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Mary/PA - Welcome to Teachers.Net's Chat for Substitute Teachers
dude - Ok...Glad u could make it : )
dude - Are u a sub?
Mary/PA - No, I've teacing full time for 32 years now
Mary/PA - Never had a chance to sub, I think I'd enjoy it
dude - I just graduated last month, i'm looking for my first teaching position
Mary/PA - In what part of the country?
dude - Connecticut...we're practically neighbors
Mary/PA - Some places need teachers more than others
dude - I was an older student
Magoo - Am I in the sub chat room???
dude - Is that Mr. Magoo, the one and only?
dude - yes
Mary/PA - Is CT in need of teachers?
Magoo - Hey, pardner, that's MRS. Magoo, the one and only!
dude - Yes
Magoo - OOPS, sorry ! wrong face!!
dude - I have to take the certification test this Saturday
dude - Oh, I used to watch your husband on TV then : )
Magoo - this is silly
Magoo -
Mary/PA - Magoo, behave yourself....please
dude - Magoo are u a sub?
Magoo - yep, I'm a sub, 7 years now.........I am an oldie-but-goodie
dude - Mary, what do u teach?
Magoo -
Magoo -
Mary/PA - Next year I'll be teaching Reading Recovery all day
Magoo - ***muttering to self*** I know that face is on this keyboard someplace..........
dude - Mary, what exactly is RR?
Mary/PA - before that I taught many years in first grade and 8 in Kindergarten and RR
Magoo - dude, what do you teach???
Magoo - Mary, I have 11-15 K's in summer school just now.........nice bunch of munchkins!
Mary/PA - It's an intensive program for first grade kids who are off to a very bad start in reading and writing
dude - I will be teaching most likely 5th grade next year...never taught before
Mary/PA - I get them into to ball game
Mary/PA - dude, do you have a job lined up?
dude - 2 school principals what to higher me pending my certification
Mary/PA - So are they fighting over you?
Mary/PA - How do they know you?
dude - Not exactly...I will be interviewed by other schools also
Magoo - I scooted over to the main board and hollered at the subs that the chat had begun..........
Mary/PA - Good luck to you dude
Magoo - so, dude, I missed it---what do you teach??
Mary/PA - Thanks Magoo
dude - Magoo, do u ever plan to become a teacher?
dude - thanks
Mary/PA - She is a teacher!!!
Mary/PA - Subs are teachers too you know
Magoo - ***huffy*** 'become a teacher' ???????
dude - I will teach either 4th, 5th or 6th grades...I would teach all subjects
Magoo - I'll have you know, you young squirt, that I am already a teacher, I just prefer to sub
Mary/PA - I knew you'd get her feathers ruffled
dude - What's the difference between the two?
Magoo - ***doing a Junie B. 'huffy breath' at dude***
Mary/PA - dude, if you don't land a job, will you sub?
dude - no
Mary/PA - Why not?
dude - I have a job now
Mary/PA - It's a good way to gain experience
Magoo - Ahhhhh, the differences.....well, subs don't have to do grade, deal with parents, go to meeting, be on committees, go back to school, or get back problems from hauling large amounts of $$ to the bank. l
Magoo - Subs get to TEACH all day, and they have their evenings and weekends and summers free.
Mary/PA - You've confused me, dude. You said that 2 are wanting you and that you have interviews....have you signed a contract?
dude - So teachers have more responsibilities
Magoo - Subs can, if they wake up feeling like 40 miles of bad road, just say, "Oh, I can't work today" and stay home and get well.
dude - I have not signed a contract...I work for the State doing something else
Magoo - Well, dude, dear, where I sub, subs have LOTS of responsibilities (that word is fun to type), and they don't have the ickies of teaching to deal with.
Mary/PA - dude, yes unless the sub is in a perm. position...long term
Mary/PA - Oh, I see, thanks for explaining
dude - Magoo, u are funny...and that word was fun to type
dude - Magoo, are u a permanent sub?
Mary/PA - How long have you been a sub?
Magoo - Now, I was in a long-term the last 5 wks. of school, and there were MANY responsibilities, some of which the teacher should have had, but didn't.
Casub - Hi Magoo...Hi Mary....I am really awful at this chatroom stuff. I just wanted to say hello.
dude - What's the worst thing about being a sub?
Mary/PA - The pay
Magoo - dude, I am old (58) and I don't want the hassle of my own room, or the stupid political games the districts like to play with the teachers, so I guess I am a permanent sub, or a Career Sub.........
Magoo - Oh, Casub, please stay!!! Just pretend we are munching snickerdoodles and visiting.
dude - 58 is not old
Mary/PA - No benefits
dude - Students usually disrespect subs..I've heard horror stories
Mary/PA - Hi christy and snowy
Mary/PA - Are you both subs?
christy - yeah
Magoo - dude, 58 is old if you apply for a job...
snowy - I did sub but I just got a perm teaching position
christy - i took over a long-term position about a month ago...and hoping to have a job full time job for the fall
dude - isw 42 too old to apply for a job?
