Thinking about the teachers........

I noticed that there are a few posts about people looking for teaching positions. It had me wondering why in a State where we have so many schools are there people looking earnestly for postions? Then I remembered that we are in NY. With all the construction that is going on of new office spaces, stadiums and so forth. The building of new schools had slowed down or is non existant. With NY schools stil being over-crowded and teachers still looking to recognition for the hard work they do. Why do we still have teachers looking for position that should be ready to be filled? When they are given positons its in a no hope school where parents and the school's staff sometimes dont care as much as the teacher since the students wont be in the percetage to make it or will just drop out.

The State can build new malls for us to shop in but what happened to the new schools that were supposed to be built? I know to some this may seem like a boring subject but to me it makes me upset to see this area overlooked. I'm not a teacher but my Aunt was for many years and I still hear to this day how teachers arent looked at in the same regard as people in other fields who when they accomplish tasks are given raises and bonuses. But good teachers dont get the pot of gold.

I do hope that all the ladies and their FH's and spouses who are looking for positons find them. That sometime soon they will be in a classroom making a difference, that the BOE and State will see that teachers and their positions are important that they should receive better pay, better books and school equipment, inclass materials shouldnt be bought by them but paid for by the school and State.

Sorry this was so long it just had me upset and thought I should post it.

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

I am with you

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

I don't know if I necessarily agree with this. Do we need to put more money in education - yes!

But those who are looking for jobs - most are looking on LI. There is a great need for teachers in NYC, but most do not want to teach within the NYC school system. They want to teach on LI where the benefits and pay are better. Do I blame them? Not for a second! Teaching in NYC is tough, I know I didn't want to do it.

If you would go upstate, it would also be much easier to find a teaching job. When I put my resume into some of the upstate BOCES, I got so many interview offers. But, the pay upstate cannot even begin to compare to what teacher salaries on LI are like.

So it becomes an issue of there are so many candidated for so few jobs because the LI school systems are such a desirable place to work. I don't think its because there are malls or office buildings being built instead. If you look at LI schools recently, there has been major construction to deal with the overcrowding, and new teachers have been hired accordingly.

I think in this area, the problem lies within not enough money being put into the NYC school system, not Long Island. Many of the Long Island School Districts have PLENTY of money- where do you think most of those sky-high taxes are going to?

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

Thank you and well said!!!

FH and I are those people who are jobless right now and looking EVERYWHERE!! Its tough! especially when two people who are about to get married dont even have a job!

Unfortunately the school system is sc r ewed up and I dont see it turning for the better Its a shame because these poor kids need that someone to guide them and love them perhaps because they dont get it at home but like you said with these overcrowded schools how can one expect a succession rate? Its next to impossible Im sorry to say its just reality. Were not talking about 1 or 2 extra students in your class.... they have sometimes 10 or more students in the class!!!

Lets keep praying that the school system will shape up and wake up and realize the only people who are suffering in this situation is the future of tommorow!

ETA: I have not applied to one long island school- only NYC schools - sorry forgot to mention that

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

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Posted by LaurenluvsTJ

I don't know if I necessarily agree with this. Do we need to put more money in education - yes!

But those who are looking for jobs - most are looking on LI. There is a great need for teachers in NYC, but most do not want to teach within the NYC school system. They want to teach on LI where the benefits and pay are better. Do I blame them? Not for a second! Teaching in NYC is tough, I know I didn't want to do it.

If you would go upstate, it would also be much easier to find a teaching job. When I put my resume into some of the upstate BOCES, I got so many interview offers. But, the pay upstate cannot even begin to compare to what teacher salaries on LI are like.

So it becomes an issue of there are so many candidated for so few jobs because the LI school systems are such a desirable place to work. I don't think its because there are malls or office buildings being built instead. If you look at LI schools recently, there has been major construction to deal with the overcrowding, and new teachers have been hired accordingly.

