Anonymous wrote:

I don't have a degree in teaching and teach in MCPS. GASP!


But you have a teaching license, right? Private schools don't require that.


Now, but I wasn't certified for the first five years. (That is the "license")

MCPS doesn't do it anymore. They used to hire teachers under provisional certification which meant you didn't need to be certified as long as you were working towards certification. I think it is a shame because there are some great people out there that could be awesome teachers but just because they don't have the degree/certification, they can't do it (unless they go private)

Well, so you lied in your first post. You have a teaching license now, which means you have a degree in teaching. You're also disingenuous by excluding the salient fact that you could hired under a provisional license IF you were working towards certification at the time of your hire.

Obviously, you have no respect for licensure requirements. That's fine. Luckily, MCPS and virtually every other jurisdiction in the country disagrees with you and recognizes the very simple fact that being good at Math doesn't make you a good teacher of Math.

These great people you know who could be awesome teachers *can* be good teachers. All they have to do is learn how to teach.

Most teachers at independent schools do not have teaching licenses or certificates. Yet, many of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the country (not all, but many), choose to pay big bucks for their students to go to private schools to be taught by these "untrained" teachers. Students from these schools are routinely accepted into top universities. Why do you think that is so? Perhaps the teaching license is less important thank you think?

Just relax. Teachers get observed and trained throughout the year. You will be fine and your kid will be fine. Don't become one of those parents; the one that none of the teachers/staff want to deal with!

I don't have a degree in teaching and teach in MCPS. GASP!


But you have a teaching license, right? Private schools don't require that.


Now, but I wasn't certified for the first five years. (That is the "license")

MCPS doesn't do it anymore. They used to hire teachers under provisional certification which meant you didn't need to be certified as long as you were working towards certification. I think it is a shame because there are some great people out there that could be awesome teachers but just because they don't have the degree/certification, they can't do it (unless they go private)

Well, so you lied in your first post. You have a teaching license now, which means you have a degree in teaching. You're also disingenuous by excluding the salient fact that you could hired under a provisional license IF you were working towards certification at the time of your hire.

Obviously, you have no respect for licensure requirements. That's fine. Luckily, MCPS and virtually every other jurisdiction in the country disagrees with you and recognizes the very simple fact that being good at Math doesn't make you a good teacher of Math.

These great people you know who could be awesome teachers *can* be good teachers. All they have to do is learn how to teach.

I'm a teacher. I would be thrilled if my kids had newer teachers. They are generally the most enthusiastic teachers in the school. They haven't had time to burn out. They bring an excitement to the classroom that cannot be duplicated. The kids also benefit from the most recent research into education.

My daughter just graduated and starts her teaching career in a few weeks. She is super excited!!! Her kids and her parents will love her!

I was a second year teacher this past year and I surpasses my expected progress on my SLO (student learning objective). It's what is used to determine how good of a teacher you are in terms of student achievement. Some newer teachers do have some issues with behavior management but they also tend to put newer teachers in more challenging schools too. I had a year long student teaching experience which is what really helped me be more prepared for my own classroom. I feel sorry for the undergrads who only student teacher for 10-12 weeks. It isn't enough.

Anonymous wrote:

Back off. Period.

Agree. I taught school for years. What he/she lacks in experience, he will make up with enthusiasm. Sometimes, that is more valuable.

Last year my child had a first time teacher. She was awesome.

OP, I do think you have some cause for concern, but I don't know what you can really do about it.

I've had 2 kids come through FCPS elementaries. Both kids had some first and second year teachers, and while universally sweet and enthusiastic, they had terrible classroom management skills. My sample is about 4 teachers , but based on my own work experience, I think it takes about 2-3 years to get truly competent in almost any job.

They have also had several teachers who had degrees besides elementary education (along with a teaching certificate) and with one notable exception, those were their best teachers.

Anonymous wrote:

I don't have a degree in teaching and teach in MCPS. GASP!

But you have a teaching license, right? Private schools don't require that.

Now, but I wasn't certified for the first five years. (That is the "license")

MCPS doesn't do it anymore. They used to hire teachers under provisional certification which meant you didn't need to be certified as long as you were working towards certification. I think it is a shame because there are some great people out there that could be awesome teachers but just because they don't have the degree/certification, they can't do it (unless they go private)

Anonymous wrote:You sound like a real pita. I would just back off. I imagine that your child's teacher will see you coming from a mile away. Treat him/her like any other teacher should be treated-with kindness and respect. She will treat you the same.

+1

From a third year teacher who is thankful I didn't have to deal with parents like you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child will have a teacher with about 1-2 years experience. Any tips or suggestions on how I can best help a new teacher and manage my expectations?

New teachers have had less time to build up things like classroom libraries and things like that--they may really appreciate things like new books donated to the class (or an amazon gift certificate) or target/container store gift cards for organizing and decorating items. And they may be spending more time developing lesson plans, and might appreciate help with the more busywork parts of the job (like copying worksheets, etc.) if you have time to help with that.

This! Keep in mind that newer teachers are at the bottom of the pay scale, and all of the books, rugs, cozy chairs, containers, decorations, and many supplies in general are paid for by the teachers. As a new teacher, I would have loved for a parent to donate to the class -- in form of physical items, gift cards, or time -- especially after asking if there was anything I needed. Another nice thing to do a few weeks into the year would be to give a gift card for a local eatery, along with a note of thanks for all of the hours you know s/he is putting in, hope s/he enjoys some time to relax, that sort of message.

With the public/private s/o, keep in mind that many private schools have the educational philosophy that one need not have a teaching degree or license to still educate students well. If you don't agree with this mentality, consider public.

I don't have a degree in teaching and teach in MCPS. GASP!

But you have a teaching license, right? Private schools don't require that.

Lol.

I don't have a degree in teaching and teach in MCPS. GASP!

OP, by year two you are much better so while your intentions may be good (I hope) please do back off and help with outside things such as organizing parties or an email chain. The last thing a teacher needs to add to her plate is managing annoying parents.

What school has a lead teacher without an education?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. The teacher does not have a degree in teaching.

Huh? Private school I'm assuming?

Sadly, yes.

Hilarious. OP, if you value degrees in teaching, may I suggest FREE public school? Or at least a private with more stringent qualifications.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. The teacher does not have a degree in teaching.

Huh? Private school I'm assuming?

Sadly, yes.