posted
And I'm conflicted. I remember when I first starting working on my education degree, I read somewhere that the jobs considered "best" in education were the ones with the least contact with students. I didn't understand how that could be, when I wanted to work with students.
Three years of teaching in - one in middle, two in high school, and I think I understand. The job I will interview for is still in teaching, but it's totally different - it's an facilitator job for kids remediating standards for graduation - for a computer based program. So, no lesson planning, no lecturing or discussion with students.
Didn't help my mindset that my students were so much fun today....it's the end of the year and things are winding down so we are getting ready for finals. I was chatting with them, and several told me they hoped I taught 12th grade so they would be in my class again.
[ June 04, 2012, 06:38 PM: Message edited by: Belle ]
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
The things I need to get away from would probably be different if I taught in a different school. But students who are at-risk, who have terrible home lives, who don't read well, who have no parental support...these kids are tough to teach. I am tired, and already feeling a little burned out after only three years in. But it's tough to know I will be one more good teacher (at least I hope I'm considered good) who gave up on teaching the inner city, high poverty kids.
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Belle: But it's tough to know I will be one more good teacher (at least I hope I'm considered good) who gave up on teaching the inner city, high poverty kids.
It is. But you do have to do what is best for you, and for your family. *hug*
posted
My mother is retiring this year after teaching 30 years with the very at-risk students you've mentioned. She would says she's often been tired, but I know she would also say it's the most fulfilling thing she's ever done. So, there is light in that tunnel.
That being said, break a leg at your job interview. Preferably not the leg of your potential employer.
I could go into a diatribe about how working with high risk students can lead to burnout similar to being a caretaker for an Alzheimer's patient, but that might seem kinda depressing. And this thread should have a good note. So, I'll just repeat all the best wishes. Best of luck! Posts: 5979 | Registered: Dec 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
To continue on my brusque and pushy declarations in the other thread, you need to consider all this not as a decision between one job and another, but rather as an understanding that your present position will lead to career burnout. You are attempting to find a new position in order to permit you the opportunity to remain an educator, where otherwise the relationship between you and this career would remain on a terminal path.
Posts: 12281 | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Samp Rimary: Stridently making unexplained assertions of fact since August of 2005.
In seriousness, though, I'm glad you're doing what you think will be best for your peace of mind, Belle. I think that's a lot better than burning yourself out, even for the sake of a noble cause. Posts: 3360 | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Another opening, this time at my current school but different department and a much better situation. Still holding hope the interivew Monday goes well, though. It's my first choice by far.
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
A friend of mine was teaching last year in an inner city school, and couldn't deal with a full class. She ended up having herself "demoted" to a tutor (can't remember the title, but basically dealing with individual special needs kids), which gave her a level of stress she could manage and let her keep interacting with the kids the way she originally wanted - one on one, without dealing with a lot of the other work that goes into being a full fledged teacher.
Not sure if that's an option for you, but it seems to be working well for her.
Posts: 4056 | Registered: Aug 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have taught for 27 years at six different schools in three different states. I have taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade (currently fifth). I've been in a tutor-type position (oh, they do come up with some great names for these positions: SIA, EIP, etc.) I've taught technology (computer lab), and library (media center). I've been a teacher coach (Instructional Facilitator in one place, Instructional Specialist in another.)
My point for listing all of these things? I've been teaching 27 years and I don't feel burned out, and one reason that I attribute that to is the movement from place to place and position to position. When one position stops meeting my needs (which then leads to my not meeting the needs of my students as well), then I move into another where I get renewed and am then able to meet my students' needs better. I've taught in inner city schools (parking lot for the playground, homeless sleeping under the trailer classroom, needles and drug paraphernalia all around), rural two-classrooms per grade schools, and a few inbetween. My movement has actually not been a detriment to me but has been an advantage in some of the jobs I've gotten because of the experience and different perspective I could bring to a position.
You don't need to feel that you're abandoning the "tough, needy" kids. You need to keep yourself fresh. It may be that you find yourself back in a similar position in another few years, with different and more experiences to bring back with you to better help your students. Or not, as it may be. You can love your students, but you need to love yourself a bit more or you won't be able to help the kids.
Posts: 309 | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Had another principal at a different school contact me to say she would probably have openings and wanted to talk to me about coming there.
It's in the same county where I live, semi-rural, middle class, very different from where I have been working. I feel good - it's nice having someone say they have heard good things about you and want to interview you.
Still have the interview tomorrow. Very nervous and excited - really want this one. Preparing a portfolio to take with me with highlights and information the principal may want to know.
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Well I don't know how that went. I think I may not be qualified for it. It's a lot more involved than I thought.
On the other hand, many things he said in the interview made me feel that all this was a formality and he was ready to hand me keys. Of course, he didn't offer it becuase he had someone waiting to interview when I left, but he talked to me for over an hour and 15 minutes. He said that the interview was very positive and asked me what days this summer I could work. But, he fell short of offering it to me and I don't know if he said the same or similar things to everyone he interviewed.
Guess I'll find out eventually.
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
Speaking as someone who has been on both sides of the hiring/interviewing process many times, your lack of qualification probably matters a lot less than one might think.
Unless the "qualification" in question involves some sort of immutable state/local law or concrete HR policy totally above the interviewer's food chain... the way you handle yourself in the interview is usually going to rank a lot higher than your qualifications on paper.
