Teachers: What should I do?

If you accept it and sign the contract...so that you have a job for September, you can still keep looking...
After getting my masters and subbing, I took a job in bumble, Ct (thanks to FH relocating us! ) where spec. ed. means being out of the way and not respected...I didn't like it...
My FH's aunt is a principal in LI and she said that if I signed the contract I could still keep looking and if I was offered another job I could take it...

To be honest...from experience and talking among colleagues, your FIRST TEACHING JOB/FIRST YEAR IS USUALLY YOUR WORST...NOTHING IN SCHOOL PREPARES YOU FOR THE BS THAT YOU'LL GO THROUGH IN THE FIRST YEAR....

Long story short, I think you should take it, but still look. Think positive and talk about your wedding :)... a lot of people like to talk about that stuff and you'll make friends in no time

look on the school's website at the test scores and other information. Every school has to have a mission statement on there. I too worked at a school my first year that consisted of a predominately non english speaking population. The parents rarely came to conferences; those who did brought someone to talk for them. I had to work my butt off that year. There were no resources; no photocopying etc. You know what I loved those kids more than anything in the world. I felt that each day I was giving more than I am now at a very wealthy school. Those children depend on you very often for stability and everything else. You will sometimes find that many times these children are the most appreciative. I now live in VA b/c FH is down here. Right now my kids have everything handed to them on a silver plate. The parents are harder to deal with and have unrealistic expectations from teachers(they email me non stop till 12 midnight looking to talk).

I would check out the website and then go with your gut. If it feels wrong don't do it but I would not turn down the job b/c of the population at the school. It's a good first job; you will be forced to grow as a teacher and FAST

I teach in the Bronx..at a great high school and understand your position...I live 5 minutes from my job...would hate to travel. I will say that while your resources in this school may be minimal, it is a good opportunity for you to
a) teach the grade you want
b) teach a diverse population...which is the best. I love learning about their culture and traditions..it's awesome.
c) teach in Manhattan

So I say go for it...I only know parts of Washington Heights...I am not sure of the exact location, but if your not driving and using public transportation I say do it...sometimes Opportunities only knock ONCE!

Hey - as a teacher myself I think you should PROBABLY take the job!!

I'll lay out my PRO reasons...

1 - As far as the school being predominately Spanish speaking, it may seem a bit of a challenge, but it'll be a HUGE learning experience! I currently teach in a school that's predominately Chinese and Korean, and I'm learning so much from these children, both linguistically and culturally. As far as communicating with parents, if there's really any difficulty, there are usually translation services available, and that should especially be the case since you say that the school is largely ELL.

2 - As for resources being dismal, well, that's NYC for you (as a NYC teacher I could tell you)!! Resources TEND to be dismal. However, all teachers do get Teacher's Choice money to spend on whatever items they want. You could definitely put some of that money towards getting math manipulatives and other resources. Also, this may sound odd, but I got TONS of math manipulatives on ebay for very low prices and they're GREAT!!! A lot of teachers sell their items when they retire or take off to raise families and they pretty much just want to get RID of them, so they'll sell them on a huge discount! Oh, and if you want good worksheets, check out eduplace.com. Follow the links until you get to 6th grade mathematics and they have TONS of print outs!!

3 - Don't worry about the other teachers. Yeah, it's a lot more pleasant when they're nicer, but even if they aren't nice, that's no big deal. I've student taught/subbed in schools where the kids were great and the teachers weren't, and, no big deal, I went to work to work and I kept to my friends outside of work. Keep to yourself, don't rock any boats and just say a quick hello each day; you'll be fine!

4 - It's the grade and subject you want and it's not a bad commute - and both of those are DEFINITE benefits to accepting the job!

The ONLY things that I would say MAY make you reconsider IF you find out they're not in your favor are as follows:

1 - The administration. Staff is one thing, but if you have an administrator that's difficult to work with, that can affect the entire job. If the higher ups in the school seem nice, it doesn't matter how the other teachers are - that's GOLD right there, and you should take it!! Great principals - or even GOOD principals - are hard to come by.

2 - The curriculum. Sometimes schools can be flexible and let you bend if one child or another isn't affected by the current style of teaching, but other schools are so afraid of getting opposition from the superintendent that they INSIST that ALL children do things in this structured, fixed way that can't really be altered. That can really stink, especially if you're a new teacher who wants to try all kinds of new, innovative ideas.

3 - The test scores/school report card, which you can find if you seach the school on the DOE website (just google NYC Dept of Education and type the school number in). I'm not saying that the scores in and of themselves are important, but if the scores are low and the school has performed poorly, you will likely have a superintendent breathing down your neck. Usually if you're at least in the B range, that won't happen, but since our chancellor has established this accountability program, testing has become a priority and that can sometimes become disheartening.

