From teaching to Museum Education

I am looking for jobs that I can take my elementary school teacher skills and art background - and would love to work in museum education. Does anyone have information on how I might find a job in this area? Please note post below.. Lauren, if you are still out there, can you relay your info on this area? Thanks - Valerie

Have you ever considered working in museum education? We can always use people with classroom experience and a good working knowledge of kids' developmental and educational needs at different ages. Museums have all different kinds of focuses (foci?), so you should have no problem finding one that meets your interest, be it art, science, history, environmental education, zoos, or children's museums, and we have tons of all of them in the Bay Area. If you're interested in pursuing this, I'd be happy to talk with you. Also, there's an organization called Cultural Connections which sponsors periodic get-togethers of local museum educators; the next one is on April 14 at the Headlands in Marin. You can get information on their website, www.cultural- connections.org (yes, the hyphen is part of the URL). If you want to take another route, you could consider educational research. I know someone who went from the classroom to WestEd a number of years ago and has been very happy. Good luck with your decision. Lauren

www.childrensmuseums.org
www.aam-us.org - American Association of Musuems
www.westmuse.org - Western Musuem Association
www.calmuseums.org - California Associations of Musuems
www.astc.org - Association of Science and Technology Centers

Leaving banking to become a teacher

I'm thinking of changing careers and becoming a teacher. I've always thought of teaching and then for whatever reason went into banking (mostly for security). Now I'm a SAHM and have thought more and more about becoming a teacher. I have a BS, I'd love to hear from any others that have made this change. I've been to the cal teach website, but would love to hear real life experiences regarding the blended programs, whether getting a masters is a good deal, and specific recs on the different schools availalbe in the area...I'm thinking of elementary school, but not totally decided. ready for a career change

If you do not feel respected or supported in your current job; if you feel frustrated by the constraints placed on your desire to make a difference;if you feel that your professional judgment is often second-guessed; if you want more freedom-- then DO NOT become a teacher, at least not a teacher in a public school.

Of course there are probably plenty of public schools in which the teachers are respected (though society at large will not respect you if you are an elementary school teacher), allowed to use their professional judgment, recognized for their hard work and ingenuity, and supported by administration and families. This had not been my experience in three public schools over the course of ten years. On the contrary, my experience has been frustrating, demoralizing, and discouraging, and the increasing pressure to perform on standardized tests only makes things worse.

If you want to do something good for the world, consider using your skills in another way. As a teacher you will find that your hands are too often tied by bureaucracy and you are made responsible not for the lessons you teach(which you actually could control)but for factors beyond your scope (such as whether the students in your class ate breakfast/went to bed at a reasonable hour/are getting the counseling they need to deal with their troubled home lives). And when you find this other career path, do let me know what it is! --Frustrated, dedicated elementary school teacher

Career Advice for preschool teacher

I am a credentialed preschool teacher with an AA degree. I have worked for the same wonderful preschool for 7 years and love my job. However, I am realizing that financially, being a preschool teacher is difficult. The poor pay-scale of the child care field is becoming an issue as my partner and I are raising our own family and making ends meet in the Bay Area on a preschool teacher's salary is very stressful (my partner also works, but it would help our situation greatly if my salary were more than 30K per year). I am wondering if I should go back to school (this will be financially difficult for my family, but could be worth it if I will make more money with a BS or BA). Or, perhaps there is a career counselor who would know how to transition from being a preschool teacher to something fulfilling that pays more (or is this impossible with only an AA degree)? Has anyone out there made such a transition? Any suggestions are appreciated. Possible Career Switcher

Re-Entering the Workforce as a college teacher

I've been off any sort of professional track for several years now, busy starting and raising a family. I'm now ready for re-entry and one of the things I'd love to do is teach some intro or advanced-undergraduate psych. courses (can be at any type of college: UC, State, Jr. College, etc.). I have a PhD (Social Psych.) but no teaching background, other than a couple of guest lectures as a grad. student many years ago. Given my lack of teaching background, is this even a possibility? Or, should I just give up and find something else? I would love any feedback, info., etc. you have to offer!

