I really like my school. But I'm currently looking for a new job. That does not mean that I'm definitely leaving but I need to see what is out there.
There are two main reasons why I'm looking for a new job.
1. I think I'd like to try something new. I've always felt a little guilty teaching at a private school. If my talent can lend itself to actually making more of a difference in kids' lives who need it more, then I would be doing more as a person on this earth, wouldn't I? Granted, rich kids need good teachers too. Hell, an argument can be made that many of the kids that I teach are the leaders of tomorrow. And if I can help instill a sense of responsibility to these kids' agenda of playdates and country homes, then good for everyone, right?
2. I am underpaid compared to most of my peers at my school and I can't stand for that much longer.
Fall Fan Director knows I'm looking for a new job. He wants me to stay and is going to do everything he can to try to keep me. I had a meeting with Red Pants a few days ago to explain my position. We'll see what happens in this regard.
If the school matches my financial needs, will I stay? Most probably. I began the year very down on the school but things are turning around. Fall Fan Director is a godsend. Red Pants is on the way out. I like my colleagues, the administrators, the administrative staff, the kids, and for the most part, the parents. It is a comfortable, satisfying job. I can walk to work in seven minutes. Plus, I don't know where I will be in three years. Maybe I won't even be in Brooklyn anyway. Why leave a place I really like now if I might leave soon anyway? I can always stay at my cushy job and actually get off my ass and finally start doing some volunteer work.
However, if I find a great public school job, it might not matter what my current school offers me. I'm a public school kid and I'm interested to try my hand there. They pay more and the benefits are much better. Yet, would I be able to deal with the testing? The bureaucracy? The large class sizes? I enjoy that at my school, I can teach what I want to teach within the larger framework. I've heard about some public schools where you have to teach a certain subject at a certain time and that you have no choice in the matter. That doesn't suit my style.
So, I embark on a job search. In my next post, I'll write about the job interview that I had today for a charter school position.
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5 comments:
best of luck either way. certainly you can make a lasting impression on kids of any socio-economic status, but i think the chances of making a difference would be better at a public school. that's not to say that there aren't good reasons to stay, but it seems like you've reached a similar conclusion. from what i know of the charter schools popping up, they can be pretty cool.
Hey man, you have to whatever feels right (and I'm confident that you will one day write a book that will take care of your finances- race you to Oprah's Book Club?). Which book resonates more loudly with you: Goodbye, Mr. Chips or To Sir With Love? If they are too english, Mondale can provide breakdowns, or you could substititute Dead Poets Society and Dangerous Minds.
From what I hear from my friends who are public school teachers - you're lucky where you are. They have to deal with parents who don't care, schools without funding, and red-tape and bureacracy up the wazoo. Granted, any work environment has similar scenarios. I can't believe you get paid less than a public school teacher! I didn't know that was possible... - Michelle
There is a lot to be said for good teachers in both good and bad public schools. If you don't know where you will be in 3 years, go ahead and try out some public experiences, That advice holds especially if your not knowing where you will be is referring to the possibility of big life changes like investing in property / starting a family. If that is the case take the urban public school plunge now but be prepared to back off from the strains of some harsh realities that may put you into absolute emotional turmoil. Don't take on too many new, intense things at once.
jamie,
i definitely haven't reached any sort of conclusion. that is the problem. and yes, i could make more of a difference in a public school but if i took a job at the amazing public school up the block from my current school, i don't know just how different the student population will be.
weasel,
i like your idea.
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