Am I Making a Mistake?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As far as classroom management, write down every single moment of a class period. How to students enter the room, what materials do they need, where do they sit, desk arrangements, what is their do now, is it graded, how do they participate, is that graded, etc. The best class I ever took in college was classroom management and discipline. We had to draw a classroom map and show every routine on it and wrote out every step. The devil is in the details. Talk to colleagues about what works for them. Over plan.

Noted! TY

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:What’s your alternative option? Is it teaching someplace else? Leaving a different job? No job at all? What position? We can’t answer these questions without knowing your situation.

I just graduated with my MA in English from GMU. The position is for an English teacher. I have never taught before.

Do you have another plan? I have a family member who was an English major and after a few low paying jobs, decided to try teaching middle school. She left after 3 years. She really loved writing and literature and being around kids all day who did not was not what she had in mind. Do you like children? Middle school is a tough age. Give it a try if you actually want to teach and won’t get too frustrated by kids who can’t/wont read or write.

You are replying to me here. I’m going to be brutally honest about the hardest part of my job. I’m a teacher and have been doing this almost 30 years. I couldn’t teach middle school. It was never the kids themselves but it was too hard. I don’t know about your particular school but there were so many rules for the teachers that did not help the kids.
a classroom? I have been researching classroom management.

I’ve worked in challenging middle and high schools and it takes a special type of person to be able to do that. It’s great to want to make a difference but it had too much an effect on my emotions, stress and health. I’m going to tell you some of the worst, just to not sugar coat the job. Drugs, sex, consensual and non consensual, violence, gangs, pregnancy, hunger, fear of deportation, death by disease, at the hands of others, suicide, hunger…. I’ve had students with all of these issues in both middle and high school. Notice I have not mentioned anything about challenges of teaching content. Sometimes you realize quickly why that’s not a primary focus when you have a pregnant child in front of you who doesn’t have enough food and you genuinely like.

This is not daily and not everywhere but it’s real life, here, in FCPS in some areas. My current school is nothing like this and a high SES community but you’d be surprised how much is still going on and how much they tell teachers. It’s really not for the weak and you need to learn you can’t save all of them. That’s was the hardest part for me when I was starting out. Have boundaries and compartmentalize.

Try it for a year if you don’t have any other job options. We certainly need good teachers. I really do like it but it’s not for the weak.

I sincerely appreciate your brutal honesty. I was wondering what would have caused the aforementioned new teachers to cry. It helps for me to know what the worst I can expect to encounter in any new endeavor, so I can mentally prepare myself for it. I am an empath, but I recognize all I can do is my best to make things better. Having boundaries and learning to compartmentalize sounds like good advice. TY

It probably won’t make you cry but prepare yourself for minimal effort and constant complaints. For example, when asked to write 5 paragraphs, student will write 3 sentences while complaining non-stop for 3 class periods about “not wanting to write, the annoying prompt, or having no ideas.” You can help them brainstorm topics and they’ll say they don’t like any of the 10 topics brainstormed.

What made me cry my first year was the constant go-go-go. I always had 50 things to accomplish and no time to get it done. (This is not an exaggeration.) I’d work at night and still start each day behind.

It was also the comments. I was called some very creative insults by high schoolers who could tell I was new. I had a whole class of 10th graders mock me my first year. Over time, I grew in confidence and learned how to control a classroom. Took some trial and error as well as some thick skin.

I have been researching behavior management a bit. I am considering co-creating a list of expectations that go both ways with the students. What worked for you as far as controlling the classroom?

Great question. A lot of it is presence, which is something I had to learn over the first couple of years. But there are things you can definitely do immediately:

1. Over plan. Better to have too much to do than too little. A free 5 minutes at the end of the period can quickly turn chaotic. It also sets a tone that can become the norm in a classroom.
2. Set routine early and stick to it. (It’s really easy to let routines slip.) Talk to other teachers about their routines and consider adopting what sounds like your style. Start the first day of school.
3. If you need to correct behavior (and you will), try to do it privately. I use post-it notes that I casually drop on desks or I wait until the end of the period. Doing it in front of the class understandably causes students to go on the defense.
4. Get to know students. Take notes the first week about home life, sports, likes, etc. Comment on these things in conversation. Students respond well to teachers who pay attention to them and get to know them. This is what works really well for me. I use “about me” assignments the first week to not only diagnose writing, but also to start my notes about each student.