Casub - The worst things about subbing are the pay, the pay, the pay. Oh, and no benefits. The best thing is the job! You get to really enjoy the children!
Magoo - hahahahaha!! I have been 'sunk' a time or two, but not often. I am on to their little tricks. ***cackling***
Mary/PA - snowy, how long did you sub before landing the job?
snowy - I was a sub while I completed my student teaching
Magoo - dude, I don't think 42 is too old, no. See, they look at me and they think, oh, she's OLD, we'll only have her a few years and then she'll croak and we'll have to break in a new one.........
christy - i like what i'm doing now, i'm teaching 8th grade social studies, but i'm certified elementary. i just have a bs in history too
Mary/PA - snowy, how is that possible?
christy - but i kinda feel like its a waste of time
Magoo - I have subbed for 7 years, and mostly I love it. You can't live on sub pay, tho.
snowy - my first two practicums were only 2 days a week
dude - Magoo, you must really make the kids and staff laugh
Magoo - I work about 115-125 days of 180 every year. I am VERY lucky.
dude - 180 is too much?
christy - snowy-where did you get the job....if you dont mind me asking
Mary/PA - That's how many student days most places have
Magoo - dude, I have a rep, for sure!!! Was reciting 'Jabborwocky' one time in a 5th grade and was REALLY into it, and flipped around and there stood the principal in the doorway!!! The kids fell on the floor laughing.
Mary/PA - Some have more
snowy - In MA
dude - Jabborwocky?
Casub - Magoo, you are NOT JUST LUCKY! We all know that you are the teacher we all wished we had as a child, and that every parent prays for!
christy - great poem!
Mary/PA - dude, will teaching mean a pay decrease for you?
Magoo - I am famous for my rainbow colored shoelaces, my strange earrings, and for hollering, in the middle of a math lesson, 'I CAN'T STAND IT ANYMORE, I MUST READ TO YOU NOW!'
dude - Yes, Mary
Mary/PA - Are you ready for that?
Magoo - dude, 'Jabborwocky' is from "Alice in Wonderland"........" 'twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimbol in the wabe...."
christy - hola shari
dude - Not really, if I teach summer school it should make up the difference
Mary/PA - Magoo, may I borrwo that line a few times?
Shari - Hi, just dropped in for a few minutes...
Magoo - Thank you, Casub, for the kind words!!! ***stubbing toe in the dirt and blushing***
Magoo - HI, SHARI!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dude - Magoo, thanks for clearing that up...its been awhile
Shari - Hey Magoo--nice to talk to "in Person"
Magoo - Mary, you can borrow anything I have, any old time.............no charge, either!!
Mary/PA - Thanks
Magoo - I am teaching summer school now, and will get about $600 for 27 HOURS of work!!!
Shari - Been in class all day...getting my middle school endorsement.. It's acutally rather fun. Great teacher!!
christy - well it was nice chatting with you all but i have to go fill in grade sheets
dude - What makes a good sub?
Magoo - STANLEY!!!!!!! HOW'YA DOIN', SPORT???
Stanley - Any dryads lurking about? They been molesting me recently! {G}
Mary/PA - Well, the gang is growing, I'll be off to other places now. Thanks for coming this evening
Casub - Have fun everyone! If laurap,Stanley, pambre, Stromer, or John B. Good, Esq. show up - say hi from me!
dude - Magoo, do u come to any of the other meetings held here?
Shari - dude, are you new to subbing? Sorry I missed earlier messages.
Magoo - Wow, Shari, MIDDLE school????? You're a braver gal than I, Gunga Din!!!
Stanley - Tonight I chose "dim gray" as my color. Part of my Kinder penance??? {G}
Shari - Acutally, I need 6 hours of middle school classes to get my media specialist endorsement. Not PLANNING on teaching Middle school but then one never knows....
Magoo - ***snickering at Stanley*** do you mean Druids??? or those little wood you-know-whats ??? hee hee hee!!!
Stanley - Unbelievable...did I scare Casub off? {G} Oh well, I've been MEANING to phone her...
dude - I will be teaching 5th grade in Sept., just graduated
Magoo - dude, I try to come to the sub chats every month.............but there is a 3-hr time diff, and sometimes I forget about that!!!
Magoo - dude, oh, boy, 5th grade!!! They are great at the beginning of the year, then some of them come down with Terminal Hormones in the spring, and you just have to tie them to their chairs.
dude - I come here every other night now to learn stuff about the profession
Stanley - Druids? They were SCARY! Of course, we live just south of a place with lots of fairies, & THAT can be scary too! {G}
Magoo - dude, I was 51 when I graduated.........
Shari - I was going to suggest dude, that you visit the chat board to getsome ideas about how sub think (ha) to help you be better prepared when you need a sub. It makes a difference when you get back to your classroom. (PS I love 5th graders!)
