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 ...
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