Teachers: What should I do?

I got a job offer today to teach 6th grade math in a school up in Washington Heights, Manhattan. It's an NYC public school.

In any case, there are some positives to write about. The school is in Manhattan (something I really wanted since I live in the borough), it's only about 15 minutes on the subwayt, it's less than a 2 block walk from the subway stop (super important for a new teacher in a tough neighborhood), and its the grade and subject I want to teach.

However, I'm unsure about the position. Here are the negatives. First, the school is mostly a spanish speaking population. I speak minimal Spanish and I am afraid it would impact my teaching and my abilities to communicate with the parents. Second, the resources seem dismal. While I can't say that for sure, the school is being housed in an anex across the street from the old school. Granted there is air conditioning, and wipe off boards, but it seems like there isn't much else. Third, I didn't get the best impression from the other teachers. When I met them at the career fair, they were very quiet. Maybe it was their personalities, though...but I was hoping for a warm, teaching environment where I am shown the ropes. Maybe a bit fairytale like, but I was hoping for colleagues that I would really get along with and want to hang out with outside of school - especially since we're all pretty young. They weren't UNfriendly...just quiet.Fourth, I have yet to meet the principal. The principal is out of the country until the 28th. I really want to know more about the school, the vision, the kids, etc., and I'd really like to meet with her before I decide anything...but these schools want to hire NOWWWWWW.

I guess here's the big question. Do I take the position, or do I hold out for something better? In doing so, I run the risk of not finding something better and winding up in the Bronx. (Manhattan schools are impossible to get into unless they are way uptown)..............................

Teachers, what were the most important factors when you decided to take a job?

(and a big thanks to the ladies who helped me last night with their lesson plan ideas - it worked! )

ETA: Just wanted to add that winding up in the Bronx is NOT a bad thing at all. There are many awesome schools up there. It's just a super dooper hike for me.

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Posted by Mimacat

I would take it.

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Care to elaborate?

Dork.

PS - you and that guitar look hotttt

Here's my feeling on the 'job is a job' thing. I did about 4 years of working at a few 'jobs' and that's all it was to me - a 'job.'

But now I've invested a significant amount of money into my education, and I'm no longer looking for a job, but a 'career.' I recognize I'm not going to stay in this school (or whatever school it may be) forever, but, I want to really feel like it's the best fit for me and some place that I can really grow (professionally and personally). I'm tired of just being at a particular place because it's a paycheck, ya know?

So far I've turned down two other teaching positions because they didn't feel right....I guess I'm just afriad karma is going to bite me soon.

Well, Bon, I think you should take it.
This is your first teaching job? You can do it.
I had my first teaching job in East LA, with a 99% Spanish speaking population. It was not a problem communicating. I got to know the families, and learn a little Spanish. I loved the challenge of being outside of my comfort zone and really helping students that needed good teachers. I wouldn't let the language barrier stop you. See that as an opportunity to learn Spanish!
As for the principal, I would use some sleuthing skills. Are there teachers you can call and talk about the teaching environment and principal support? I have had some TERRIBLE principals, and it was a pain in the neck BUT - really when I was in my classroom, it was the kids and me and that was enough. So, even if she turns out to be less than wonderful, you'll have the kids.
I think it sounds great! Good job on the interview! You're going to be a great teacher.
Oh, and thanks for having Tom leave the Chinese lanterns up for us!!
Congrats on the new job!!!!!
xo
Rachel

hey bonnie

well, if it were me, i'd take it because it's a job BUT you in retrospect when i went for my AP job, I got a great feeling right when I walked in the door

Sure there were shooting and gang wars outside, but INSIDE the building, from the second I walked in i felt 'this is where Im supposed to be'

im not saying that everyone gets that feeling which is why i still say, 'it will pay the bills' and it doesnt mean you cant still look

also, did you look the school up on the DOE website??
FM me the PS# if you want

Rachel and Laura -

Thank you SO much for the feedback. Laura, I'm going to FM you in a bit.

I think I'm going to hold off until I can actually MEET the principal. I have so many questions, and things I want to know before I come even CLOSE to accepting an offer. I think you can really get a feel for a school's culture and climate by meeting the leadership in the building, ya know?

Do you think they'll let me hold off on making a decision until I can meet her? She's back on the 28th.....

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Posted by beachbum05

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Posted by Mimacat

I would take it.

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Care to elaborate?

Dork.

PS - you and that guitar look hotttt

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LOL ok I will elaborate. I feel like you're super lucky to have gotten your subject. I think if you wait,you could get pushed into a position that you dont really want - like special ed or something like that. I'm SURE its totally different in the city, but I find that my ESL kids work twice as hard to pass (but then again, its college) but 6th grade might be young enough to really get through to them. I'd take it.