Stanley - dude, Where are you located? BTW, CONGRATULATIONS on the position!!
dude - Magoo, I feel better now
Magoo - dude, I wander by the regular chat room frequently, check to see if there's any snickerdoodles around........
dude - I don't plan to sub, I'm going to start as the classroom teacher
Magoo - dude, to make your subs happy, all you have to do is LEAVE SPECIFIC LESSON PLANS, (gee, there's a concept), and a list of who goes where for what, and a note about which kids can be trusted to give a straight answer, and any hard-and-fast rules you have.
Shari - I haven't been to the chat board myself lately...been busy hunting down jobs and trying to line up interviews. EXHAUSTING!!
Stanley - I had a 5/6 today, & @ a tough school, too. But, I lucked out...
dude - Magoo, that is important info u just gave me, thanks
Magoo - I've had older kids tell me, with a straight, sincere face, "But we NEVER do math on Tuesdays??"
Shari - Stanley--you are still in school? Are you from a warm climate?
Stanley - Shari, in what part of the country are you looking to teach?
Shari - I live in the chicago burbs. Looking for a media specialist position.
dude - What kind of rules do teachers usually leave for subs to follow Magoo?
Stanley - San Diego, Shari. I worked 237 days in Y2K, so with luck I've less than a wk off between school years.
Magoo - dude, f'rinstance, don't just write 'math', put specifics--'math, pg. 37, odds only, trade and grade, keep papers', that way the sub will know exactly what you need done.
dude - rather to enforce
Magoo - Hey, I went to K in Chi, in 1948-49...I still remember the Olson Rug Company rock garden, and the Lincoln Park Zoo
Shari - Man, I would miss those summers off. But I gues you have "summer" all the time. (sigh)
dude - Magoo, I wasn't born then
Stanley - dude, "Regular" classroom rules are about all we REALLY need.
dude - The classroom rules would be posted
Shari - I like those Sub folders you can buy at the teacher store. Just fill them out!!
Magoo - dude, leave the 'teacher texts' where the sub can find them, a class list of all the kids, who goes to Title, etc, and when, who's on meds, any unusual stuff--like if a kid is epileptic--what the schedule is (when do they go to lunch, etc.), any duties (recess, hall) that the sub will have to do
Stanley - Shari, Is a media specialist what we call ed technology here?
dude - If I'm out sick (suddenly)...how do I get lessons to the sub?
Magoo - Oh, dude, one more thing-----don't ever write the lesson plans in regular pencil on dark purple paper....very hard to read!! (this actually happened to me!)
dude - Do most 5th grade teachers still have teachers editions for subjects?
Stanley - dude, I find virtually ALL kids "know" what is off limits. Quite frankly I often don't even LOOK for posted rules.
Magoo - dude, if you are suddenly sick, like the night before, or that day, a good sub won't have much trouble just zooming in and taking over, BUT you can always work up a few days' worth of plans for just such occasions, and have them ready to go
dude - Magoo, what about invisible ink?
Sarah - I'm just passing through..a classroom teacher that thinks subs are TOPS
dude - Magoo, u are good : )
Magoo - Thanks, Sarah, I think us subs are tops, too!
Sarah - Dude, I suggest you set up an emergency file.
Stanley - dude, I've had Ts fax in plans or send them with a colleague who lived nearby. I've also had them dictate things to me over the phone while I was in the classroom. ANY of those will work...
icats - Hi everyone! I am also a classroom teacher and wanted to let you all know that you are appreciated!!!!!
dude - I could also fax lessons also
Magoo - dude, I just have lots of experience, PLUS my age is a definate advantage sometimes....kids don't usually mess with me because I am old and tough.
Magoo - (((HUGS))) to icats and Sarah
Magoo - ***kissing feet of icats and Sarah***
icats - Just took off my sneakers, Magoo. I don't recommend it!!!
dude - emergency file...that's what I'll have
Shar - Whoa, this is Shari and I just got kicked off line but can't log in here under by "real" name.
Stanley - Classroom Ts :: THANKS for the compliments, but YOU "GUYS" are still "the SHOW!" {G}
Shar - Hi, Sarah and thanks for the e-hug!
dude - How can I go about getting an assistant teacher for my class?
Magoo - Dude, you are....how shall I say this....more mature than right-out-of-college teachers???
Magoo - OLDER, just that, you are older ??
dude - Thank you Magoo, I want to do well...get off to a good start
Shar - To answer your question a while back, stanely, a media specialist is more like a librarian. They do some technology--how much depends on the school. I had to take 18 hours of LIBS classes to qualify and now I need these 6 middel school hours.
Stanley - dude, Do you mean a paraprofessional when you say assistant T?
Magoo - dude, you don't want an assistant the first year, do you???
Sarah - Dude if you are talking about a school based aid, they will be assigned by your administfation. Unfortunatelly, intermediate teachers don't always get that extra help,
dude - Stan, some help?
icats - dude, do you mean mentor?
Magoo - Shari, I'd give my left arm to be a librarian.........
dude - I can recruit parents, right?
