AboutBonnie Shimmin Expertise I can answer questions about teaching and learning in grades K-8, having taught all those grades. As a former principal I can discuss techniques and responsibilities in administration of public schools. I am especially familiar with California laws and educational history.
I have no personal knowledge or experience with home schooling or private schools.
Experience Public School Teacher in grades K-8: All grade levels - specializing in English and Social Sciences.
Specialist in Gifted and Talented Education.
Specialist in Categorical Program Evaluation.
Administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal) in elementary (K-6) and middle schools (6-8).
Organizations Retired Principals Association
UCLA Alumni Association
Publications "What if...?" In-frequently Asked Questions by Principals
"My Brain Makes Learning Fun: Gifted Students Speak Out" Vols 1 and 2
Yearly Categorical Program Evaluation Reports
Education/Credentials B.A. from UCLA in English with a minor in Social Sciences.
M.A. from California Polytechnic University in Education, specializing in Instructional Technology and Media
CA Elementary Credential - Life
CA Secondary Credential - Life (English & Social Sciences)
CA Administrative Credential
Question hello, my name is Lizbeth. I have a question, what is the difference between elementary teaching and early childhood teaching?? which one do you recommend?
Answer Dear Liz,
Early Childhood Education (ECE) is generally thought of as grades Kindergarten through grade 3. Elementary Education is usually grades K - 6, but an elementary school district usually runs from K - 8. A Unified School District is K - 12, with K -6 being elementary and 7-12 being secondary. Credentialing for each area varies by state. For example, I have an elementary credential that allows me to teach any subject in grades K-8, and my secondary credential allows me to teach English and Social Sciences in grades 7-12.
As to what I would recommend... I enjoyed teaching in all those grades, but my favorite grades were K, 3, 6, 8, 12. Kinder was fun in the old days when they got to sing, paint and play with big blocks as well as learning the alphabet and numbers and how to cut. Now it's more like first grade used to be - with sitting and reading and writing. Some of the kids, especially the young ones, are too young for all this regimentation and there tends to be more crying now, which I can't stand. I liked grade 3 because of the sweetness of the children and this is the year where a lot of them find their way in school and really learn how to read. Grade 6 was good because they were old enough to get my jokes and could really dig into the subject matter. Plus, in an elementary school they were generally the leaders and could be expected to be responsible about taking charge of activities for the school. I liked grades 8-12 because I like to teach English, and could focus on one subject.
A very good way for you to figure out which grade you'd like, is to substitute teach in many grades before settling in on one. Since it's pretty difficult to find a job right now anyway, that's usually the way people become known in districts. Mostly, the choice of what grade to teach comes down to where your interests lie and where you can get a job. I found that teaching is teaching, and it's always interesting no matter what level the students are.