I am also interested in hearing from those of you that have or are or will be making this transition as to what resources you've found or used to help write an up to date resume w/all the volunteer work you did while ''not working'', where you've looked for employment -- esp. flexible hour jobs! -- and anything else you think might come in handy. Thanks! Stephanie

Switching from corporate exec to teaching

I'm thinking about making a total career switch - from being a corporate executive to teaching. How do you do it? I'm still pretty young (not quite 30) and I think that I'm ready for something new. I've been thinking more and more about teaching lately. I have a daughter now and I would love to be able to spend summer's with her. Plus, I've always really liked children and I feel the need to do something that might actually make a difference in this world. I'm thinking I would want to teach elementary children, maybe 2nd or 3rd grade. So what do I do? I have a BA, but not in education. How do I get certified? Where do I even go to find a teaching job? And I guess more importantly, could I survive on a teacher's salary? My husband and I combined now make over $150.0k a year and are barely making it, what with a nice size mortgage, childcare, car payments, etc... Obviously a life style change would be an absolute must. I guess I'm just clueless as to where to even begin! I never thought I would be in the spot - 8+ years into a career and now wanting to get out of it. Please help me find my way! teacher at heart

i could go on but this is long enuf! if you need more advice, i'm sure lots of ppl will post about this...if not, you can email me.

by the way, if you can try subbing at first, you may save yourself tons of time/money in the end! good luck Frannie

If you want to be paid for your student teaching then you should look into an intern program where you are working full time as a classroom teacher while taking your credential. Otherwise you pay to go to school and do unpaid student teaching under the supervision of another credentialed teacher.

I teach in the WCCUSD (West Contra Costa Unified School District. We have intern programs through CSU East Bay (was Hayward). Without a credential you will be paid aprox $30,000 for the school year. Once you have a credential you would move up to aprox. $35,000. Other districts pay more, I believe we are in the bottom five for the Bay Area. In general teacher pay goes up with each year of service. Pay can also go up by earning additional units. I've been teaching for 7 years (2 outside of the district) and make about $40,000. No one goes into teaching for the money. I could make more if I changed to a higher paying district, but I live close to my job and that is the trade off I have made. Plus WCCUSD pays full benefits for me and my family which a lot of higher paying districts don't cover.

I'm sure you will get lots of advice so I'll cut this short... good luck. I think that if teaching keeps coming to you as ''what you should be doing'' than you should give it a chance. That was what I was going through before I started... in my late 20's also. I went the intern route because I felt that at least I wouldn't loose a year of pay on the ''experiment''. I figured I could do anything for a school year and could go back to my office job if I didn't like it. Obviously that didn't happen for me. teacher mom

Teaching credential - part time program?

I am looking to earn my teaching credential in a part time program. I have a B.F.A and an M.F.A already, so lots of debt. I was recently accepted into both “Teach for America” and “Oakland Teaching Fellows”, but happily found out I was pregnant, and could not follow through with either program. I have a beautiful 11 week old baby now and am looking for Bay Area programs where I could earn a credential (K-8 special ed mild to moderate) on a part time basis. Would be teacher.

Is there life after teaching?

I just left the teaching profession and am not looking back. The problem is, what can I do now? I fear that employers will not fully understand what the job entails, and not consider my experience as transferable. Does it make sense to get a short term job in the attempt to stay connected to the world? I welcome any advice out there. Anon

I did take temporary work, in my case it worked out really well, after a couple of really dud assignments, I had one in a company that led to a full time position and rapid promotions. However during the interview process (for a different full-time job) I did have someone say ''I really like you, but I'm worried that as a teacher you won't know how to work a full 40 hour week'' (no comment needed on that!)

The other advice I have is the standard job-seeker advice. Everyone you know should know that you are looking for work. And, apply for everything that interests you. Promote different areas of your skills to match the position. I once hired someone who very effectively promoted her waitressing experience as applicable to a Client Services position for a technology company. Good Luck Past Teacher

That said, yes, you need to take a good look at all that was required to be a teacher, and figure out how that will transfer to other professions. Perhaps a single session with a life coach, or even getting the help of a professional resume writer. Maybe you just need to meet with someone in marketing or public relations - a spin doctor, to help you spin what you did into all the relevant things you'll do elsewhere. Best of luck!

It was a hard adjustment because teaching has a very flat hierarchy, and I was used to using many different kinds of skills in the classroom. I found myself in a hierarchical corporate environment where I had to learn a set of skills (editing and print production) and do them over and over again.

Frankly I thought I was going to lose my mind. Sitting down all day was also a huge adjustment for me. I used to run up and down the fire stairs when no one was looking to keep from going nuts. My original plan was to work there for six months, but those were the dot com days. Everything crashed, and I was stuck there for two years.

