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.
bella1028
Posted:
Member since
Re: Teachers: What should I do?
i would take it and heres why....i too commute a very long distance to teach....i was fortunate to get a teaching position, not a TA.....but my own classes as an english teacher when there is not much out there currently....having said that, i def hate the commute and doubt that it will be my forever position....but it def helps the resume and the experience you will get in a more diverse atmosphere, .....(i too work in a culturally diverse school), will really teach you things that you knew nothing about.....it did for me...i say go for it!!!!! and as far as the other teachers go, dont worry about it....you will make friends with others and ya never know....sometimes first impressions are not great and then you love the people you met.....good luck!!!!!!
disneefan
Posted:
Member since
Re: Teachers: What should I do?
First of all, I wouldn't worry too much about the Spanish speaking students. I don't speak a foreign language and the majority of my students are Korean, Chinese, Spanish and Muslim. They are taking ESL and you will be able to communicate with them. As for the parents, some of them will speak English, and for those that don't you can usually get another teacher or an older student to call a parent for you. During PT conferences they provide interpreters.
If 6th grade teaching is what you want to do then really consider this job. Don't worry about who the other teachers are or whether you can hang out with them afterwrds. You are there to do a job not to socialize. I am sure once you are there for awhile you will meet the teachers that you can talk with.
If you are new to teahcing than this could be a great stepping stone for you. Like another post said, this is not where you will spend your career but where you will gain your experience.