I think in this area, the problem lies within not enough money being put into the NYC school system, not Long Island. Many of the Long Island School Districts have PLENTY of money- where do you think most of those sky-high taxes are going to?

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See I dont live in LI. I've heard that LI, NJ have such a good school system b/c the taxes the people pay go back into the school system. So you actaually get to see what you pay for so to speak. Im not sure if that is true but I know its the reason alot of people in NY move to NJ and LI to become teachers is b/c of the pay rate and the, classroom size and appreciation. Same thing with police officers as well. Hard to imagine a policer officer working this year could apply for Public Assistance b/c he acutally makes the salary to receive it. Which is why so many left to join the NJ Police. You know what I dont blame the teachers or officers. They have families too

I know 1st hand being a person that attended public school how the system works and what is lacking. Its the same reason a couple of my friends moved to NJ so their kids can go to better schools its sad but true.

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

this def. is a rather pressing topic. Oprah just recently conducted a 2 day special with the Bill Gates Foundation on the school systmems of the US. Many of the facts were rather disturbing. As a recent graduate (may 06 ) i find myself to be extremely blessed to get a job right away. i accepeted a job teaching special ed. in far rockaway, the NYC school system. A job that others might have turned down. But it means more to me to teach and make a difference to those that really need it. Beyond educating the students i feel that will be sooo much more to them. Often times those in low income areas need us more. And after being disappointed about not getting a 'LI job' i came to the realization that although it WILL be difficult at times i will have one of the most rewarding jobs around. and it is not about the pay or recognition (althought it would be nice) but if i can change the life of a child and show them that they can succeed than i have done my job and gotten all the respect and recognition i need. yet this is a feeling and drive that is soo hard to explain to another not in the profession. FH doesnt reall 'get it' either. sorry sooo long. i didnt mean to say all that.

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

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Posted by bride_to_be_2007

this def. is a rather pressing topic. Oprah just recently conducted a 2 day special with the Bill Gates Foundation on the school systmems of the US. Many of the facts were rather disturbing. As a recent graduate (may 06 ) i find myself to be extremely blessed to get a job right away. i accepeted a job teaching special ed. in far rockaway, the NYC school system. A job that others might have turned down. But it means more to me to teach and make a difference to those that really need it. Beyond educating the students i feel that will be sooo much more to them. Often times those in low income areas need us more. And after being disappointed about not getting a 'LI job' i came to the realization that although it WILL be difficult at times i will have one of the most rewarding jobs around. and it is not about the pay or recognition (althought it would be nice) but if i can change the life of a child and show them that they can succeed than i have done my job and gotten all the respect and recognition i need. yet this is a feeling and drive that is soo hard to explain to another not in the profession. FH doesnt reall 'get it' either. sorry sooo long. i didnt mean to say all that.

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I liked your post. You were honest. To me you being a person that has that job should get recognition for doing a job well done. Recognized by the BOE and parents and the school staff. Im not saying reward every teacher with a Gold star but give them the pay and contract they deserve. Make the necessary changes and stop dragging their feet. It wasnt too long!

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

I have been a teacher in both NYC and LI now and have taught in private and public. I worked in private for a while - which a lot of people also don't consider and then I moved to NYC public b/c I wanted the pension! Depending on where you teach in the city it can and cannot be rewarding. I have a few friends who teach in the city and love every minute of it. One of FH's friends actually went from NYC to Li and Back to NYC b/c they didn't like LI that much! My experience was different - I got a job easy in NYC but in a horribly managed school! I had 4 positions in one year because of the mismanagement of the administration. I didn't feel that anything I did was rewarding and unfortunately felt I had to leave. In addition, the bearocracy in the city is absolutely ridiculous. When you call for a reason - say your paycheck is missing - and they don't know how to help you and give only attitiude it sours your experience! After that year, I was willing to do anything possible to compete for a position. Fortunately, I am a sped teacher, which is a higher demand position. Elementary school, SS and English teachers are in less demand. Math and Science teachers are golden! It really depends on what you teach if more positions are available or not. In the long run, the whole position is worthwhile, but if you spend your weekends dreading going back to work, as I did in the city, it leads to burn out!

