School-less
August 5, 2008 by Ms. S
Being one out of 65 childhood educators (grades 1-6) who are still unplaced in a school to teach in the fall is frustrating. Being unable to make grade-specific plans (e.g. investment strategies, classroom management, and curricula) as I waste the last precious days of summer waiting for a school interview is RIDICULOUS.
So as of now, I’m literally job-less.
Yesterday, I was sent an email with the option to potentially teach MIDDLE SCHOOL math or science so that I have a better chance at being placed sooner rather than later.
But middle school?! Can I really handle middle school kids in the Bronx? I’ve heard lots of (bad) stories from other corps members. If I had a choice, I’d really like to stick with elementary school kids. I feel like it’s so much easier to invest them because every word that comes from my mouth is like a pearl or a diamond to them.
Should I do it? Should I over-challenge myself to step out of my comfort and training zone? All summer, I was trained to teach a first grade class!! There are HUGE differences between a 6 year old and a 12 or 13 year old.
If I’m having fears and reservations about teaching middle school, I probably shouldn’t do it, right?
I just feel like I’d be much more effective in childhood education. I don’t think I can afford to take the risk, especially during my first year as a real teacher. I’ve got enough challenges to overcome as it is.
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Middle schoolers are a difficult bunch to decipher.
While they’re on the brink of high school maturity, they still possess the curiousity and innocence of elementary kids. Plus.
On the other hand, a middle schooler’s behavior is a mixture of elementary kid chaos and one whose TRYING to act like a high schooler (ie. expect foul language, puppy love relationships, and naughty sex jokes whenever any kid finds any sliver of an opportunity).
I’ve had really good experiences and really bad ones. You’ve just gotta be flexible!
My advice though: don’t worry as much about wasted days not spent planning for the school year. Place finding the ideal placement as top priority. You’ll be there for an entire year!
Aww, thanks for the advice Mr. G! You make a very good point. Why worry about 3 weeks of planning that might not work out regardless of whether I’m placed or not, when I should be worried about being in the right school teaching the right grade for the next 2 years of my life!
I <3 Sup Teach.
[...] said, I’m nervous and excited for this position (if I get it – crosses fingers). From my last post, you can tell how nervous I am about teaching middle school when I’ve only been trained to [...]
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