Had my first real interview today. I think I did really well BUT I don't think I am going to take the job even if I get hired. I even got to pick what grade I would want since they are hiring in every grade. (high turnover rate) The P was nice but they focused heavily on classroom management. Apparently the school has some really bad behavioral issues and I don't know if they necessarily thought I could handle it. I also did not like the area too much. I could see myself crying everyday if I lived there. I know many of you maybe screaming at me right now saying take it but honestly it seemed like a bad fit for me. (plus I don't know if I will even got the position) I'm just excited for my next interview and feel better prepared. Please tell me I am not the only one who would turn down something that did not feel right.
No way...there's a reason you weren't feeling it. Last year I interviewed for a public school that was turning into a montessori (very low test scores/bad behaviors and would hope this public school montessori would help). They were phasing it in with K this year, 1st and 2nd next yr etc. I definitely wasn't sure I wanted to do it esp since it required a 3yr commitment. So yea I listened to that gut feeling too as a sign (tho I didn't end up getting it anyway) But yea gut feelings are there for a reason and it's still early. But man openings at every grade level ,where is this school? And why isn't there more of this ?haha
Good!! I'm not the only one. It just didn't seem right at all. They didn't really align with my philosophy and classroom discipline.
Well, I'm of the opinion that I can get through anything for a year or two. Even if I'm miserable and hate every second of it, it'll still be good teaching experience. I don't know about your area, but it sounds like you are elementary. Out here, in the decent districts, they get about 1000 Elementary Ed applications a year for about 10 openings. That being said, it is still early, but I think you should think carefully about how picky you really want to be. Are you okay with subbing next year if nothing else comes up and you turn this down? Good luck!
Hmmm. Well the position is out of state and I could just seem myself miserable living and teaching there for two years. I don't know. I know how I am and really don't think I can work there. I am still going with the "its still early" thing and hopefully more things come up. Plus doesn't it say something that they have openings at every grade level and the turnover rate is so high?
I would also go with your instincts.Yes, you want a teaching job, but your sanity, health, and self esteem come first. No job is worth compromising any of those items and if you can tell from the get go that it isn't for you.......I'm just thinking back about the inordinate number of miserable teacher posts that have been in this forum this year.
Beckysuek that makes me feel better. I need a job, yes, but I am already miserable now without a job and living where I am living so I don't want to finally have a job and living somewhere I don't want and be even more miserable.
There were 2 job openings at an elementary school where I live. The openings were at a school that has low test scores, lots of behavior problems, among other things. I can remember hearing lots of people say " I wouldn't take a job there if they paid me double!" I even heard a student teacher say that she considered getting out of education because of her experience there. Anyway..I saw the openings and decided to take in my resume regardless. As soon as I turned it in I started thinking of how I really wasn't sure I wanted a position there. Yes..you still get paid..and yes it is a teaching job..but in the end is it worth the possibility that you'll be unhappy?? In any case...they already had the positions promised to other people..sadly..I wasn't that disappointed about it.
Go with your gut, MsBee! I would definately go on the interview; it would be great experience. But I honestly believe you have to keep your health - emotional and physical - in tact. You don't want to be miserable for a year or two. Not loving your job is bearable, but hating it and moving somewhere for a job you hate... well, that doesn't seem worth it. It doesn't sound like the school will be the right match for you.
Palla I went on the interview today and from the moment I walked in I knew it wasn't for me. At first I thought I could teach in almost any situation but I don't know if I believe that anymore.
Definitely trust your instincts; a job isn't worth your sanity. The fact that they have that much turnover is a huge sign that the working conditions there probably aren't the best.
An interview is a two way street! You are checking them out as much as they are checking you out. I would take any interview offered to me because every time you interview you'll improve your interview skills. I would take a job that wasn't my DREAM job, but I wouldn't take anything that gave me a bad gut feeling. Something else will come along... GL!
Thank everyone. You really are making me feel better. I am def going to take any interview I get just to get practice.
I feel like I need to explain more on why I don't like the school. When I was interviewing I told them that the last thing I want to do as a teacher is yell and they completely laughed in my face. One lady couldn't stop laughing. They also told me that the school has a lack of parental support at all levels. Also they have a behavioral specialist team that helps problem students. (Basically if a child is "bad" you send them to the specialist for a few hours) I don't like that idea too much. There were just a bunch of things that I did not like. I don't know.
Wow...that would be the deal breaker for me right there. They laughed in your face? And because you expressed a genuine concern....basically showing that you are a thoughtful, caring teacher? My dear, run and don't like back is my um *cough* humble opinion! You've got enough waving red flags to see coincide with your gut instincts that this school probably is NOT a good fit for you!
And not only that the P started to talk down to me a little at the end. I'm assuming because she thought I was a young new grad who she could mold. She was telling me that she expects teachers to be on time and submit paper work on time..etc...and she started saying that I can't do things last minute like I did in college!!! She doesn't even know me. If she did she would know that I never do things late. I don't know where she got that from.
Yeah, that just wreaks of unprofessionalism. Wow. As mentioned already, it's a two-way street. When you are on an interview, you are also checking them out. Those gut feelings and cues to an unhealthy school environment are important. I have worked in a place where I am MISERABLE, and it is NOT worth it. Best of luck to you MsBee.
I've taken my last two jobs out of desperation, and it has backfired big time. You may think you can teach anywhere for a year or two, but that is so not true. It sucks the energy and passion from you, and leaves you burnt out, questioning yourself and bitter at the education world. NOT worth it. I think you are smart for waiting for a fit. I won't even interview at schools that aren't of my philosophy anymore, but that's simply because I've interviewed so many times I don't need the practice. Keep high standards for yourself as a professional and for your teaching philosophy. I'm a firm believer in fate, and you will end up where you need to be. It's been five years of searching for me, and I'm hoping this fall will find me at a school that finally fits (it was a long road of self-reflection to get there). Oh, and my last two schools had full turn-over when I went to work there. They gave all kinds of reasons-starting fresh, had to move because of husband, etc. Once I was there, I realized it was all nonsense-teachers left because of the conditions. HUGE red flag, and I can't believe it took TWO schools to teach me that. If people really can 'teach anywhere for a few years', they would still be there. When an entire staff leaves, that is pretty darn bad. Besides, a brand new staff is a whole 'nother animal, and not one that works well a school full of behavior problems. No one understand the culture or the rules and the administration is usually horrible, which causes more problems.
Thanks Jem. At first I was feeling like I need to just take anything to get my foot and the door and "i can teach anywhere for a few years" then I realized I can't do this. This is not me. Its so good to hear you all say it's okay because I really didn't think it was. I felt bad at one point because I thought of how many people are struggling to find a job. And I am just so ready to start making money and get my life started.
Thanks Jem. At first I was feeling like I need to just take anything to get my foot and the door and "i can teach anywhere for a few years" then I realized I can't do this. This is not me. Its so good to hear you all say it's okay because I really didn't think it was. I felt bad at one point because I thought of how many people are struggling to find a job. And I am just so ready to start making money and get my life started.