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

This is my biggest fear right now. I am in my master's program right now (I have a B.A. in English, so I'm going for an M.S. in Elementary Ed) and scared out of my mind I will never find a job. I'm trying to convince FH to move to PA or CT, but he needs to be near NYC because he works in radio. I hear my professors saying that the pendulum is going to swing back the other way in regards to how education is now, but I'm just not sure that will be anytime soon.

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

Its true - and it goes for Long Island and NYC - my friend is having the hardest time finding a position as an English teacher - she put her resume in to at least 20 school throughout Quuens and has heard nothing. I teach in the city and I love it! and I do agree that we need to keep putting more $$ into education and less into sports stadiums!

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

i am a teacher. the reason why most people have difficulty finding teaching positions are varied. we don't need more schools... most are not overcrowded for the most part... yes, many in the city are, but that's a whole different ballgame. many are overcrowded because

1. many people refuse to leave LI and look elsewhere..... there are no positions here. many people don't look at out of state or the city as options.

2. there are far too many teacher education programs... hofstra, adelphi, molloy, st. joseph's, dowling, ALL the kids that come back from all the state schools... it's an oversaturation of teachers in a small area. there are thousands of grads. i nteaching for only a few hundred positions...

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

there are loads on teaching positions in the city, unfortunately for one reason or the other many people dont want to work there.

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

The only place I've looked is in New York City, NOT Long Island. My friend who lives in LI has only applied to schools in the city as well. We are both without jobs at the moment. I've sent out over 100 resumes to schools throughout New York City and have heard nothing as of yet. I had an interview with the Board of Ed and got a commitment letter which guarentees me a job this September, but i was hoping to find my own position so that i may prepare for the class before the first day. If any of you are still having trouble you may want to contact the Board of Ed recruitment office and they may be able to help you.

So in response to the post that people are only looking on LI and which is why they are having trouble finding jobs, that is not true. It is still hard for those of us trying to find jobs in the city in which like the initial post said, not too much is being done to help the school system. Bloomberg is running the school system like a business because that is all he knows. He does not know the first thing on how to run an effective school system. All he cares about is the numbers and tests and the tests are not doing anything for kids. Teachers are trying to prepare their students for these tests where so much instructional time is taken away to teach to the test.

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

My FH's friend who is a principal in the city wouldn't hire me with a commitment letter b/c your already assigned somewhere! Commitment letters hurt you sometimes more than help you. Another friend who had a commitment letter worked at district for 1 month before she had a classroom.

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

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Posted by bride_to_be_2007

this def. is a rather pressing topic. Oprah just recently conducted a 2 day special with the Bill Gates Foundation on the school systmems of the US. Many of the facts were rather disturbing. As a recent graduate (may 06 ) i find myself to be extremely blessed to get a job right away. i accepeted a job teaching special ed. in far rockaway, the NYC school system. A job that others might have turned down. But it means more to me to teach and make a difference to those that really need it. Beyond educating the students i feel that will be sooo much more to them. Often times those in low income areas need us more. And after being disappointed about not getting a 'LI job' i came to the realization that although it WILL be difficult at times i will have one of the most rewarding jobs around. and it is not about the pay or recognition (althought it would be nice) but if i can change the life of a child and show them that they can succeed than i have done my job and gotten all the respect and recognition i need. yet this is a feeling and drive that is soo hard to explain to another not in the profession. FH doesnt reall 'get it' either. sorry sooo long. i didnt mean to say all that.

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I applaud you Carole. Well said and extremely honest .

