Re: Job Inquiry (Degree Problem)
    Posted by: Kadi on 7/07/15
    () Comments

    Dear Johnny,
    If you pass the CSET in the subjects you want to teach, you
    should have no problem getting a math or science teaching
    job in California.

    The previous post talked about the low pay compared to
    housing costs in California & that is correct, especially in the
    SF Bay Area. It should definitely be a consideration.

    One thing I noticed in your post is that you are interested in
    teaching AP or other accelerated classes. New teachers
    rarely get those assignments. Most new math & science
    teachers are overloaded with remedial level classes, classes
    that the veteran teachers do not want to teach. Generally
    department chairs give themselves and their favorites the AP
    and accelerated classes. This is partly because they are
    high stakes & principals don't want to risk the outcome on a
    new and unproven teacher. Another reason is because the
    low level math and science courses tend to have more
    academic and behavior problems, and many schools have a
    tradition of, "I taught the remedial classes when I was new,
    Iet the new guy do it now." This creates enormous stress on
    the new teacher-trying to teach multiple subjects or levels,
    manage high amounts of behavior issues, help students with
    a lack of academic preparation, encourage and cope with
    often angry & defensive parents. It's a lot, many new
    teachers leave the profession in a few years.

    If you did not attend a high school in CA or attended a high
    school in a higher income area, I strongly urge you to make
    an appointment to observe classes at several high schools
    located in different socioeconomic neighborhoods. I've had
    several friends who did not grow up in the U.S., begin
    teaching, and were horrified at the disrespect and lack of
    focus in their students. I think they came from countries that
    had separate vocational & college preparatory high schools,
    very unlike our comprehensive high schools that take every
    student regardless of preparation & try to make them fit a
    college prep model.

    A few things to consider anyway! You are wise to be
    thoughtful about this career path and I encourage you to go
    in with your eyes wide open. Teaching is a wonderful
    profession, a calling, and I've loved it for 24 years. But it can
    be very difficult and it can't be "just a job" because that won't
    sustain you through the stress ...


    Posts on this thread, including this one

  • Job Inquiry (Degree Problem), 7/05/15, by Johnny.
  • Re: Job Inquiry (Degree Problem), 7/05/15, by Ali.
  • Re: Job Inquiry (Degree Problem), 7/06/15, by don't do it.
  • Re: Job Inquiry (Degree Problem), 7/07/15, by Kadi.
  • Re: Job Inquiry (Degree Problem), 7/08/15, by taco.