oh man, I've worked a grip of school based jobs.
Once I got a teacher certification I worked as a building sub- just got paid to walk around and kick it, make sure kids were being decent. Spent a lot of time in the "romper room" self-contained class, which was alright. Waste of time for everyone, but the goal I had was to teach the kids "how to play the game" and make it through school. Many of those kids reached out later in life to say "thanks for caring. you were the only one who cared and helped me graduate." So that was cool.
I've worked as a classroom aide and 1:1 paraprofessional. that's a thankless job most of the time, but it really helps you get to know what works and doesn't in a classroom and for the students.
Worked as a long term substitute art teacher and English teacher for 6 months each. I also had a year long job as a head teacher in a severe special needs classroom. My certificate is in 2ndary English.
I don't really like working as a teacher and I'm now working as a school counselor/social worker in a smallish rural k-8 while completing my Master's in Social Work. It allows a lot more flexibility to affect kids and get good work done while not having to worry about grades, tests, etc. Kinda get to design my own job description. Working with numerous homeless kids families, kids with crazy ACEs, and all that.
The benefits of teaching are cool, but the system gets brutal. I'd say if you care about SEL sorta stuff, try to get into a counseling gig instead. Different sort of responsibility, but it's doing more important work. Teachers are NOT respected in the US. If you get a gig and hang in there in a solid district, your pay and benefits/retirement will be nice after 10 years, but it's rough at first. A big part of my job is coaching teachers and stuff, providing mental health checks and modeling how to do PBIS (positive behavior intervention and supports).
all told, it's alright, but if you can afford to make a lower wage, try getting into a regular subbing job in a US school and see what it's like. I figure it takes at least 6 months to determine if it's going to work for you. Holler at me with any questions.
A reality is that, if you live where you teach, you will run into students and families. I've been high as fuck at a resturant or store and had to talk with kids and parents. It's not the best feeling! Luckily I'm currently a counselor and get to tell people how rad their kids are!
Regardless, its a high level job that does the good work. holler with any questions