Shar - I love help but your first year--it might be intimidating.
Magoo - ***noticing that dude is evading the age issue***
Sandy - Hi! I just retired with 32 years and I have really appreciates my subs!!
Magoo - parents aren't reliable............
dude - Oh yeah...I will have a mentor too
Magoo - ***kissing Sandy's feet also***
Stanley - Parapro = Aide, dude. Sarah said what I was driving towards...
icats - dude, help from parents can be both positive and negative.
Shar - After subbing for 23 years, I was ready for a change. Also, no conferences, no grades,...
Magoo - I can't stand it when parents help in their kids' class
dude - I would be selective in the parents I ask then
icats - I find that some parents are really helpful and then some who are just trying to snoop around and find the latest school gosip.
Sarah - Some schools have parent helpers that volunteer. Many however, don't allow parents to volunteer in their child's room.
Magoo - WELLLLLLLLL, here's Janet, our hostess..........busy munching snickerdoodles in the Golden Apple room, were you, hmmmmm?
Stanley - Magoo, I've been to 15-20 of these chats, & NEVER have so many contracted Ts dropped by!
icats - Janet, I have read some of your posts, How did the intervies go?
dude - I would like to have someone assist me. How can I do it?
icats - oops interview!
Magoo - Janet I got here about 6 PST
Stanley - Janet, GREETINGS! Have you heard anything on the job front?
dude - I could put an ad in the paper : )
Shar - I have to go since I have ...HOMEWORK!!! I'm getting 3 senester hours credit in 5 days so I better get busy!
Magoo - dude, no probs!!! You are gonna be FINE, really. REALLY!!!
Sarah - Stanley, by hearing that subs need from us classroom teachers, we learn how to make our rooms run smoothly while we are out. .
Janet/host/AR - Stanley, no not yet unfortunately.
icats - We have had some retired teachers and grandparents help out as well at my school.
Magoo - dude, don't advertise, God knows what you'd get!
Stanley - I got here about 9:30 ET. [I subbed then went swimming.]
dude - Magoo, I should start smiling aroud Christmas?
icats - dude, I am taking it that this will be your first year. What grade?
dude - 5th
Magoo - Stanley, and the teachers are asking US our opinions!!!
dude - Magoo, I plan to have detention twice a week
Shar - I must get going as I have...HOMEWORK!!! I can't complain--I'm getting 3 semester hours credit in 5 loooong days of classes.
Magoo - dude, yep, that's it. Remember, you have lived longer than they have, you know more, you are smarter, and you are just dang near always right. Dang near.
Stanley - Sarah, If the classroom runs smoothly with you there, a competent sub PROBABLY won't louse it up! {G}
Janet/host/AR - I just want a classroom. LOL Is everyone subbing again next year or has everyone gotten a classroom of their own now?
icats - I have taught fifth grade now going on my sixth year and love it. The best advise I could give you is to get to know your team. I have a wonderful teaching partner who shares everyhting asn has been so helful!!
dude - The first week of school will be mostly rules and procedures
Magoo - dude, were I you, I'd wait on getting any 'helpers' till you've had the room awhile....see what you really need help with. 5ths don't need much assistance.
dude - What team?
Sarah - Dude, you really need to do this on your own. It is a bit scary at first, but when you get the swing of things you'll be flying high. Plus, extra hands are sometime nerve racking. I'm sure you will have a team member from your grade level that will be there for any questions/assistance. This time next year you will be telling us all about your great success
icats - The other fifth grade teachers.
Shar - See you next week on the chat board. Shari
Magoo - Janet, yep, I'm subbing again, but limiting myself to just 2 elem. schools this time around.
Stanley - Sarah, we had a strand on the SubBoard about what Subs "want" from classroom Ts. I BELIEVE I downloaded it...
dude - You're right. While student teaching a teacher had an aid who was so helpful...I thought, I must have one of those
icats - dude,have you met the people who also teach fifth grade?
Magoo - I think it's nice that 'real teachers' have come here tonight!!! Gives us a good perspective.
dude - Not yet
Janet/host/AR - Magoo, If I do not have a job(teaching job) by August I will I reckon.
Sarah - OK all you great subs...what would you say is the most important thing a classroom teacher can do to make your "visit "a success
Janet/host/AR - Mattie, are you a sub or a teacher?
Magoo - dude, if you get a helper too soon, then you are almost doing 2 sets of plans...one for you and one for the helper......
dude - Does this room close at a certain time usually?
Janet/host/AR - Sarah, COMMUNICATE with your sub!
Magoo - Sarah, LEAVE SPECIFIC LESSON PLANS..........you would fall down in shock at what some of us cope with!!!
Janet/host/AR - dude, at 10:00 eastern but sometimes runs longer.
Magoo - dude, they never shut this room down........just, the last one has to turn the light off
icats - I was given copies of everything they had and they were so helpful! I have returned the favoe to a nes fifth grade teacher last year. I am sure that they will guide and support you 100%!
lala - Oh I'm glad people are still here. Don't leave yet!!!!!
