Question for teachers...

Betty Posted: Feb 11, 2003 11:15 AM

Question for teachers...

I am currently getting my masters in Elem Ed/Special Ed (dual degree). I am not a teacher nor am I in the field at all. My job is nice and easy and I often have off on Wed (4 day work week except when they need me) so it's better to do schoolwork.

I am thinking about quitting next year and being a TA. It will mean a hefty cut in salary (but I'll be married by then). I need more experience other than observing b/c I'm still scared to death that I can't do it and question myself every other day.
I'm hoping that by being in a classroom setting everyday I will begin to feel more comfortable.

QUESTIONS: Do you know if TAing for 2 years takes care of Student teaching? (I've heard this but don't know if it is true)

Does your years as a teacher (towards retirement) begin when you start TAing?

Does anyones schools use/need TAs??

Thanks so much

Diane Posted: Feb 11, 2003 11:54 AM

Re: Question for teachers...

Your years as a TA does NOT count toward your teaching tenure. You can get tenure as a TA. My district, if you are a TA for 4 years, it counts as 1 year teaching.
I started out as a TA, because my district likes to take their own.
If you are a TA, you will not be able to be exempt from student teaching. Unless the university you are attending is different. But it shouldnt.
There is a TA here that I work with who just received his Master's in Special ED., and he got exempt from student teaching, which I think is UNFAIR
My district was lookinf for TA's, but you need a certain amount of college credits in order to qualify, and they already found people.
If I here anything, I will kep you posted.

Betty Posted: Feb 11, 2003 12:05 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

Thanks Diane. I know it doesn't count for tenure but what about your 30 years?

Diane Posted: Feb 11, 2003 12:06 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

Not really sure.

lulu Posted: Feb 11, 2003 12:11 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

I worked as a TA while I going for my Masters (also in Elem Ed/Special Ed) and it didn't count towards student teaching. It is a good way to get your foot in the door and may help you to get a job easier once you graduate though.

jeannad67 Posted: Feb 11, 2003 12:55 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

It depends on what district and school you TA for. Sometimes its not really a foot inthe door. I have been a TA his year and i think it hurt my chances of working or thedsitrict more than it helped. Sme places look down upon their TAs. Sad but true.

yabbobay Posted: Feb 11, 2003 05:36 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

my old roommate...got an emergency certification in sped in NYC...and was able to forgo her student teaching...you will also be paid as a teacher...(PPT)

not sure if this works in LI schools...but sped is usually in demand...BUT pataki just cut mucho money to schools...

My old roommate said she is leaving her school this year for the suburbs...but I don't know if that will happen...she works in an inclusion elem school (preK to 2)...I'll ask her if they need people...they have also been talkinga bout closing it, b/c its 5 year contract is up...don't know if they will renew...

JennRenee Posted: Feb 11, 2003 05:38 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

I was a TA in my district for 6 months before I was hired full time, and while you can become a tenured TA, it has nothing to do with tenure as a teacher. I had to start at zero seniority with nothing accrued toward tenure when I was hired as a teacher.

I just realized that I didn't answer your question...
YES, being a TA (or a sub) does count towards retirement.

My district is going to be hiring a computer lab TA at my school for this coming September...

anna Posted: Feb 11, 2003 06:03 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

computer lab TA ? PICK ME PICK ME !!

JennRenee Posted: Feb 11, 2003 06:05 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

Anna, if your serious, let me know ASAP!!!

Buttafli1277 Posted: Feb 11, 2003 06:22 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

TA does not count toward student teaching. You used to be able to work a year and have that waive your student teaching, but as of Sept. they are doing away with that and there are a buncha new rules for the Dept. of Ed. Why don't you consider being a substitute. I was a substitute before I got my f/t position. Lots of Luck!

bride04 Posted: Feb 11, 2003 06:34 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

I agree. Substituting is a good idea. It will give you some experience and let you feel more comfortable without quite as much responsibility.

bride04 Posted: Feb 11, 2003 06:37 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

Just thought of this...if you have off on wednesday's, why don't you consider being a per diem TA or substitute and keep your current job? I work in a special ed preschool and we have and are probably always looking for per diem TA's. I think lots of places would allow you to work just one day a week. They're often desperate for people, especially in special ed.

Betty Posted: Feb 11, 2003 06:55 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

Thank you all for your replys. Bride04 where is your school? I didn't know I could work only 1 day a week. I figured with subs they would have others and why would they ask me first when I am willing to do it one day a week. I would LOVE that. If anyones school will allow that PLEASE let me know (if it is colse enough).

About the retirement I thought it was too good to be true. I'm sure there is retirement as a TA but I figured when you start teaching it is a different story.

Thank you all

JennRenee Posted: Feb 11, 2003 07:32 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

Betty, my district is also DYING for per diem subs. Let me know if you'd like info.

jeannad67 Posted: Feb 11, 2003 07:43 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

If anyone's LI district is hiring full time teachers for september, can you please let me know? thanks

yabbobay Posted: Feb 11, 2003 08:53 PM

Re: Question for teachers...

subbing...at least when I was subbing 7 years ago...gives you credit in th NYS Teachers Retirement

Jodi73 Posted: Feb 12, 2003 09:01 AM

Re: Question for teachers...

JennRenee,

Where is your district?

christine1221 Posted: Feb 12, 2003 09:33 AM

Re: Question for teachers...

Just an FYI ... you have to have your K-6 certification in order to sub, so if you're still working on it, you cannot sub in an elementary school. I don't know how the pre-schools work, tho. Maybe that's an option.