| ||||||||
| ||||||||
| ||||||||
|
Home : 2002 : June : 10
I toured the school, did hours of internet research and talked to other teachers outside those particular schools to get the "real opinions." The things to look for are the school profiles. Are there a lot of behavioral issues, low test scores and gangs? If so, I would suggest waiting for other calls. As an early hire, it is still hard to say no to the first principal who calls. Just because they're ESL and Title I does NOT mean that they are bad kids... but poverty does spawn issues which may quickly burn out a young idealist. The school I eventually settled on was diverse, but located in an econmically mixed neighborhood. There were ESL children and a small number on free lunch. My class size was around 25 and most families were upper-middles. I also asked for and got the ESL kids, as well as gifted. It was ideal and I miss it so much! Had I accepted the first call-back, I'd be burnt out by now-- I am happy with IN THE MIDDLE! The teachers in that school, BTW, had said that the challenges were exciting-- poo- look at their turnover. Some people are called to teach for the neediest kids and others just aren't strong enough. I liked modest challenges and now that I am ending myh seventh year in a new state, I find myself much better equipped to handle more needy children.
What people are currently discussing in the ProTeacher Community: |
| |||||||
