MCPS teachers, do you ever

[Anonymous]

Think about working at a private school? Why or why not? Did you actually do it, and if so, are you happy? I am considering making the leap and am worried I am giving up a relatively good, though imperfect job for the unknown--with the possibility of greater flexibility and autonomy. The bureaucracy is kind of killing me....

[Anonymous]

Ha! If you think you've got bureaucracy now, just wait till you get yourself into a private where everything is accountable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ha! If you think you've got bureaucracy now, just wait till you get yourself into a private where everything is accountable.

Private school teacher here. This is not true.

[Anonymous]

I taught private for 5 years before joining MCPS. Loved the small classes (20 max) but hated the lack of support. Salary is less, no pension, meager 403 B contribution on their part. the list goes on. Much Much Much happier in MCPS!

[Anonymous]

What do you mean by lack of support?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ha! If you think you've got bureaucracy now, just wait till you get yourself into a private where everything is accountable.

Private school teacher here. This is not true.

Are you happy?

[Anonymous]

Nah, I need the money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ha! If you think you've got bureaucracy now, just wait till you get yourself into a private where everything is accountable.

Quite the contrary.

[Anonymous]

I work at a private and am planning on going the other way once I get my certification. It's very odd to me that parents pay this much money for teachers who are often much less qualified. It's not that there's anything wrong with hiring a recent grad English major who can also coach lacrosse, but I think it's more valuable to have had formal training.

[Anonymous]

I wasn't a teacher at MCPS but got tired of the environment as well.

Sometimes I wonder if it was worth it. I enjoy the work and environment that I'm in now but the benefits at MCPS are really hard to beat.

Depending how many years you have in, I would seriously consider what you're giving up.

Also if you're under the state retirement plan I think you can transfer to other Maryland Public School Systems and transfer your sick leave and stay in the state pension plan. So you don't lose as much going to another Maryland Public School System. (you can transfer sick leave regardless if you're in the state plan or not)

Also have you considered changing your specialization? ie getting a reading specialist certification, ESOL certification, etc, (or whatever, like I said I'm not a teacher so am not familiar with the terminology or fields). Or maybe change grade levels or subject areas that you are doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I work at a private and am planning on going the other way once I get my certification. It's very odd to me that parents pay this much money for teachers who are often much less qualified. It's not that there's anything wrong with hiring a recent grad English major who can also coach lacrosse, but I think it's more valuable to have had formal training.

+1 I used to teach at a private school in the area, and I have posted similar observations on DCUM: it amazes me that many parents will argue that it is different at THEIR private, and that there are not underpaid, less experienced, less qualified teachers at THEIR private.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work at a private and am planning on going the other way once I get my certification. It's very odd to me that parents pay this much money for teachers who are often much less qualified. It's not that there's anything wrong with hiring a recent grad English major who can also coach lacrosse, but I think it's more valuable to have had formal training.

+1 I used to teach at a private school in the area, and I have posted similar observations on DCUM: it amazes me that many parents will argue that it is different at THEIR private, and that there are not underpaid, less experienced, less qualified teachers at THEIR private.

I'm guessing that these parents think that if a teacher has a degree from a top tier type university, that means they are qualified.

[Anonymous]

No....can't give up the benefits especially the health insurance and pension. But after 12 years I am looking into a different position and crossing my fingers that it works out

[Anonymous]

Please, please do not take this decision lightly, particularly with regard to the benefits, as other posters have mentioned. I, like someone upthread, switched counties within the state. This allowed me to preserve my pension as well as transfer my unused sick leave. However, my new county has much more expensive health care premiums and copays than MCPS did. They are really unmatched in that area. If you are carrying health benefits for yourself or your family, you need to think very carefully about that decision. In an uncertain economy, giving up tenure and a pension is not something I would do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I work at a private and am planning on going the other way once I get my certification. It's very odd to me that parents pay this much money for teachers who are often much less qualified. It's not that there's anything wrong with hiring a recent grad English major who can also coach lacrosse, but I think it's more valuable to have had formal training.

+1 I used to teach at a private school in the area, and I have posted similar observations on DCUM: it amazes me that many parents will argue that it is different at THEIR private, and that there are not underpaid, less experienced, less qualified teachers at THEIR private.

I'm guessing that these parents think that if a teacher has a degree from a top tier type university, that means they are qualified.

I think their assumption is wrong if it doesn't take into account what the person studied and what kind of practical experience they have. I would take a recent grad with an elementary ed degree and lots of internships from Towson over a sociology major from Princeton.