That seems like great advice. I took a screenshot for future reference and reflection. Is there usually an opportunity to pick the brains of the other teachers before classes begin in the Fall?

Definitely. You’ll likely have 2-3 days for brand new teachers and then a few days with the entire staff. (That’s true for public or private.) There will be opportunities to sit down with your new coworkers, and most will be very happy to help you out! We’ve all been there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What’s your alternative option? Is it teaching someplace else? Leaving a different job? No job at all? What position? We can’t answer these questions without knowing your situation.

I just graduated with my MA in English from GMU. The position is for an English teacher. I have never taught before.

Do you have another plan? I have a family member who was an English major and after a few low paying jobs, decided to try teaching middle school. She left after 3 years. She really loved writing and literature and being around kids all day who did not was not what she had in mind. Do you like children? Middle school is a tough age. Give it a try if you actually want to teach and won’t get too frustrated by kids who can’t/wont read or write.

You are replying to me here. I’m going to be brutally honest about the hardest part of my job. I’m a teacher and have been doing this almost 30 years. I couldn’t teach middle school. It was never the kids themselves but it was too hard. I don’t know about your particular school but there were so many rules for the teachers that did not help the kids.
a classroom? I have been researching classroom management.

I’ve worked in challenging middle and high schools and it takes a special type of person to be able to do that. It’s great to want to make a difference but it had too much an effect on my emotions, stress and health. I’m going to tell you some of the worst, just to not sugar coat the job. Drugs, sex, consensual and non consensual, violence, gangs, pregnancy, hunger, fear of deportation, death by disease, at the hands of others, suicide, hunger…. I’ve had students with all of these issues in both middle and high school. Notice I have not mentioned anything about challenges of teaching content. Sometimes you realize quickly why that’s not a primary focus when you have a pregnant child in front of you who doesn’t have enough food and you genuinely like.

This is not daily and not everywhere but it’s real life, here, in FCPS in some areas. My current school is nothing like this and a high SES community but you’d be surprised how much is still going on and how much they tell teachers. It’s really not for the weak and you need to learn you can’t save all of them. That’s was the hardest part for me when I was starting out. Have boundaries and compartmentalize.

Try it for a year if you don’t have any other job options. We certainly need good teachers. I really do like it but it’s not for the weak.

I sincerely appreciate your brutal honesty. I was wondering what would have caused the aforementioned new teachers to cry. It helps for me to know what the worst I can expect to encounter in any new endeavor, so I can mentally prepare myself for it. I am an empath, but I recognize all I can do is my best to make things better. Having boundaries and learning to compartmentalize sounds like good advice. TY

It probably won’t make you cry but prepare yourself for minimal effort and constant complaints. For example, when asked to write 5 paragraphs, student will write 3 sentences while complaining non-stop for 3 class periods about “not wanting to write, the annoying prompt, or having no ideas.” You can help them brainstorm topics and they’ll say they don’t like any of the 10 topics brainstormed.

What made me cry my first year was the constant go-go-go. I always had 50 things to accomplish and no time to get it done. (This is not an exaggeration.) I’d work at night and still start each day behind.

It was also the comments. I was called some very creative insults by high schoolers who could tell I was new. I had a whole class of 10th graders mock me my first year. Over time, I grew in confidence and learned how to control a classroom. Took some trial and error as well as some thick skin.

I have been researching behavior management a bit. I am considering co-creating a list of expectations that go both ways with the students. What worked for you as far as controlling the classroom?