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

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Posted by bride_to_be_2007

this def. is a rather pressing topic. Oprah just recently conducted a 2 day special with the Bill Gates Foundation on the school systmems of the US. Many of the facts were rather disturbing. As a recent graduate (may 06 ) i find myself to be extremely blessed to get a job right away. i accepeted a job teaching special ed. in far rockaway, the NYC school system. A job that others might have turned down. But it means more to me to teach and make a difference to those that really need it. Beyond educating the students i feel that will be sooo much more to them. Often times those in low income areas need us more. And after being disappointed about not getting a 'LI job' i came to the realization that although it WILL be difficult at times i will have one of the most rewarding jobs around. and it is not about the pay or recognition (althought it would be nice) but if i can change the life of a child and show them that they can succeed than i have done my job and gotten all the respect and recognition i need. yet this is a feeling and drive that is soo hard to explain to another not in the profession. FH doesnt reall 'get it' either. sorry sooo long. i didnt mean to say all that.

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Congratulations on getting a job...I just completed my 1st year in Richmond Hill H.S. in the NYC School System. It was extremely rewarding and I enjoyed working there. With this attitude you will go very far in the NYC School System. Just remeber...have a tough skin. Don't take things that some of the students say to heart....because most of the time they are acting out for a reason...usually because they need someone to listen to them and to pay them attention. Be firm but fair and they will respect you for it. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to FM me.

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

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Posted by cherish83

The only place I've looked is in New York City, NOT Long Island. My friend who lives in LI has only applied to schools in the city as well. We are both without jobs at the moment. I've sent out over 100 resumes to schools throughout New York City and have heard nothing as of yet. I had an interview with the Board of Ed and got a commitment letter which guarentees me a job this September, but i was hoping to find my own position so that i may prepare for the class before the first day. If any of you are still having trouble you may want to contact the Board of Ed recruitment office and they may be able to help you.

So in response to the post that people are only looking on LI and which is why they are having trouble finding jobs, that is not true. It is still hard for those of us trying to find jobs in the city in which like the initial post said, not too much is being done to help the school system. Bloomberg is running the school system like a business because that is all he knows. He does not know the first thing on how to run an effective school system. All he cares about is the numbers and tests and the tests are not doing anything for kids. Teachers are trying to prepare their students for these tests where so much instructional time is taken away to teach to the test.

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try region 5- district 19 or 23- there are loads of positions in east new york and brownsville area

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

Thanks i faxed a lot of my resumes to schools in those areas last week.. but principals are on vacation now so we'll see what happens when they come back on the 28th

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

Your welcome what worked for me is directly going to all schools with a stack of resumes. It helps to put a face to the name, as a lot of times its just a pile of resumes!


What are you looking to teach? I have a k-1 Special Education self-contained class.

Re: Thinking about the teachers........

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Posted by Lcakes

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Posted by bride_to_be_2007

this def. is a rather pressing topic. Oprah just recently conducted a 2 day special with the Bill Gates Foundation on the school systmems of the US. Many of the facts were rather disturbing. As a recent graduate (may 06 ) i find myself to be extremely blessed to get a job right away. i accepeted a job teaching special ed. in far rockaway, the NYC school system. A job that others might have turned down. But it means more to me to teach and make a difference to those that really need it. Beyond educating the students i feel that will be sooo much more to them. Often times those in low income areas need us more. And after being disappointed about not getting a 'LI job' i came to the realization that although it WILL be difficult at times i will have one of the most rewarding jobs around. and it is not about the pay or recognition (althought it would be nice) but if i can change the life of a child and show them that they can succeed than i have done my job and gotten all the respect and recognition i need. yet this is a feeling and drive that is soo hard to explain to another not in the profession. FH doesnt reall 'get it' either. sorry sooo long. i didnt mean to say all that.

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Congratulations on getting a job...I just completed my 1st year in Richmond Hill H.S. in the NYC School System. It was extremely rewarding and I enjoyed working there. With this attitude you will go very far in the NYC School System. Just remeber...have a tough skin. Don't take things that some of the students say to heart....because most of the time they are acting out for a reason...usually because they need someone to listen to them and to pay them attention. Be firm but fair and they will respect you for it. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to FM me.

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Thanks sooo much for the kind words and support!!!!!