Thanks. I have another one w/an accordian, but it doesnt have the same effect so I didnt post it.

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Posted by Mimacat

Thanks. I have another one w/an accordian, but it doesnt have the same effect so I didnt post it.

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Ooh a squeezebox, eh? Are you squeezing it with your thighs? Such a trollup.

I agree w/ the AP. I have been a TA, teacher, dean and just landed a job as AP.

I started in East NY-traveled in 1 1/2 hrs traffic from LI. I then after two years got the teaching pos. five mins from my home. Now I have been teacher and got dean just last year. Although I love my job, I know that I have to do what's best for my career right now.

The new AP pos. is a 45 min ride to eastern LI and again, my job is around the corner, but they don't have openings for AP at my job and I need the experience even to be prepared if one comes up around my house later.

I suggest you take it to gain the experience and later maybe you will move on.

Hope this helps!

I would take it for the experience. It's not a job for the sake of having a job -- it's an opportunity to get your feet wet in your chosen field.

I have worked in a predominantly Hispanic school -- obviously it's easier if you know the language but there's bound to be other teachers, secretaries, or aides that can translate for you. I happen to speak Spanish and I often translated for other teachers and for parents -- even at CSE meetings. People would often bring someone from home that could translate for them -- it's tough for them too and many want to be able to communicate with the school.

Good Luck

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Posted by beachbum05

Rachel and Laura -

Thank you SO much for the feedback. Laura, I'm going to FM you in a bit.

I think I'm going to hold off until I can actually MEET the principal. I have so many questions, and things I want to know before I come even CLOSE to accepting an offer. I think you can really get a feel for a school's culture and climate by meeting the leadership in the building, ya know?

Do you think they'll let me hold off on making a decision until I can meet her? She's back on the 28th.....

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I don't think they will hold out for you. It's NYC -- if they find another teacher (and that person accepts in writing) then you are S.O.L.

I hate to tell you this but meeting the principal for a few minutes will not give you a real feel for what's in store for you. He or she could be in a good mood that day (summer will do that to you) and be impossible during the school year. Or the opposite could be true. He/She could be a little standoffish at first but turn out to be very fair and supportive.

if they do let you wait to meet the principal you may be gambling with the position and not have a chance to take it if they offer it to someone else in the meantime. I would take it. Worst case senario...you stay for a year, get experience and get into another school. You are VERY lucky to have gotten the grade and subject you wanted. Jobs are slim pickins out there and you don't want to regret giving it up. No, you won't know what might have happened if you passed up the job but you don't want to be in a position like the 100's of us are in where we can't get into a school. Hey look at it this way...at least you have the option to take it or leave it!

CONGRATS on the offer!

It seems like you are leaning toward not accepting the job or making sure you can meet with the principal first (although all of the teaching jobs I've applied for only give you 24-48 hrs to accept)...Go with your gut

I turned down a few positions that i knew were not right for me until I stumbled upon 'the one'...haha its like choosing a wedding dress

Good luck with your decision!

PS-- What lesson did you end up going with? Obviously it was stellar!

I think I may be changing my mind. It really sounds like you have so many doubts that it might not be the right job. Maybe you should wait for something you're really comfortable with. Traveling for a job isn't so bad if you LOVE the job.
Good luck - do what feels best to you! Your instincts are usually right.
xo
R

I work for the DOE (Im a guidance counselor)...the enitre NYC DOE just experienced serious budget cuts....most schools had to excess staff...with this in mind I would say take the job. I spent my first three years in a very rough high school...I mean very. It was a fabulous experience and the lack of 'resources' or 'materials' actually makes you better at what you do,in my experience.

I was excessed from this 'tough' school bc it is closing....and as an appointed DOE person had first crack at interviews...I am now working in the best district in NYC....5 MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE.

The point of this is to say..a job isa job..with budget cuts...your in your borough...many friends of mine cannot get a job right now bc of the cuts in budget city wide,,,,I'd take it and worry about transfering if you dont like it. HTH

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Posted by lizzie217
It was a fabulous experience and the lack of 'resources' or 'materials' actually makes you better at what you do,in my experience.

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I agree!!!!!!!

I would take it but if something better comes along then go for the other. Talk with some of the department members. That's who you'll be around the most.

The Spanish will be a problem. You won't be able to call home and explain the student's progress etc...if the parents don't speak the language. You would have to find someone to help you out to call parents or write a letter home. Which can get annoying for you and for the other person.
On the plus side...your Spanish will definitely improve!

You might end up loving it! It's so hard to say. I would take it.