The Future is Mine Informational Interview Heather Grade 11 Bethlehem Center

Important Information The person I chose to interview is George Rice, a mathematics teacher at Bethlehem Center High School. He teaches: College Algebra Pre-Calculus Calculus

What is your job like? “My job is two in one.. I teach mathematics and I am the athletic director for the Bethlehem Center School District. A typical day for me: I leave my home at 6:00 am, start teaching at 8:00 am and finish at 1:00 pm. I teach 5 classes of mathematics (2 College Algebra, 2 Pre-Calculus, and 1 Calculus). At 1:00 pm I start my Athletic Director duties. If there are sporting events, I am usually at the school until 9 or 10 pm. I probably average 60-70 hours a week during seasons and 50 when “in between” seasons. I usually do not encounter any problems with my teaching duties.”

How did this type of work interest you and how did you get started? “I have always been interested in mathematics. I knew I was going to do some type of work involving mathematics as early as high school.”

How did you get your job? What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position? “I received an electrical engineering degree from Penn State University in 1984. I was employed with the Department of Transportation as an engineer until 1986. I decided at that time not to pursue that career any longer and decided to teach mathematics. I entered California University in 1986 and earned a mathematics degree of education in 1988. I applied for an opening in the Bethlehem Center School District, interviewed for the position and was hired in 1989.

Can you suggest some ways a student could obtain the necessary experience? “To teach mathematics on a high school level, you would need two traits. 1.) A high level of mathematics knowledge and a desire to learn at a complicated level. 2.) A desire to teach children. If you do not have both, I suggest no one should go in that direction. Once you earn a degree, I suggest to participate in an area school district demonstrating you want to be a part of the community, students, and any organizations which will show your commitment to education.”

What are the most important satisfactions and dissatisfactions connected with your occupation? What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying? Most challenging? What do you like and not like about working in this industry? “Teaching mathematics is very satisfying to me on a personal level. The challenge of teaching students is a gratifying experience. There is nothing that is dissatisfying in this job. The most satisfying experience in teaching is being able to interact with both students and other professionals of education and how the educational experience always continues for me.”

What things did you do before you entered this occupation? “The engineering occupation used mostly mathematics which was great but was very boring!”

What are the various jobs in this field or organization? “A mathematics degree can open several doors for employment. The statistics field in itself can be helpful in many mathematical occupations along with education. The mathematical degree shows that a person can have the knowledge to cope with many situations.”

Do you find your job exciting or boring? Why? “My job is very exciting. There is not one day I wake up and do not want to come to work. I look forward to each and every day.”

Are you optimistic about the company’s future and your future with the company? “I am very optimistic about education. This field changes all the time with techniques of teaching. New challenges are on the horizon on a constant basis.”

What is the best way to enter this occupation? “To enter a University that is known to have a great mathematics program for education. Study hard and make the grades to achieve your goal and complete the degree.”

What are keys to your career advancement What are keys to your career advancement? How did you get where you are and what are your long-range goals? “This career offers many advancements, but you must continue education at a personal level. A masters degree and also a doctorate would open many doors for advancement, if one would choose to go in that direction. I have no intentions of being a principal or superintendent because that would take away from being with the students.”

What are the skills that are most important for a position in this field? “You must have mathematical skills above and beyond the typical person and a desire to learn.”

What particular skills or talents are most essential to be effective in your job? “You must have a teaching technique which would allow you to express concepts in a way for others to learn who do not have the knowledge or background in mathematics.”

How would you describe the working atmosphere and the people with whom you work? “I feel the atmosphere in our school is very good. Everyone I work with has a desire to teach and help others for any reason to achieve the goal of the district.”

What is the average length of time for an employee to stay in the job you hold? “Usually around 30-35 years.”

What are the salary ranges for various levels in this field What are the salary ranges for various levels in this field? Is there a salary ceiling? “At this time, Pennsylvania schools have a starting salary of $25,000 a year and have a high range of $60,000 to $80,000 a year.”