What grade did you teach your first year? My dream grade would be second, but I realize that I may not get the grade I want. If you didn't get the grade you preferred, how did you deal with it? Thanks
5th grade. I was a mid year replacement, so I was happy just to get a job. I did not think I would like it but it turned out great. Just had to establish myself.
Fourth grade. Keep in mind that, in reality, that your "dream grade" may end up being a different grade than you imagined. Be open and receptive!
my dream grade was 1st but I ended up getting a job in 6th! It turned out to be fun and I found a lot of things I really enjoyed, especially things that you can't do in 1st. However, I got a job mid-year in 1st! It turned out to be a 1st/2nd looping job and I love it! 2nd has actually turned out to be maybe even more awesome than 1st!
I did a long term sub job (for 3 weeks shy of the whole year) in 2nd grade and I learned to love it. Then I was hired as a 6th grade teacher and I would be devastated if I was moved anytime soon.
My first year: -one period/day of grade 7 math -one period/day of grade 8 math -3 periods/week of grade 6 science -one period/day of grade 7 social studies -one or two periods/day of grade 3 remedial reading As others have said, you take what you can get!
my first year- 6th 2nd year will be 6th but I will also be teaching some 7th graders and 8th graders I always dreamed of 1-3 but now I really like middle school ..Never say Never
Kindergarten I accepted the job and then went home and cried like a baby...b/c I knew it would be hard, they are so young! I ended up having a great year (but knew it wasn't my ideal grade level)! Moved across the country and took a 1st grade position (which I liked better, but didn't love) after 3 years I was moved to 3rd grade last year! I loved almost everything about except a couple of things my team did. I'm moving up to 4th grade next year and I'm really excited. I don't think I would try to go below 3rd grade again. I really like the older ones. I can see myself moving up to 5th/6th eventually. But I'm very happy with 3rd and 4th too!
I taught 4th grade that first year and for the next 20 after that. I love them! I can't imagine ever moving from this grade.
I did Resource and Methods for my first job, then did behaviour intervention, grade three and grade one. I'm still taking what I can get. Next year I will likely be teaching either second grade or a 4/5 split in the first term and a fifth grade in the second term. I may even only be teaching half time.
PreK Autism I was offered a job halfway through the year and because the economy is so bad I was very grateful to have a job. I was given 5th grade next year (which I really wanted), but I just found out that because of the budget they're cutting back and I will be going back to PreK. You get what you get and you don't get upset I'm very happy to have a job but I'm still hoping that in the future something else might come up.
I taught 5th. I wanted 3rd, and I was horrified. Turns out I loved it....but this year, maybe it's the end-of-year-stress mixed with a dysfunctional team, I don't love it as much.
My first job was actually long term subbing the end of the year with my third grade student-teaching class. I can't even remember what grade I wanted at that point. I got a job teaching fifth grade full time the next fall, and it was a dream job. I feel like I was made for fifth. I've been waiting to get back to it ever since moving to CA, and I'll finally have a bit of it next year (third-fifth multi-age). Every class I've had since then has taught me huge lessons on child development-I reflect, reflect, reflect and then figure out how to use it to better my teaching the next year! Oh, and I have to add that I had to work with Kinders for several months this spring. WOW. I never, never thought I'd want to teach kindergarten. I don't think I'd jump at the chance now, but I've learned that I really love the kids and it's a fun age and I can survive a kinder work week. So even if it seems like it's going to be a huge challenge, you'll learn something new about your tolerance level!
I taught 2 sections of Freshman Algebra, one of Freshmen Sequential Math I, and 2 of Sophomore Geometry. My "dream job" was a job teaching math. I didn't care about the level. In the years since then, I've taught every math course we offer (and several we no longer offer) with the exception of 8th grade math. (7th, but not 8th...yet.) Each has brought me new experiences and deepened my knowledge, so I'm very grateful for the opportunity to become a stronger teacher.
5th grade. I love the independence of the kids. I dislike their attitudes at times. I want 2nd or 3rd. I doubt I will ever get them at the school I am currently at though. I went to school for Early Ed and have an extra endorsement. I like the independent stage but miss the stage where they still want to tell you everything. That is why I want the middle- somewhat 'trained' and still eager to please!
I wanted kindergarten, but got Preschool. I taught preschool, for 12 years, then needed more money, and switched to first grade. I've been teaching first grade for 14 years, and love it!
The 1st yr I ever taught was RSP (elem level) & I was the only type of that teacher on the campus. (I don't know how it is in other states, but there's usually just 1 RSP teacher.)
My first year I taught second grade and I loved it. I mean, yes, there were so growing pains, but the kids were mostly independent, BUT still young enough to love learning and be curious. If I could not get my ideal grade, I would shoot for a non testing grade. In my county, that means 2nd grade and under, because once you teach 3rd grade and up, it's all about taking these benchmark tests as a part of NCLB. It stresses out the teachers and the kids.
The reason I would love 2nd is because they are old enough to be independent with some things, but I can stay away from the FCATs (the standardized tests start in Florida in 3rd grade).
I did a long term in K and like it, but my first job under contract was 2nd grade then 1st for six years. Next year, I will be moving to 2nd and I am excited.
Well my first year I started teaching 4th grade, but then two weeks later I was moved to kindergarten. I absolutely loved kindergarten!
I taught 1st grade and now I'm teach 2nd grade. I want to go back and teach 1st, I loved it. I'm not feeling 2nd.
I can understand wanting to stay away form standardized tests but many districts in many areas of the country are testing in some format at most grade levels. You mentioned in another thread that you are not done yet with college, not certified yet and lacking confidence in the math content area. Regardless of your 'dream grade' and your desire for staying away from standardized testing, you would be best served to take some strong coursework in content subject area to familiarize yourself with 'key' concepts. Teachers don't have to know 'everything' but should have a broad knowledge about a range of subject matter. Even though 2nd graders may seem independent, they still rely on you. More than that, your administration and the parents will want to have confidence in your abilities to meet student needs, feel comfortable that you 'know your stuff', and that you are a dynamic, intelligent and passionate professional. Flexibility in teacher placement is a concern for administrators who are hiring. They don't want to necessarily hire a 'grade 2' teacher- they want to hire someone who can teach well, and adapt their skills to any teaching situation as school populations shift, teachers retire, school needs change. Don't lock yourself into one grade level- it will not open many doors for you if you remain in this mindset.
My first year teaching I taught, k, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, and 8. I wanted to teach kindergarten. How did I deal with it. Well the first week I cried a lot, once I arrived home, at the end of the day. The second week I came up with a plan. After that I taught. It was a wonderful year and I would do it all over again if it wasn't four hours from home.
I taught 4th my first year. That was the grade I really wanted. Since then, I have always taught 4th, 5th, or 4/5. I love this age level! I would love to try a younger grade, just to see if I liked it, but I haven't had a chance.
5th. And I haven't ever looked back! I always thought I would prefer 2nd or 3rd, but I love 5th grade and can't imagine doing anything else!
I am at the end of my first year, and I teach 2nd. Second grade is ok-but I would LOVE to be in 1st. With the curriculum I have to use it feels more like I am teaching 3rd grade.