Just to play Devil's advocate here, yes, I understand the argument that it's good to get the experience and you should just take it, but if any of the above listed 3 items are REALLY dismal, it may not be SO easy to just 'move elsewhere'. LOTS of people request transfers in NYC, and it could take years for one of those to be granted. You've just got to think about that, too - this is going to be a place where you will spend every day for at least a few years. If there's something about the administration, the curriculum or the school environment that you really percieve as being unbearable, it won't be to your benefit or to the benefit of the kids to 'deal with it' just to get the experience. You've also got to think about your own level of comfort, because if you're unhappy, the kids are unhappy and nobody wins.

However, if it seems workable, and there are no MAJOR issues, take it. and I'm sure you'll do great!

I hope it helps! Good luck with everything!

i would take it
A lot of NYC public schools right now are working out of annexes (my school too - while they finish the upgraded building to house all of us)

no matter where you go you are going to have collegues you are not going to mesh well with but im sure there will be one if not more that you will find who will help you

ETA: its NYC you are going to have a large pop who dont speak english. Most of the students in my school are spanish and indian. Many of the parents do not speak english but during PT conf. my school provides translaters. there are usually others in the building who can speak/write and who can translate notes for you


If you are not sure though, i would be iffy on signing anything if you want to be ale to get another job in NYC. Ive heard some horror stories

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Posted by FutureMrsCarrieri


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.

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I HAVE TO AGREE WITH THIS!!!

if anything he/she is going to def play nice ev en if he/she can be moody and a PITA, to give you a good impression and so you take it

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Michelle...that advice was so right on!

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Thanks

I wish you all the luck in the world bonnie and you know i am here for you if you have any questions

i will tell you also that in terms of resources being dismal, it depends on your administration and their ability to budget their money properly; and by properly i mean prioritizing

MATERIALS come first in my building
Our kids NEED materials; including basic school supplies

also, there are not union transfers anymore as in the past where it took years to get a transfer

now there is the 'open market' system
the listings come out in may of openings across the city and you can apply online or call; and that is IF you are not happy and choose to look elsewhere

When I was teaching in the classroom, I had a terrible administration, which is why I became an administrator - I wanted to be the kind that I needed as a new teacher, but never had. However, I did not let that effect me or my class, or what happened in the 4 walls of my room.

Good Luck! Let me know what happens

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Posted by jgl

i would take it

ETA: its NYC you are going to have a large pop who dont speak english. Most of the students in my school are spanish and indian. Many of the parents do not speak english but during PT conf. my school provides translaters. there are usually others in the building who can speak/write and who can translate notes for you

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As a NYC teacher, I have to agree with this too. When I was hired, it was for a 4th grade CTT class. I didn't particularly want that, but it was a foot in the door, and I desperately needed anything I could get. It's not always easy, but I just finished my 5th yr in the same school. I don't mean to sound outspoken, but especially w/ the way the economy is going lately, and the education budget cuts, I'd take the job. Like jgl said, most students in my school are ELLs and speak Spanish, Bengali, Chinese, and Korean. Their parents speak very little English. But it's not too hard to find translators in school, and for PT conferences, we are mandated to have translators. If I need to schedule a parent meeting, I'll write a note and also have one of the teachers or counselors write the translation below for non-English parents. I'll also include a sentence about bringing a translator with them for PT conference night to speed things up, so I don't have to wait for a translator provided by the school. We also have an excellent parent coordinator and plenty of PTA mothers who provide translation services too.

I know it's not the ideal situation, but if they're offering a full-time position, I'd take it. The benefits are amazing too, especially health insurance, which for me, has paid off enormously with my pre-existing medical issues. I pay less than $8 every 2 weeks to cover both myself and FH.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who responded. It really means a lot and has really helped me out.

Despite what most of you probably think, I'm actually leaning towards taking the job! Yes, I am very fortunate to have received offers and I do NOT take that for granted. I want to give my all, and I want to make sure that I can do the best job possible. While resources are an issue (although I have no problem purchasing things for my classroom) they are less of an issue than a poor administration. An unsupportive administration really IS a deal breaker to me...hence my desire to meet the principal before I take the job. I can deal with having difficult colleagues, but I cannot/will not work in an environment where I do not feel supported by my administrators. I know some people might not have a problem with this, but I really do. I've worked in too many jobs where I did not feel supported by my bosses (nothing traumatic or anything - ), and I just don't want to start off my career in a similar environment. I hope that makes sense. And honestly, any school that won't wait for me to meet the administration is NOT a school I want to work for... So if that's the case, then I will turn it down. Who wants to work for a job when they haven't even MET their boss? Yes, they may put on a happy face when I meet them, but I think I am a good judge of character, and I think I can really gather a sense of the view/mission of the school by talking to the principal.

So as long as that goes well, I will probably take the job! Thank you again for your help!!!!!!!

I can understand your wanting to meet the principal before accepting the job, but keep in mind what happened to me.....