Great question. A lot of it is presence, which is something I had to learn over the first couple of years. But there are things you can definitely do immediately:

1. Over plan. Better to have too much to do than too little. A free 5 minutes at the end of the period can quickly turn chaotic. It also sets a tone that can become the norm in a classroom.
2. Set routine early and stick to it. (It’s really easy to let routines slip.) Talk to other teachers about their routines and consider adopting what sounds like your style. Start the first day of school.
3. If you need to correct behavior (and you will), try to do it privately. I use post-it notes that I casually drop on desks or I wait until the end of the period. Doing it in front of the class understandably causes students to go on the defense.
4. Get to know students. Take notes the first week about home life, sports, likes, etc. Comment on these things in conversation. Students respond well to teachers who pay attention to them and get to know them. This is what works really well for me. I use “about me” assignments the first week to not only diagnose writing, but also to start my notes about each student.

That seems like great advice. I took a screenshot for future reference and reflection. Is there usually an opportunity to pick the brains of the other teachers before classes begin in the Fall?

Definitely. You’ll likely have 2-3 days for brand new teachers and then a few days with the entire staff. (That’s true for public or private.) There will be opportunities to sit down with your new coworkers, and most will be very happy to help you out! We’ve all been there.

Thank goodness!!😅

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was offered a position at one of the largest middle schools (in terms of student population). I have not signed a contract, yet and I want to be sure that it would not be a big mistake to make a commitment, considering the reviews, which are overwhelmingly negative. I was wondering if anyone has anything redeeming to say about teaching in FCPS?

Nothing...not one thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What’s your alternative option? Is it teaching someplace else? Leaving a different job? No job at all? What position? We can’t answer these questions without knowing your situation.

I just graduated with my MA in English from GMU. The position is for an English teacher. I have never taught before.

Run fast

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it Glasgow? Tough school for a first year teacher. I’d hold out for another opening if there are any left.

-former Glasgow teacher now at a different FCPS middle school

There are a lot of positions...I'd wait.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about seeking various certifications for specific reading programs and tutoring privately. This would expose you to different curriculum without dealing with all the politics in that school system right now.

I have explored getting a reading specialist certificate. I thought I would be more qualified for ESOL or language arts, given my educational background/ experience. I did put out feelers on NextDoor for private tutoring. Only a couple of nibbles, but no takers. Where would you suggest I might offer my services as an independent tutor?

FCPS has high impact tutoring positions....maybe you could start there and see how you feel?

[Anonymous]

Apply to some private schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it Glasgow? Tough school for a first year teacher. I’d hold out for another opening if there are any left.

-former Glasgow teacher now at a different FCPS middle school

There are a lot of positions...I'd wait.

Do you think they are still deciding? I only had one request for an interview today. Last week it was like a barrage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about seeking various certifications for specific reading programs and tutoring privately. This would expose you to different curriculum without dealing with all the politics in that school system right now.

I have explored getting a reading specialist certificate. I thought I would be more qualified for ESOL or language arts, given my educational background/ experience. I did put out feelers on NextDoor for private tutoring. Only a couple of nibbles, but no takers. Where would you suggest I might offer my services as an independent tutor?

FCPS has high impact tutoring positions....maybe you could start there and see how you feel?

Interesting idea. I did not pick those out when I was going through the job lists. Do they have another name for those positions? I saw all of the specialist ones. Are those in specific subjects? TY

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would you consider teaching at a Catholic school? The diocese has some openings.

Yes, I would. Are they only interested in hiring Catholics, though?

I used to teach English in public school. I transferred to a Catholic high school a few years ago. (No, you don’t need to be Catholic. Many of my coworkers aren’t.)

Teaching is hard no matter where you do it. The days are long, and you can anticipate working almost every night to prepare for the next long day. Student behaviors will wear you down, and administrators can vary from somewhat helpful to toxic. I cried often my first year, something that may be helpful to hear just so you know it can be common for new teachers.

But you can do it! There will be supportive teachers at whichever school you pick. Lean on them, and don’t be afraid to admit when you’re feeling overwhelmed. They’ll get you through it. One day, you’ll be that person for another new teacher.

Is it any better in a co-teaching situation, as far as the work/home life balance? The classes are going to consist of 25 students, but no one knows how many I will be scheduled for.

I had co-teachers this year and it was a nightmare - neither . It would have been easier if I was solo. But, I also saw some amazing team relationships. I, unfortunately, was not that lucky.