Sandy - I'm going to sub 2-3 days a week now that I retired. It will be different from my everyday teaching 5th grade.
dude - I can do it alone, and will
Stanley - Sarah, at what grade do you teach? If it's Secondary, seating charts are an ABSOLUTE necessity!!
dude - Magoo, u go to the other room too?
Sarah - My favorite sub is a retired teacher! I request her everytime for the past yr.
Mattie - I am a teacher who has also subbed. I am not actually working at the moment
lala - Are any of you looking for permenant positions, or are you subbing because you love it?
dude - The last one to leave please turn out the lights
Mattie - But hope to start subbing soon
Magoo - Sarah, case in point: I just got out of a 5-week, planned-ahead (so was NOT an emergency) long-term. The teacher stayed in town. The teacher did not leave ANY plans, not a single one! Also never once called to see how things were going, also did not even bother to show up the last day of school to say g'bye to the kids!!!
Stanley - Sarah, I didn't mention lesson plans only because I ASSUME Ts will leave them.
dude - I have to go now , bye all
Janet/host/AR - The Sec. of the school I subbed at most said she has problems when getting subs cause I get requested a lot and then some get mad if they do not get the sub they want. LOL
Magoo - dude, I can be found in the other chatroom now and then, and I check the sub and Golden Apple boards every day.
Sarah - OH Magoo!!! I would be frantic if I didn't leave unprepared...but...I have heard stories also,
Magoo - dude, you take care!!!
Kellah - Well i'm not a teacher yet. I'm in my senior year at college. I just like to hear what teachers have to say so I can hopefully pick up a few good tips here and there.
Janet/host/AR - Lala, Yes I am looking again. Taught 4th grade in private school which downsized due to financial problems.
Magoo - Sarah, I was LIVID about no plans, just plain livid. Everybody in the bldg. heard about it, and I don't care if it got back to the T. Humpf.
Mattie - I'd like to start by sibbing to get a feel for the area
icats - I went on maternaty leave last year for 12 weeks and left plans for everyday. The sub called me laughing and said, What were you thinking!
dude - I really appreciate all the advice that was given to me....bye Magoo, see u in the other room....u can be my online sub-mentor or something : )...bye
Mattie - But I might want a full-time post later
Janet/host/AR - Magoo, I too, had some teachers not leave plans. So I came prepared with bag of goodies. LOL
lala - I am so in the dark. I am a recent graduate looking for a permanent position but I was not happy with the district I subbed for. I am so far jobless as far as permanent positions for next year. I have had interviews and I am still in the dark about where I will be next year. I do not want to teach in the district that I was subbing for but I haven't even heard from them. What do you think I should do?????
icats - oops having problems spelling tonight. I'm sorry!
Magoo - In fact, as that was the 3rd time this has happened to me, I am going to write up a proposal of what should be done in such cases, and present it to the super.
Mattie - apologies for my terrible typing
Stanley - icats, Plans for 12 weeks??? I've had long terms where I got but a day or 2.
Sarah - Where are you lala? Isn't there a "teacher shortage" going on?
Janet/host/AR - lala, Just like me! Keep the resumes going and keep in touch with schools you do want to teach. Also try visiting schools and taking tours.
dude - lala, r u certified?
Magoo - Janet, I don't care if there are no plans on a day-to-day basis, but this T was gone for 5 weeks.
Janet/host/AR - Sarah, I keep hearing about it but I am not sure there is. LOL
Mattie - Seems incredibly irresponsible of her, Magoo
icats - Stanley, didn't want the sub to have to worry about doing it. It was part of my "nesting" stage!!! :O)
Magoo - dude! you are still amongst us!!! I go into the reg. chatroom a few times week, so maybe will see you there.
dude - lala, most openings will be coming up soon
Janet/host/AR - Magoo, That is awful. Even one day of not plans is irresponsible.
Stanley - lala, Are there other districts near to you? In a given year I may sub in 4 different districts.
Janet/host/AR - I am certified in elem. ed/spec. ed/ and soc. stds.
dude - Cool Magoo, i stayed to try to help lala
lala - Well where I am there is a high concentration of universitites and colleges and the good schools take who they want. so what's left are the less desirable districts and I can't handle those, believe me I've tried.
Magoo - yup, Mattie, I agree. I went to the super, said I actually LOVE doing plans, but since I was putting in 3-4 hrs. a day on my own time, and not being paid for it.......he listened, anyway.
Magoo - That's why I'm writing a proposal....some sort of guideline to be used....like, if the T knows they're gonna be gone, there MUST be APPROVED (by the P) plans in place, or else, pay the sub for doing them.
Mattie - The first year is the worst Lala. Once you have a bit more experience, you may find that you are able to cope with the less desirable areas too
Stanley - lala, Did you get your teaching credential as part of a 4 yr degree program?
dude - lala, you have student taught in an inner-city school?