So, stay optimistic, and keep us posted!
Posts: 3360 | Registered: Aug 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I agree with Dan_Frank. I've been on numerous interview committees for teaching positions. Unless it's some requirement (which can often be waived or given a year to accomplish), I've found it comes down to personality in the interview that matters. The confident (but not brazen), prepared, able-to-answer-the-questions not only with the buzz words but with anecdotes or data to back them up, people are the ones the interview committee are interested in. If it comes down to two people, sometimes the qualifications matter, but even then it comes down to perceptions of how the personality of the interviewee will mesh with the personality of the school.
I hope you get whichever position you want most, and that you get to have a wonderful teaching experience wherever you end up.
Posts: 309 | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
The same county called me today - I saw the number and freaked, thinking it might be an offer. It wasn't - it was the board of ed. I called them back (I couldn't answer, I was in a faculty meeting) and the receptionist didn't know who had called me. After talking to her for a minute, she said it was probably the guy who was calling and trying to set up interviews for another position that they have open. She gave that man's voice mail, so if it was indeed about the position, hopefully he'll call back tomorrow.
So, it may be I get interviewed twice by them for two different positions. That has to be a good sign...that the same board of education is calling me twice....
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Argh!!! I really cannot take another day off, but I just got an email that a different county wants to interview me on Monday.
I'm also playing phone tag with someone from a yet another board of ed who wants to set up an interview.
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Oh! I'm so pleased that you're getting so many calls. I hope that the one you want most is the one that gets offered to you (if not all of them, and then you get to have a nice problem of deciding!)
Posts: 309 | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks Sala, that would be nice! Yet another interview for next Wednesday scheduled, but after school so I don't have to miss. So two more interviews next week, and the one I was on Monday....three possibilities coming up. Hopefully one will shake loose and I will get an offer out of it!
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Went well, typical screening - they asked me three questions and they were the same three questions they asked everyone. One of the panel seemed very interested he asked for a resume and asked some additional questions. Who knows?
I do feel better about everything though - it seems as if I am getting calls and I have interviews lined up, which is more than I can say for many people who are looking for jobs.
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yeah it sounds like you're doing great, Belle. Forget likelihood of getting hired, doing as many interviews as you are, the more likely you'll get to be really discriminating and pick the job that sounds like the best fit to you, not just the job that offers to hire you.
posted
Did not get an offer but got what amounts to the second best thing.
At the end of the interview today, the guy says "I don't doubt that you are interviewing elsewhere and talking to other principals, am I right?" When I said yes, he said "I cannot make an offer for about two weeks, based on our posting deadlines and policies. I would really appreciate it if, should you get another offer during that time, that you call me first before you accept it."
I said I would. I feel pretty good - that's a pretty good sign, I would think! *fingers crossed*
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
The fact that you FEEL that way means that you're still a compassionate person.
And the fact that you're forging ahead and doing what is best for YOU and your family in spite of the pain it's causing you speaks volumes about your character.
Posts: 2512 | Registered: Jul 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I started cleaning out my room today. It's a leap of faith - I don't have a job officially yet, but I feel really strongly about this last interview and I have so many other things in the pipeline. I haven't officially resigned and nothing I'm doing so far looks like anything different from the normal end-of-the-year cleanout process we all go through. I'm just boxing up personal items and getting them ready to take home.
It's really easy that my room is going to be used for summer school, so I can just say I'm putting everything up so nothing happens to it while I'm gone and other people are in my room.
Now, I have to pray that I don't have to haul it all back up to the school in the fall!
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I was a hiring manager for a few years, and I think you have every right to be sure of an offer when the posting expires. Unless someones daughter needs a job or something like that, I think you will be OK.
You could always call him and tell him that someone else said the same thing to you, and that you hope to hear from him sooner. That way you see how much that deadline/expiration date really matters....don;t lie and say you got an actual offer, just that a number of schools have expressed a serious interest, which is the truth.
posted
So got a rejection letter in the mail today from the first interview. That's not all that disappointing, as I want the other job more, but still a reminder that just because you interview for something, doesn't mean you have it!
It was a nice letter, for all that it was most likely a form letter. And, it puts this principal one step above most others that have interviewed me in the past who simply never respond to you when you don't get the job.
On to the next one...still in the waiting period for the other one.
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
A negative response is better than no response. Good luck on the one(s) you're still waiting on.
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I was let go from my current position. The principal cut every teacher who was up for tenure, so I know it wasn't personal. Still stings. Won't lie, got my feelings hurt. She was very curt and abrupt and not at all pleasant or understanding. I heard she was that way with everyone, nothing personal. Still, seems like a teacher who has worked hard for you all year deserves more than "This is a letter from the board. Sign here that you've received it. If you have questions, call the human resources department."
I am praying the guy who said he didn't want me to take another job, wants to hire me and will call me.
Posts: 14387 | Registered: Aug 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Here's hoping that things turn around quickly for you. I'm glad you were proactive and had already applied and even gotten some interviews. I can't imagine if this had come at you without you having done that. Is it possible that the position could re-open to you in the fall? When I was first starting out in teaching, teachers were "riffed" every summer. We collected unemployment, and then were rehired in the fall, until tenured. It was just procedure. Maybe it's "just procedure" here?
Posts: 309 | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
E-mail this page
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Party]](graemlins/party.gif)
