Thank you for your advice and wise words! I was offered a
position at a Catholic school closer to where I live and cannot
wait to start the school year in September:)

On 6/20/08, Jean Bullock wrote:
> Generally speaking, as an Art teacher, whether in public
> school or in Catholic school, many (not all) of the homeroom
> teachers may consider you as less important than they are.
> You are not less important, of course, but you may run
into
> that kind of thinking. So just carry yourself with
dignity
> and stand your ground if other teachers try to
undermine
> you. Don't look for validation from them but rather from
> your students and the knowledge that you are making a
> difference in their lives.
>
> Regarding Catholic schools: Like any school system, some are
> great to work in and some are not. The salaries are
> usually lower but in some dioceses they are pretty close.
> Most Catholic schools have a tradition of trying to provide
> the students with at least some Art, Music and Technology.
> (At least they do in my neck of the woods.) As a practicing
> Catholic, teaching in a "good" Catholic school can be a
> great experience and you will have an opportunity to practice
> your faith as you teach and to help the children practice
> their faith as well. There can be an immense satisfaction as
> a result of that freedom.
>
> Some people have the notion that teaching in a Catholic
> school means fewer student related challenges. While that
> may be true in extreme situations, there are still plenty of
> challenges comparable to that of public school. It will all
> depend on the school. Out of financial necessity, some
> Catholic schools retain students who really should be asked
> to leave. (My opinion of course.)
>
> Several of the teachers at the Catholic school where I work,
> live at least an hour or more away. They are qualified to
> teach in public school but they seem happy with their
> decision to stay at our school. Job satisfaction is very
> important to me personally. I teach as part of my ministry.
> It sounds to me as if that is important to you as
well. The
> children need strong role models to help them grow in their
> faith. If money were the major consideration, then it
would
> be silly to stay in education. Teaching is the most poorly
> paid profession anyway.
>
> In my particular diocese, the bishop is making every effort
> to raise the salaries of the teachers to a competitive
> level. It will take time but we are getting there. We have
> medical and retirement benefits as well.
>
>
> Whatever your decision, good luck to you and may God bless
> you.
>
>
>
> On 6/17/08, Art teacher wrote:
>> I am graduating with my Master's of Art Ed. next month. I
>> have had 2 interviews with a very nice Catholic school about
>> an hour from where I live and interview #3 is in a few days.
>> I have applications with some public schools in the area
>> but have received only one call that did not lead to an
>> interview (budget cuts in the area are making Art positions
>> hard to come by).
>>
>> I am a practicing Catholic, newly married and really think
>> that a Catholic school may be the right fit for me (I am 24,
>> planning on starting a family in 2 or so years). I know the
>> pay is lower in Catholic schools (I was told the position
>> would offer somewhere in the mid-twenties as I have little
>> teaching experience) but isn't job satisfaction worth more
>> than the extra salary?
>>
>> I'd love some opinions from anyone who has something to
>> offer...I am afraid of making the wrong decision.
>

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