Sarah - I agree with dude Positions start showing up after school starts or right before. When school get their FTE count (actual # of kids) they can many times add positions. lala is there a district that is fairly close & the commute wouldn't be to bad?
Sandy - I know there is in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and in different parts of CA ( teacher shortage, that is)
lala - Sorry dude, yes I am certified in elementary and early childhood ed. Most of my methods have been in inner city schools, but my student teaching was in a rural setting
Magoo - Well, peeps, I must leave you now. Dude, I hope we cross paths again! Stanley, always nice to visit with you, even if you don't know a wood nymph from a hole in the wall
Janet/host/AR - lala, Just keep your name fresh with the administrators.
Sarah - It's also CRAZY in FL. people moving in faster than we canbuild schools.
Magoo - Good to chat with all of you! Take care.......
Kellah - Sandy, do you think it is necassary to know Spanish in those area's?
Janet/host/AR - bye Magoo!
Mattie - LOL Magoo. Byeee
Stanley - lala, If you've NO post-grad units, CA might be a *VERY* fertile place for you! {G}
dude - Lala, you would not like to teach K students in a rural district?
Janet/host/AR - Stanley, Were you here on time tonight for the meeting?
Sandy - No, you don't need Spanish, Kellah.
Mattie - You'll need to pass the CBest though. Even to sub
lala - Yes stanley, I did receive my credential from a 4yr university. Oh yes dude, which district?
Janet/host/AR - I am trying to figure out why my puter did not register anyone as being logged in for 45 mins.
Mattie - Though you might be able to start subbing whilst waiting tot ake it. Not sure
Sarah - lala, can you go directly to the schools or do you have to go through the county/district. Make your face known. I would even suggest subbing.
lala - Stanley what are no post grad units?
Stanley - Kellah, I'm in San Diego. Spanish FLUENCY virtually guarantees you a contract here. However, in most areas there are still opportunities which don't require Spanish.
Mattie - How many postgrad units does one need for a master's here?
dude - lala, u can get a job teaching but it may not be your number one choice...where ever u start u don't have to stay there
Janet/host/AR - Well gotta go now. Hope to see everyone next month! Have a great month! bye bye
Sarah - I had to earn 120 credit hours for my masters.
dude - I'll be back tomorrow night...bye again
Sarah - Bye Dude. see at the elem chat tomorrow
Stanley - lala, Since you're from a 4 yr program you have an advantage here in CA: E.g., you'd start @ 4 or 5K/yr LESS than I would. Therefore, the LARGE districts tend to actively RECRUIT Ts like you!
Mattie - Thank you Sarah. Does what you actually take matter? or can it be any postgrad credits? (I am not American, hence my ignorance
Janet/host/AR - Bye everyone!
lala - i had an interview with a team at a kindergarten school and I forgot to ask when should I expect to heaar from them. when do you all think i will hear from them?
Mattie - Bye Janet - and thank you
Stanley - Wishing **ONLY** the best for you, Janet!
Sarah - It depends on the type of degree, For example, if you get yours in elem ed there is a pre-described list of classes you msut take, Does that help?
Mattie - Oh I see. Thank you
Kellah - Stanly, I come from northren Minnesota where Spanish is heard less often than French so I am concerned about my chances in region like yours.
Stanley - Kennedy, are you a Sub?
Sarah - lala I would call and ask if they have made a decision yet. You can't be timid.
Kennedy - No, I'm not. I'm a 5th grade classroom teacher. I'm checking out this chatroom for the first time.
Kennedy - I taught bilingual ed for 3 1/2 years and have been assigned a regular ed class next year.
Sandy - Kennedy, how long have you been teaching?
Mattie - Welcome then Kennedy! I came in here once before, but only for a few minutes
lala - ok thanks. I was wondering if i should call or not, thanks sarah.
Stanley - Kellah, San Diego is tougher than some because of the cost of living. However, if you're a "cheap" hire you've DEFINITELY a better chance than we CA natives!
Mattie - And the weather's great, Kellah!
Stanley - Kennedy, where did you teach bilingually? And, gee, aren't you going to miss all that extra work? LOL!!!!
lala - Is dude still here? The name is still in the occupants list.
Kennedy - I teach in Illinois, Palatine, district 15
Mattie - So when you go into a school to sub, do you usually take a cover-al lesson, just in case the teacher has left no work?
Stanley - How much bilingual do they have in IL, Kennedy?
Mattie - Or wing-it? Or what?
lala - well peeps I'm going to boogie!!!!!! Thanks for the chat!
Sarah - Bye...this has been a great chat. I'm glad a stumbled in tonight
Kellah - Well i'm a man who loves snowy winters so I might get homesick in CA I think.
Stanley - Mattie, I pack a nature video, some read-alouds, & I've a math/logics game that I can use.
Kennedy - Actually quite a bit. There are many opportunities for Spanish speaking teachers.
Mattie - Nah - you juts go up to Tahoe and ski
Mattie - Thank you Stanley
Stanley - Kennedy, what type of work do the Spanish-speaking parents do, generally speaking?