The summer I was looking for a position, I hand-delivered my resume to every school in my district. In most schools, I only got as far as the Main Office and secretaries.

One particular school was 'closed' for the summer, but since they were doing construction, the door was opened and a custodian let me in. I knocked on the principal's office and his attitude was, 'yeah, what do YOU want???' So I politely gave him my resume and hyped up my credentials, as I had already earned my MSEd with a specialization in children's lit. He was pretty curt with me, said there were no positions available, and sent me on my way.

About 2 weeks later, the phone rings at 8am and it's him. 'Can you come in for an interview tomorrow?' I was floored. Within an hour of the interview, he had me in the DO filling out papers and signing a job offer. So the very principal I had crossed off my list as rude and dismissive was the only one to offer me a chance to prove myself! And that's where I've been for the past 5 years.

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Posted by CC11208
So the very principal I had crossed off my list as rude and dismissive was the only one to offer me a chance to prove myself! And that's where I've been for the past 5 years.

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I hear what you're saying...and thats awesome!

I just know NOTHING about the school. How many kids are in the classroom? How many periods will I teach? Where do you see the school going in the next 2 years? What is the most important thing you want from us (the teachers)? How long is the school day? How do you feel about the current emphasis being placed on testing? How is this going to be reflected in the school's everyday operation? Professional development? Afterschool activities - will I be participating in them?

I mean, I just have SO many questions that have not been answered, and I really think I want to hear the answers from the admin. I seriously know NOTHING about the school except for what Ive read on the website. She's a relatively new principal...in a relatively new school. There are a lot of things I want to know before I sign on the dotted line.

hi again bon bon

you are totally right to want to meet the principal, but just one tiny bit of advice

if they ask you if YOU have any questions at the end, you dont want to make it seem like you are interviewing them

i dont know if the questions you put are ones that you want answered and if so how many of them, and again, you are totally NOT WRONG for wanting to meet the potential person you will be working for, but i would pick 1 or 2 questions that are your most important.

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Posted by beachbum05

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Posted by CC11208
So the very principal I had crossed off my list as rude and dismissive was the only one to offer me a chance to prove myself! And that's where I've been for the past 5 years.

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I hear what you're saying...and thats awesome!

I just know NOTHING about the school. How many kids are n the classroom? Where do you see the school going in the next 2 years? What is the most important thing you want from us (the teachers)? How long is the school day? How do you feel about the current emphasis being placed on testing? How is this going to be reflected in the school's everyday operation? Professional development? Afterschool activities - will I be participating in them?

I mean, I just have SO many questions that have not been answered, and I really think I want to hear the answers from the admin. I seriously know NOTHING about the school except for what Ive read n the website. She's a relatively new principal...in a relatively new school. There are a lot of things I want to know before I sign on the dotted line.

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Yes, I can see your point too. Those are very good questions! I'm signing off for tonight, but I hope everything goes well with whatever you decide!!!

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Posted by Snowflake08

hi again bon bon

you are totally right to want to meet the principal, but just one tiny bit of advice

if they ask you if YOU have any questions at the end, you dont want to make it seem like you are interviewing them

i dont know if the questions you put are ones that you want answered and if so how many of them, and again, you are totally NOT WRONG for wanting to meet the potential person you will be working for, but i would pick 1 or 2 questions that are your most important.

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I hear you...maybe I'm just being unreasonable? Isn't it important to make sure it's a good fit for both parties? Look, I know that they could find someone else right away if I don't take the job. But I don't even KNOW what math program they use!!!! I don't want to grill them or anything, but I definitely need to know some BASIC info! I just really want to know about the culture. Every school I've met with has been different in terms of discipline, responsibilities, curriculum, etc. I just want to know where they stand. Ya know?

absolutely! i would ask what program they use or they should actually TELL YOU and ask if you are familiar with it

and asking what is most impt. to them - Great question

i just wouldnt question their vision or feelings about testing - we all feel the same way about testing LOL

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Posted by Snowflake08

i just wouldnt question their vision or feelings about testing - we all feel the same way about testing LOL

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I figured I just want to know if I'm going to be teaching to the test everyday, ya know?

Thanks Laura! I'm so excited....just want to get it all done!

Do you have any baby bump pics?!?!?!?!?!?

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Posted by beachbum05

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Posted by Snowflake08

i just wouldnt question their vision or feelings about testing - we all feel the same way about testing LOL

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I figured I just want to know if I'm going to be teaching to the test everyday, ya know?

Thanks Laura! I'm so excited....just want to get it all done!

Do you have any baby bump pics?!?!?!?!?!?

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i hear ya! GOOD LUCK and again, im here if you have ?

No baby bump pics yet - ive only gained 7 lbs, but i do have a little belly - I'll take some tomorrow

i cant believe i complete my 4th month on tuesday and start month #5 - it feels like it is flying now - YIKES!!!