New NYC teachers 2014-2015!

Back again from having no life. I still feel like a zombie, but anyway…

Things are definitely getting better. I'm starting to differentiate my instruction, where the kids are getting the hang of it. I'm having trouble differentiating writing (they're just in their drawing stages). How do I differentiate writing workshop!!!!

OH! And I got my first informal observation done. I got rated mostly effective, two with developing (again, because of no differentiation, and it was writing workshop). Still, I am thrilled, it's better than what I expected. But now I got other stuff to deal with so I'm overwhelmed!

I'm definitely feeling like I'm catching up, though!

I also got my insurance, retirement, and all that junk. But again, my last name is SPELLED WRONG!

I seriously love my job. Any problems or mistakes that happen, I get the support I need.
 
How does everyone find time to do all the testing throughout the day? We were just given this math assessment to do, which is due in two weeks (among the other tests we need to do), but it takes 25 mins per student. I can't understand how we are expected to do all of this in a course of a day. I am so used to Long Island where they would have subs come in and cover the class as teachers tested. It is so frustrating because when I pull a kid and give the rest of the class work, they cannot be trusted to do it on their own. All of this is making me feel so stressed and unhappy =\. Sorry for the rant. Any advice?
 
Has anyone gotten their UFT card? I'm getting really frustrated because I need to get prescriptions and can't, I just spent 2 hours crying and calling different people over at express scripts.

Other than that Ive had a crappy week and been in a crappy mood. (Kids are great still)

As far as testing, my literacy coach helped me out with running records. Maybe you can reach out to your math coach?
 
^^^Sorry to hear about your prescription troubles Bunnie. That really sucks. I hope you can sort that out asap.

Question: If credits over a BA don't count toward MA +30, why do CLEP credits count if they are also considered undergrad credits?
 
Excess credits don't count because they were applied to your ba. As long as clep exams don't duplicate a course you previously took, they count.

Also don't try to apply logic to the doe.
 
So my pension number is not listen on my paycheck-instead it just shows 000000. Does anyone know how I apply to have a pension?
 
I got my UFT card with my misspelled last name lol

BUT they couldn't send me my ID because the DOE "doesn't have my picture on file." Total crock of crap!!!! Now I gotta go to the DOE to take care of this. I have NOOOO TIME for all this! I'm so done with them screwing things up one thing after one thing :/

Other than that, at least my job is treating me good!

I got my running records. Starting that once I get my copies.
 
I had to go down to the UFT MAIN OFFICE today after work to fill out a paper application. They said last week they would mail me one and it never came. Took 5 mins and done. I should receive my card in the mail within 3 weeks, but they gave me a bunch of numbers and stuff to give to my pharmacy to get my prescriptions. I'm gonna try it tomorrow.

Since I wasn't far I stopped down at 65 Court Street. I handed in my transcripts for my differential. Hopefully that clears soon. I also picked up my ID while there. My payroll sec gave me a letter to give them. She sent in my information WEEKS ago along with a bunch of other new teachers, and they didn't send anything. I gave them my info and stuff and they printed my ID right there and then.

I got a lot accomplished today!
 
Yes and no. I have to meet with so many parents! Over 40. Kinda stinks being departmentalized in elementary for that reason only. I also have to do my bulletin board by Thursday.

I feel slightly overwhelmed this week.
 
Hola!

How has everyone been with their first year sofar? I've been BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!

I actually posted another thread in the New Teacher category asking about classes for 30 and above.
 
Getting certified in NYC (among other questions). I need some help!

HI! I am absolutely brand new at this, and I am still extremely confused about many many things. First things first: I want to end up teaching in NYC, preferably the Bronx. I definitely want to help the inner city kids whose potential may be compromised by factors beyond their control and by people's apathy and prejudices towards them. Those are my kids; those are the students that I want to work with and inspire.

Thing is that I live in CT and I am close to finishing an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a K-12 Spanish licensure. It's an online program (from Montana State University); of course, practica take place in local CT schools. I will start student teaching in the fall, and then, hopefully, I will move to NYC.

My problem is that the whole "getting certified and teaching in NYC" thing seems incredibly daunting and complicated, so I need to at least have a clearer idea of what I will have to deal with. I hear so many opinions about how difficult it is, about how long it takes to get certified there, about how supposedly draggy processes get, but I want to see if any of you can give me real advice based on real experiences, not hearsay. I have tried going to the NYSED site, but it doesn't seem too user-friendly, and it's even more confusing.

Is it true that NY doesn't have a K-12 foreign language license? Does that mean that my out-of-state license won't work as a means to reciprocity?
If one wants to be a teacher in NYC, should one become a substitute first, a paraprofessional, a substitute paraprofessional, or what? What would be the best way to "get your foot on the door," so to speak?
Speaking of which...I have been told that to become a substitute teacher in NYC, a principal has to nominate you. Ok, how do I get a principal to even care about me enough to nominate me? Do I volunteer in a school? Do I simply call or email a principal and pitch her or him my case? Do I stalk him or her into nominating me? (Just kidding! :) )
Overall, what would you say is an adequate way of becoming a teacher in NYC if you are brand new at this, just got your out-of-state licensure, and it's from an online proram? Does that lower my chances of ever getting a full-fledged position as a teacher in NYC? Does graduating from an out-of-state college lower my chances of being hired?
Sorry about all of this. It's just so confusing! I truly want to do this, bt I don't know where to start!! Thanks for all your help!
 