Could you please be more specific about what made it a nightmare and about the teaching arrangement? TY

Sorry, I hit submit before proofreading! Neither of my co-teachers was strong in their assigned content area (SPED and ESOL teachers aren't generally dual certified with a content area). And both had very poor classroom management skills, so with rowdy middle schoolers, I felt like I was the only adult in the room, except I couldn't call home or write a referral for one of them 😂. Both were on provisional licenses and hadn't gone through student teaching or had mentorship. I myself was relatively new, so I didn't feel comfortable in that role for either of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it Glasgow? Tough school for a first year teacher. I’d hold out for another opening if there are any left.

-former Glasgow teacher now at a different FCPS middle school

There are a lot of positions...I'd wait.

Do you think they are still deciding? I only had one request for an interview today. Last week it was like a barrage.

The first two weeks in July are principal vacation weeks. Leadership returns July 15 and hiring will resume in earnest there. I expect it to be quiet the next couple of weeks. https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/2024-25-employee-calendar.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it Glasgow? Tough school for a first year teacher. I’d hold out for another opening if there are any left.

-former Glasgow teacher now at a different FCPS middle school

There are a lot of positions...I'd wait.

Do you think they are still deciding? I only had one request for an interview today. Last week it was like a barrage.

The first two weeks in July are principal vacation weeks. Leadership returns July 15 and hiring will resume in earnest there. I expect it to be quiet the next couple of weeks. https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/2024-25-employee-calendar.pdf

That is very good to know. TY

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you ever worked in a school? Student teaching? Substitute?
The people on DCUM are generally mean and hate FCPS so I wouldn’t give their comments and validity. However, teaching in general is hard and teaching middle school is only for a very special group of people. The people who love middle school absolutely love it and wouldn’t leave. But everyone else either goes higher or lower. It’s a unique age.

Yes, I performed a practicum at INTO Mason, working with older ELs. I taught Academic English to international students who mostly matriculate into GMU once they complete their program and pass the TOEFL. I enjoyed that a lot. There are not many positions working full-time with adult ESL students that I have found. I do not have a PhD, so that seems to be precluding me from teaching at the collegiate level.

So, I am sorry but that’s not teaching in a K-12 school which is very very different and probably why you aren’t getting hired. As a teacher with a degree in education I took classes that taught classroom management, assessment, child development, how to teach, and so on. I spent 3 semesters with one full day a week in a classroom and then one whole semester student teaching all day, every day. Teaching is hard and if you love it then it’s worth it, but you will just leave it it’s not something you are passionate about and that’s not fair to the students or your colleagues. If it’s not what you actually want to do, please don’t take the job.
If you think you might like to go back and take the appropriate courses then maybe take an IA job or substitute. See what it’s actually like to work in K-12 schools without being completely alone in the classroom. You would probably learn a lot about teaching and about if you’re really interested in it as a career.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you ever worked in a school? Student teaching? Substitute?
The people on DCUM are generally mean and hate FCPS so I wouldn’t give their comments and validity. However, teaching in general is hard and teaching middle school is only for a very special group of people. The people who love middle school absolutely love it and wouldn’t leave. But everyone else either goes higher or lower. It’s a unique age.

Yes, I performed a practicum at INTO Mason, working with older ELs. I taught Academic English to international students who mostly matriculate into GMU once they complete their program and pass the TOEFL. I enjoyed that a lot. There are not many positions working full-time with adult ESL students that I have found. I do not have a PhD, so that seems to be precluding me from teaching at the collegiate level.

So, I am sorry but that’s not teaching in a K-12 school which is very very different and probably why you aren’t getting hired. As a teacher with a degree in education I took classes that taught classroom management, assessment, child development, how to teach, and so on. I spent 3 semesters with one full day a week in a classroom and then one whole semester student teaching all day, every day. Teaching is hard and if you love it then it’s worth it, but you will just leave it it’s not something you are passionate about and that’s not fair to the students or your colleagues. If it’s not what you actually want to do, please don’t take the job.
If you think you might like to go back and take the appropriate courses then maybe take an IA job or substitute. See what it’s actually like to work in K-12 schools without being completely alone in the classroom. You would probably learn a lot about teaching and about if you’re really interested in it as a career.

Do you also have a degree in your subject matter? Just curious.