Sandy - You can always come to Phoenix!!! 110 degrees today approx.
Kennedy - Mostly landscaping, cleaning, and babysitting. The vast majority of parents are illegal residents, so they can't get any other jobs.
Kellah - It's about 50 here today...and i was wearing shorts.....I think I would melt in Phoenix!
Stanley - Mattie, I can NOT handle SCORES of different things. I'm far better "tweaking" things dependent upon the abilities of the class I'm servicing.
Mattie - Here the Spanish-speaking parents work in restaurants, and so on. It's mostly unskilled labor
Mattie - Good idea. Otherwise you'd need a large suitcase rather than a bag
Stanley - Mattie, did you say you're from Phoenix?
Kennedy - Good luck to everyone. Enjoy the summer!
Mattie - No Stanley. That's Sandy I think. I am in CA, but I am actually from the UK
Sandy - I'm from Phoenix.
Stanley - Mattie, by "handle" I meant being able to professionally "deliver" the lessons I carry. Moreover, the abilities of classes vary sooooooooo widely!!
Mattie - Kellah, that was my family when we moved here. We thought it was hilarious that the Californians didn't want to swim in February. Now we're just the same!
Stanley - Mattie, where are you in CA?
Mattie - Oh I see.
Mattie - I'm the other end - SF Bay area
Stanley - What do subs earn in the Bay area, Mattie?
Mattie - Uh - around here it's about $100 a day I think. But it goes up if you do long term
Sandy - What do you guys get paid for subbing?
Mattie - I haven't actually done any yet, but I asked at a teachers' job fair
Mattie - Maybe it is more in places Like Oakland, where thye are desperate for teachers. I don't know
Stanley - I've "heard" Oakland is a LOT higher, so you might want to check THAT out. The cost of living in SF is even worse than here... Arrrrrrrgh!!!
Sandy - Around here, $75-80 a day, more for long-term.
Stanley - One of my districts is $95, 2 @ $100, & 1 @ $113.97 [because of collective bargaining.]
Stanley - Excuse me a bit... I'm going to play chameleon... {G}
Mattie - Very true! Fortunately I am a kept woman (that is how I came ot be in the USA) If not I don't know how I'd ever afford a house here
Mattie - To be honest, I'd be scared of teaching in Oakland. It is rumored to be very tough
Mattie - But I might end up there even so
Sandy - What I'm going to do for subbing, is have a small briefcase, whatever, and have a couple of books to read, some activities, etc., just in case the lesson plans aren't that great.
Stanley - Mattie, I'd have BIG problems if I didn't live with my 83 yr old dad -- & that's with working 237 days in Y2K!!
Kellah - Well thanks for letting me listen to you all. I actually have some homework to do. See-ya!
Mattie - wow was that ALL subbing?!
Mattie - Bye Kellah - good luck with the job hunt
Sandy - Yes, Kellah. Good luck!!!
Mattie - I get the impression that around here if you pass the CBest and can breathe they will welcome you with open arms for subbing
Stanley - Sandy, another trick is to get as many jobs as you can at LEAST the day before.
Stanley - Mattie, have you taken your T.Ed classes?
Mattie - Not here. I taught for a long time in the UK and am currently trying to navigate the somewhat circuitous and confusing CA crednetialing process
Mattie - I have had my UK diplomas etc evaluated, but have yet to find out what additional stuff I might need to do
Mattie - here
Stanley - Mattie, are you ultimately looking to become contracted?
Sandy - That's exactly what I did as a classroom teacher, book the person a month or weeks in advance. I want people to do that for me now that I'm retired and will sub. I'm only 53, and started teaching at 21. Now, I can work part-time subbing with no real after-school responsibilities. I loved teaching the 32 years, but was so busy with the paperwork, meetings, etc. Now it's time to smell the roses.
Mattie - I took the CBest a few weeks ago. I must confess that I am astounded that US teachers from other states have to take that
Mattie - think it is a bit of an insult to American teachers from other states to make them take it
Mattie - Don't they ever complain?
Mattie - Can undertsand foreigners having to do it, but not American transfer teachers
Mattie - Yes, Stanley, but I a French specialist, which is not a lot of use here. What I'd really like to do os ESL
Stanley - Sandy, I'm 54 & in my 5th yr of subbing. If I'm never contracted, well, at least I DO enjoy subbing...
Stanley - Mattie, why are you surprised that Ts would have to take the CBEST?
Mattie - I am more intelignet than my useless typing indicates!
Sandy - Did you do something else before teaching, Stanley?
Mattie - Because America is after all one country. So if soemone has acceptable teaching experience in another state, it seems to me that CA might take as read the fact that s/he has the basci skills necessary for a teacher without suffering the indignity of a four-hour exam to prove it
Edward - Does the states recognise cert from UK?
