Hello April. Thank you so much for this letter from the heart. I have considered teaching. I do feel, like you, that we have to put our faith in young people, and trying to help them become better, more well-rounded human beings is honorable. You certainly make a compelling case for it. Just taking the time to write this tells me a lot about who you are, and you have the trait I value most in people -- kindness.
I'm pretty sure Steve is near Washington, DC, in Virginia I think from his post. I'm in PA and yes, they are desperate. But I'm pretty picky about where I will work after what I've seen and been through. I only work at three charters now.
Definitely. I said I’d never go back but now I’ve found a few really good places. There are still huge challenges to be sure but people are trying. At the places I work the administrators are on the floors all the time. Teacher coaching is real and supportive not punitive. It’s so weird !
For real. If you can become a building sub--which means you only serve in one school, not all over a district--it's choice. You get to know the kids, they get to know you and classrooms run better.
It ain't easy: kids will push you and act out, but when they get to know you it gets less crazy. You need to have patience like you never thought you had.
But: the money ain't bad, and it can lead to a FT career w/union protections and a pension.
I was a FT musician, working as a stage hand for a day job. I don't like teaching anywhere near as much as I liked my old life, but it is way more stable (and I still play out regularly).
Building sub is a good gig. I'm practically a building sub now because I'll only go to three schools. Most days one of them needs me, but there is the odd day like today when I don't get a shift, which is annoying as it's a big chunk out of my income. But I definitely like being a fixture at the places where I go. The kids know me, the staff knows me, and they are fun. Kids know what to expect with me: I will enforce the rules. They, their parents, and the rest of the staff deserve that consistency.
Hello April. Thank you so much for this letter from the heart. I have considered teaching. I do feel, like you, that we have to put our faith in young people, and trying to help them become better, more well-rounded human beings is honorable. You certainly make a compelling case for it. Just taking the time to write this tells me a lot about who you are, and you have the trait I value most in people -- kindness.
Thanks Steve! Let me know if I can help in any way!
It takes a very special kind of person to teach and even more special to have the ability to love it.
PS: If you live in PA, they are DESPERATE for teachers.
I'm pretty sure Steve is near Washington, DC, in Virginia I think from his post. I'm in PA and yes, they are desperate. But I'm pretty picky about where I will work after what I've seen and been through. I only work at three charters now.
Oh, same here. I was in the SDP for 3 years, and finally had enough and went somewhere sane.
But what you say applies everywhere: keep your eyes open, take notes on the schools where you work, and be picky when you can.
Definitely. I said I’d never go back but now I’ve found a few really good places. There are still huge challenges to be sure but people are trying. At the places I work the administrators are on the floors all the time. Teacher coaching is real and supportive not punitive. It’s so weird !
For real. If you can become a building sub--which means you only serve in one school, not all over a district--it's choice. You get to know the kids, they get to know you and classrooms run better.
It ain't easy: kids will push you and act out, but when they get to know you it gets less crazy. You need to have patience like you never thought you had.
But: the money ain't bad, and it can lead to a FT career w/union protections and a pension.
I was a FT musician, working as a stage hand for a day job. I don't like teaching anywhere near as much as I liked my old life, but it is way more stable (and I still play out regularly).
Building sub is a good gig. I'm practically a building sub now because I'll only go to three schools. Most days one of them needs me, but there is the odd day like today when I don't get a shift, which is annoying as it's a big chunk out of my income. But I definitely like being a fixture at the places where I go. The kids know me, the staff knows me, and they are fun. Kids know what to expect with me: I will enforce the rules. They, their parents, and the rest of the staff deserve that consistency.
This is so thoughful and inspiring!
Great article! Very persuasive and spot on!!!
"In solidarity" -- spoken like a true union member/leader.