Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Transitions

I started teaching eight years ago, at the ripe old age of 35. I taught 3 years in the local public school system, but I've been working at a small private school for the past four years. Now I'm heading back into the public school system. There were a lot of advantages to teaching at a small school. I'm definitely going to miss the smaller class size, less paperwork, and less stress due to the first two things. I will also miss my fellow teachers and administrators, my students' parents, and watching my students grow up. In a public school system, the kids left my class and continued on. When I taught second grade, that meant they headed to another school. I only saw them if I ran into them in public.
The private school is pre-K through 12th grade, so the farthest my students moved was down the hall or to the next building. I loved the idea of watching them go from pre-school, across the hall from me, to watching them graduate. So why am I leaving?! Financially, I just can't afford to turn down the pay increase and benefits that public schools offer. Even though teaching is not a high-paying career by anyone's standards, public still pays a lot more.

This will be my fourth school to work at in my eight and a half year career. During that time, I've also changed grade levels three times. Second grade, fourth grade, and kindergarten for the past three years--- and that's the grade I'm teaching at the new school. Thank God, at least that's the same. LOL God willing--- this will be my last transition--- for a long while.

This school is also in a town about 30 miles from my house. Driving over 15 minutes to work is another change. I'm nervous about learning a whole new curriculum. At the same time, I'm excited to make new friends and meet new kids and parents. A lot of prayer went up before and after this job opened up. I feel confident this is where God's leading me to teach. I would still, however, welcome prayers for an easy transition. ;)

8 comments:

  1. Yea, you got the job! I'm sure you will do well. Is the school a small one? How many kids will be in your class? Do you get a para too?

    My son is planning on working as a substitute again this next year. He worked everyday last year. Some thing about substituting is no paperwork, no lesson plans, and lots of different possibilities.

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  2. It's a small school, but I'm looking at around 20 kids. The para-professional is only with me for one hour a day. She rotates. I subbed for years before and during college. I enjoyed being at a different school every time-- and the NO paperwork part! LOL I wanted to be sure this is wanted to do before I invested years (and money!) in going back to school. I was 32 when I started college--- the year my baby went to kindergarten.

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  3. I'm so happy that you got the job! Your going to do great!

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  4. Congrats, you'll do great. Considering how hard it is to find a teaching position with the state cuts consider yourself lucky. The parish isn't even hiring here.

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  5. Hey, I understand! I get notified every time someone comments on my blog, probably just like you do!

    Love ya1

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  6. We aren't from Meadville?

    Does it imply that somewhere on his blog??? He did referee soccer there??

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  7. Check out my blog, I have an award for you!

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  8. We need more Godly people in the public schools... so this might
    just be where God wants you. I know of many of my friends who
    are leaving private schools to teach in public schools. It makes me
    a little sad that our private Christian organizations can't pay more
    or give more benefits to teachers.... it is all in God's hands. I am
    home schooling for now.... and plan to continue, under the cover
    of a private Christian school.... that way we get out of the house and
    participate in group events. God Bless and hand in there with that drive!

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