Mattie - Apparnetly so Edward. But one has to pay $150 for a private firm to read one's credentials and say so
Stanley - Edward, I've an elementary credential a so-called Middle School credential in English. Sandy, I've been a Naval Dental Technician, an AFDC Eligibility Worker, & a restaurant owner/manager. Hey, is THAT a "stew," or what?? {G}
Sandy - I taught under contract since I graduated from college in "69. I just retired, and will sub now. (A little scared because it's not going to be my class anymore.
Mattie - ANd I ratehr fear that I shall have to take yet more exams to prove it. And maybe other courses. I am still trying to find out exactly what
Edward - What is the job of being a sub? Do you teach in a school?
Stanley - Edward, Sub [US term] is what I believe they call a "supply T" in the UK, right Mattie?
Mattie - I am a bit fed up about it really.
Mattie - That's right Stanley
Mattie - ey Edward - are you also from the UK then?!
Stanley - Mattie, the CBEST is required of **EVERYONE** who teaches in CA -- NOT just out of state applicants!
Sandy - A substitute is a guest teacher who comes into the classroom when the teacher is sick, personal leave, etc.
Edward - So, these teachers are only substitutes. What do they do on any other days?
Stanley - Granted, MOST think the CBEST to be simple. However, people who are math phobic DON'T look at it that way!
Mattie - I know Stanley. But those in CA are generally new teachers, not those with possibly years of experience
Mattie - Stll, mine not to reason why
Edward - No, I'm not from Uk. I'm from Brunei.
Sandy - A sub, Edward, can work almost everyday during the school year. Some subs are looking for a permanent job, retired, maybe just want to work whenever.
Mattie - I have to go and make a phone call. Thank you everyone - this has been very enoyable! I'll be back another time!
Stanley - Edward, some of us are fortunate enough to work MORE than contracted Ts. E.g., here contracted Ts normally work something like 185-190 days/yr. However, in 5 yrs I will have averaged about 220 days/yr!
Sandy - Bye, Mattie. Good luck with everything.
Stanley - Night, Mattie! I'll have to leave in a few myself!
Edward - At what age does a teacher retire in the states?
Sandy - It depends. I started at 21 and taught 32 years. In Arizona, 80 points is needed. (Age, plus teaching =)
Stanley - Well, *I'm* "hoping" to still be out there into my early 70's. However, that's EXTREME!
Stanley - Sandy, wouldn't you say most are usually out BY their early 60's??
Edward - I don't think age is a problem, as long as you are dedicatied in the education field.
Stanley - Edward, AND as long as your health/alertness hold out!
Sandy - Alot of the teachers tend to stay until 62 so that they can get their Social Security also along with their retirement. Many don't want to sub. I was probably one of the youngest retiring in my district. Also, many teachers started later in life, or quit to have their family.
Stanley - Edward, is English your 2nd language, and if so, what's your primary language?
Edward - I am inspired by the film" Stand and Deliver" which is a true story of a teacher... I think he is still around.
Sandy - Edward, are you a teacher?
Stanley - Sandy, here in CA your T retirement is CUT about 1/3 [I believe] of your Social Security. Is that not also true in AZ??
Edward - Stanley, Malay language is a national language here. I am a Chinese, so my that's my first lanuage. I am a primay school teacher.
Stanley - You're right, Edward: Jaime Escalante out of East Los Angeles!
Edward - I think most of you, what I call as veteran teachers, right?
Stanley - Edward, your English is IMPECABLE!! My kudos!! So, you're fluent in THREE languages -- or MORE???
Sandy - I don't think so. I'll get my regular S.S. at age 62. That's why I will sub now, to compensate my monthly income. Also, in AZ, retired teachers can go back into the classroom after not teaching for 12 months. So, if I want to go back in a year full-time, I will.,
Stanley - In my 1000 days I've seen so many different kids that I sure FEEL like a veteran, Edward!
Edward - Thank you. Yes, I can speak 3 languages, stan. How about the rest of you? How languages have you mastered?
Sandy - You must be good, also Stanley, to get called all the time.
Edward - Sorry how many languages does each of you speak?
Stanley - I do fairly well in Spanish, Edward, though not **NEARLY** as well as YOU'RE doing in English!
Sandy - I only know French. Took it, along with Latin, in High School.
Stanley - Sandy, you might want to check that Social Security angle, because MY understanding is that the Feds cause all that to happen.
Edward - Nowadays, in Brunei, students learn national language in K-G3, and Eng as a subject
Edward - Only at Grade 4, most subjects are taught in English.
Stanley - Sandy, Edward... I need to return a call that came in a little while ago! I've TRULY enjoyed the diverse viewpoints you've each brought here tonight!
Edward - What do you teach , sandy?
Sandy - Thanks for the info, Stanley. It's surprising how things are different from state to state. I think in some states, teachers don't get S. S. at all taken out of their checks.
Stanley - And, Edward, YOU'VE piqued my interest about Brunei!!
Sandy - Have a good evening, both of you. I got to go now, too. I taught 5th grade, Edward. See ya all!
Edward - Thank you, Sandy and Edward, I'll change room now.
