I recently took a job very close to home (1 mile in fact)
and truly enjoy being close to work. Here are some things
to consider:
1. How big is the ESL student population vs. the amount of
teachers? Will you be overburdened? Will you be the only
ESL teacher? If so, life could become very lonely,
especially if you are working at two different schools.
2. Has the school make AYP? ESL can easily keep a school
from making AYP and you want to make sure that you have a
supportive administration that realizes the realities that
you're dealing with. If you are forced to bear the brunt of
the blame for not making AYP, your life can be miserable.
3. Will you be given adequate support? You mentioned that
you are moving from secondary to elementary. Make sure that
the support is in place to make the adjustment.
4. Do you really want your personal and work life to be
married at some points? Although I hardly see my students
outside of school, there are occassions where I become a
supermarket celebrity. Do you mind interacting with parents
outside of school?
I have switched schools twice. Once to teach ESL and once
for the shorter commute. It will be an adjustment. Unless
this new school can offer you everything that you're looking
for, my advice is to stay where you are. You can always
continue to look for a shorter commute.
On 5/12/08, two days to decide wrote:
> I posted this on the general site, but decided to post it
> here as well.
>
> On 5/12/08, hafe to nmake a tough decision in two days
> wrote:
>> Over the weekend I found out that my local school has an
>> opening for an elem ESL teacher. I am very torn on
>> whether or not to take it.
>>
>> Background: I am licensed K-12 ESL and am currently
>> teaching 7-12 in a school 35 miles from my house. I
> drive
>> a 20 year old car and am putting approximenately $180
>> dollars worth of gas in the tank a month. I know I am
>> going to have to replace it pretty soon, but quite
> frankly
>> am not sure where I am agoing to come up with the
> money.
>> It is very tight in our house right now.
>>
>> I love my current job. I have a very supportive admin
> and
>> I love my kids. I have incredible amount of
>> responsibility and freedom. I have finally gotten my
>> system and syllabus etc., etc., all worked out. Each
> year
>> I fine tune them, but basically most of the work is done.
>> In other words, I truly don't want to leave my job.
>>
>> Positives: The opening on the other hand is right here
> in
>> town. 1) FInancial: I could ride my bike or the bus if
> or
>> should I say when my car gives out. Not only is there
> the
>> cost savings for gas, there is the futre car payment
> plus
>> about $150-200 a month pay raise to boot. 2) Other
>> benefits would be being in the same school district as
> my
>> daughter. 3) an extra ten hours in my week (drive
> time).
>> 4) We recently moved to town and it would be nice to
> get
>> to know some of the locals.
>>
>>
>> Negatives: 1) Being low man on the totem again. I
>> currently have several people under me so I no longer
> have
>> to worry about getting cut. 2) Losing tenure: This is
> an
>> issure because the elementary enviornment seems so
>> differnt than the High school. (Its been on T-net alot
>> lately.) 3) I have very little experience with little
>> kids. I am licensed for that age group but only have
>> about eight weeks worth of hands on experience. Not to
>> mention I was treated more as an assistant than a lead
>> teacher. 4) I naturally gravitate toward the older
> kids,
>> I may expect more than the little ones can resonable
> give
>> me. 5) I will do half the day at one elem, the other
>> half at a different one. I've done this before, you
> don't
>> ever truly feel like you belong to either school.
>>
>> I only have a day or two to decide. My husband will
>> support be either way. I would appreciate any and all
>> insight on this issue because I am truly torn. Thank You
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