there a Big Brothers/Sisters organization around? Once you begin to find your way in the helping professions, you will discover lots of options.