I interviewed for a teacher's aide position at a private school. I find out next week if I got it. Now, I am seriously considering as a newly certified teacher with basically no other prospects for a job- what would you do: Sub or be a teacher's aide in a private school? Which would best help me get a job in a public school next year? Which one looks better? As the aide I would teach one class in K- so I would be the teacher of record for that one particular class- plan and all that. It is a k/2nd split aide position- otherwise I am the aide for both k and 2. I have already subbed for about three years during college. If I do not get the job I will be subbing (and expanding to more districts), but what if I get offered the job? I feel like I would be crazy not to take it, but then again IDK. In my position which do you think would make me more marketable next year? As the aide, I also get first shot at any openings, which I think the P implied there might be next year- but it might not happen either.
I would definitely take the aide position. You'd have a full time job and you'd know where you were going every day. Also, you get some classroom experience by subbing, but by working as an aide you'll get a lot more opportunity to do some real teaching. What I mean by that is you'll know the kids, know their needs, and be able to help them work toward whatever the goal is. When you're subbing, you don't have the same kind of interaction with kids.
I'd take the aide job if it's offered. You'd always know when and where you were working, you would have a steady income, and it sounds like you'd have real responsibilities and great experience. Plus, since you've already subbed, this is something new to add to the ol' resume.
Thanks Beth! That helps a lot! I just needed to hear someone say it besides myself! Whew! that is what I was leaning towards, but I did not know if it was just me trying to talk myself into it or what! Thanks! It especially helps because you are in MA too! Thanks! Thanks Cd. Good- whew! Now, I just need that call on Tuesday! It sounds so great-really praying for this one! Thanks!
Without question.... aide. Classroom aides trump one-on-one aides... but aide trumps sub. (while we're at it, paper trumps rock)
I would say go for it too! I subbed last year, and though I was able to get two long term opportunities (3 months and 1.5 months), it was still a battle to keep up with our bills. Not to mention that even the paychecks where I subbed only 3 times, seemed like a fortune compared to not subbing at all, so a steady paycheck is a good paycheck. Besides, you (as you've said it before) need to be happy. It sounds like this is a chance to get some experience and get paid at the same time. I don't know about you, but I drive myself crazy with the what if questions, especially about "possible openings" and "next year, maybe". I would LOVE a F/T job, and there always is a "chance" that one might come up in the future, but I'm here in the present (and my bills too-LOL). Take the aide job. I know I would if it were me. Let us know what you decide. Good luck!
It's hard to say though I've been both, but I'm also newly certified and have worked as a parapro for the last 2 years and I feel like I've been typecast into that role. Maybe it's because I'm older, but I just don't feel that they see me as a teacher and I'm pretty sure that they think I do a good job--I got a glowing review last spring. I dress nicely too--maybe even better than some of the teachers, so it's not that. I got several letters of reference from my teachers, but no job leads came from that. I sort of wish that I could go back to subbing--I got more exposure that way and teachers were always so appreciative of everything I did--all I had to do was try and they loved me. If you sub in several schools, you have a chance to look at them and see if they're a good fit for you and to ask around for job leads. Anyway, wish I could help more, but I kind of think it's a 6 of one, half a dozen of the other kind of scenario. And it depends on whether you need the benefits, which I do.
I know this won't be popular... but a sub is able to broaden her chances by subbing in a variety of situations. When a job opens up, our subs are always asked to teach. Good luck. I don't think you can go wrong either way!
When I posted a similar poll a few weeks ago mostly everyone that responded told me that subbing was the better way to go! haha.
I thought about this one some more today and I think that one of the problems with being a parapro is that you tend to "settle" into the position. I get along extremely well with all but one of my fellow assistants and that may be part of the reason why I've become typecast. We're all very intelligent people and the one I don't get along with is one of those people who's not a good team player and she has distanced herself from us purposely and pops in to see our boss about every hour or so, and though she's not certified to teach HS, as I am, she is seen as more of the go-getter and a likelier candidate to teach. Still, b/c she's mainly out for herself, I just don't think she'll be a good teacher but I'm not the one doing the hiring and all this depends on the people you work for.
The aide position will give you an opportunity to get letters of recommendation from your supervisors. Those are harder to get as a sub.
Thanks everyone! It is a non-issue now though because I did not get it. Thanks for all the advice and thoughts though!
So sorry. Keep your chin up. The perfect job is (say in a spooky voice) "ooouuutttt tttthheerrrrre". Just trying to lighten the mood. You'll find something. I know you (we) will.
Ah! that did make it sooo much better! lol I like it! Just what I needed! I am teaching an adult religious ed course tonight and it's supposed to be a group of us co-teaching 3 of us, but I am the only one tonight and I was feeling pretty bummed. I just sent out three applications for openings that are over two hours away from me- just emails because I cannot drive over there now! Have to go get ready for tonight. Thanks for the boost! How is it going for you?