MissPapa said:
Hola!

How has everyone been with their first year sofar? I've been BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!

I actually posted another thread in the New Teacher category asking about classes for 30 and above.
Click to expand...

Busy is an understatement!!!! I hope all is well. We made it to spring break!!!!

I miss the checking in we all had at the beginning of the year, but since the demands of the job are stressful, I understand why people have disappeared for the time being.

So many things have changed for me, my co teacher left so I've had a revolving door of subs for a bit. Finally got someone last week who maybe a good fit to be hired. So I've been handling my class solo for a couple of months. Other than that just anxious for state testing after break!! Eeeek!!!
 
CTSpaEngTeach said:
HI! I am absolutely brand new at this, and I am still extremely confused about many many things. First things first: I want to end up teaching in NYC, preferably the Bronx. I definitely want to help the inner city kids whose potential may be compromised by factors beyond their control and by people's apathy and prejudices towards them. Those are my kids; those are the students that I want to work with and inspire.

Thing is that I live in CT and I am close to finishing an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a K-12 Spanish licensure. It's an online program (from Montana State University); of course, practica take place in local CT schools. I will start student teaching in the fall, and then, hopefully, I will move to NYC.

My problem is that the whole "getting certified and teaching in NYC" thing seems incredibly daunting and complicated, so I need to at least have a clearer idea of what I will have to deal with. I hear so many opinions about how difficult it is, about how long it takes to get certified there, about how supposedly draggy processes get, but I want to see if any of you can give me real advice based on real experiences, not hearsay. I have tried going to the NYSED site, but it doesn't seem too user-friendly, and it's even more confusing.

Is it true that NY doesn't have a K-12 foreign language license? Does that mean that my out-of-state license won't work as a means to reciprocity?
If one wants to be a teacher in NYC, should one become a substitute first, a paraprofessional, a substitute paraprofessional, or what? What would be the best way to "get your foot on the door," so to speak?
Speaking of which...I have been told that to become a substitute teacher in NYC, a principal has to nominate you. Ok, how do I get a principal to even care about me enough to nominate me? Do I volunteer in a school? Do I simply call or email a principal and pitch her or him my case? Do I stalk him or her into nominating me? (Just kidding! :) )
Overall, what would you say is an adequate way of becoming a teacher in NYC if you are brand new at this, just got your out-of-state licensure, and it's from an online proram? Does that lower my chances of ever getting a full-fledged position as a teacher in NYC? Does graduating from an out-of-state college lower my chances of being hired?
Sorry about all of this. It's just so confusing! I truly want to do this, bt I don't know where to start!! Thanks for all your help!
Click to expand...


First you need to certified in NYS before you apply here. The foreign language cert is only 7-12. There may be reciporcity but I'm not too sure. If in the bronx is where you want to work, you shouldn't have a problem getting nominated. I work in the bronx, and we have trouble getting subs, I'm sure principals here will nominate anyone with an actual desire to sub in The Bronx.

Hope most of that was helpful.
 
First of all, you should know that certifications are granted by New York State not New York City.

Second of all, there is an extension for Spanish Grades 1-6 in addition to the Grades 7-12 and 5-9 certs. Once you have your NYS certification, then you need to apply for the Spanish Grades 1-6 Initial Extension Annotation. Search requirements here: http://eservices.nysed.gov/teach/certhelp/CertRequirementHelp.do I would imagine since your program is K-12, you will have the 3 credits in childhood education.

Good luck. If you are interested in working in high poverty schools, then you might want to explore charter schools because then you don't even have to worry about state certification.
 
Bunnie said:
Busy is an understatement!!!! I hope all is well. We made it to spring break!!!!

I miss the checking in we all had at the beginning of the year, but since the demands of the job are stressful, I understand why people have disappeared for the time being.

So many things have changed for me, my co teacher left so I've had a revolving door of subs for a bit. Finally got someone last week who maybe a good fit to be hired. So I've been handling my class solo for a couple of months. Other than that just anxious for state testing after break!! Eeeek!!!
Click to expand...

OMG I KNOW!!!! We were all posting like crazy in the summer! Maybe we will again once this is all over :) Btw Bunnie, that happened last year with my co-teacher. Her co-teacher left and two subs got hired, me included. She was pretty much in charge ever since the permanent teacher left. Twas fun, though!

My year has been so crazy. Kindergarten ain't the same as it used to be. But, I am enjoying it thoroughly. A lot of challenges here and there. I started with no para or any help, but then I got a student who is special ed who requires a para so it got easier (obviously the child comes first but yay for extra help!!!) I'll actually be teaching special ed next year.

And thankfully my bosses are great!

I am taking two classes for my 30 and above: an autism class and a multiple intelligences' class. I'd love to go to PDs and workshops this summer so let's inform each other on what we come across! Basically, relaxing but keeping busy in the summer!
 
So guys, 1 1/2 more days left until our first year comes to a close :D How did everyone do?

Aside from a bit of drama and lots of challenges, I felt like I did rather well. I actually got switched to third grade ICT. I'm excited, though, my last long-term assignment before I got hired was third grade ICT, and I loved it. Is everyone staying in their grades next year or getting switched?
 
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