BUT the good part of it was that I learned computing and editing skills which I was able to combine with my teaching and Spanish skills to get a job I really like. To be perfectly honest, I'd probably be making more money now if I'd stayed in teaching. One thing I hadn't realized is that in the corporate world they call a cost of living increase ''a raise.'' On the other hand, I just had a child, and I am able to work half time, and it really is half time. Nothing like the crazy hours I put in as a teacher. The other advantage is I can see how I could use what I've learned to go in several different directions. When you're teaching the only upward option is becoming a principal, which sounds like a living hell to me.

My advice is, if you can't find your dream job, find something halfway to your dream job to get some of the skills you will need. In the regular world, all you have to give is two weeks notice, you don't have to wait until the end of the school year, so if you want to change you can be more flexible about finding something else. And learn to negotiate for your salary; it's not something you ever have to do as a teacher. Good luck. anon

Finding Teaching Jobs at Private Schools

Does anyone out there know where/how private schools advertise teaching positions? I'm a PhD, interested in teaching at the high school level... Any advice or insights are welcome. Tired of the university culture but love to teach

There are several independent school head-hunters, the one that seems to be used most often is Carney-Sandoe (do a google search). They will allow you to apply as a candidate, and if they accept you, they will work on your behalf to place you at a school. The fee for you is nothing, but the schools would pay a fee to them if they hired you. A similar group is ism.inc, and another is CalWest (I think that's the name). Good luck. I love teaching in independent schools! anon

Then start networking, talking to friends of friends who teach and have connections. It's not uncommon to get one's foot in the door that way.

Finally, try starting with subbing. Arrange to meet with heads of departments. Put your face to your name on your resume. Make your self available and when you sub, leave your mark. Don't just passively babysit, but spark those kids. If they like your energy and feel you actually teach, they'll spread the word you are good. Good luck! love teaching

In your situation I would contact a placement organization such as Carney, Sandoe & Associates. They specialize in placing teachers and administrators in Independent Schools -- the more flexible you are as to course, age group, kind of school, geographic area and extracurricular activites you are willing to supervise the easier it will be to place you. Depending on your subject(s) there may be a fee for placing you, or a school may be willing to pay that fee to get you. Yes, I used to work for one of those Places

Teaching credential from another state

I have recently received my masters in elementary ed. in Hawaii, taken their required Praxis tests, and am now ready to begin working in the bay area again - and have some teaching or education job questions. I am wondering what the teaching job availability actually is for elementary school teachers in the Berkeley and Marin County areas? Is the sample CBEST at http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/ a good representation of the test? Standards are all the thing in Hawaii - do schools expect me to know California's standards by heart? Valerie

Teachers as Parents: Avoiding Burnout

I'm an east bay public school teacher (secondary level) who went back to teaching full time after my son turned 2. He's now three. I've been back to teaching for almost two years, and I feel like I'm literally drowning. Drowning in paperwork. Drowning in lesson plans. Drowning in meetings, phone calls, errands, housework, and did I mention paperwork? My poor son - in daycare three days a week, with my husband the other two - gets very little mom time. I feel very guilty.

I'm approaching burnout. Why? Because when I come home, I set everything else aside to be with my son. Those few hours are precious to me. This means, of course, that grading, planning, and typing don't even get started until about 8:00 PM, and I work until at least 11:00, sometimes later. And I wake up at 5:00 AM to get a head start on the day. If I don't keep this schedule, I literally cannot stay afloat. I'm not doing a great job as a teacher. A former award-winning mentor, conference presenter, state grant receiver, program initiator and member of the principal's ''inner circle'', I'm now on the periphery, giving papers cursory glances and lurching home as fast as I can. If I had to grade my teaching since giving birth, I'd give myself a C.

I used to love my job, but it's sucking so much out of me. Are there any other parents of young children out there who are teachers? I can't quit my job - we'd lose our home and the very basic amenities we keep. I'm just so numb, raw, and dog, dog, tired. My students deserve better. My son deserves better. My husband and my soul deserve better.

Teachers who are parents, how do you do it? How do you manage your time? How do you balance the never-ending high tide of grading, scoring, and preparation with time to enjoy your life? Inside a sinking bathysphere

Also: I taught 60% for 2 years and 80% for 4 years when my kids were younger. I know it's not always possible to do that... but it did help me feel like I could be both a better parent and a better teacher. ( I know, I know, then I could work 50 hours a week and get 80% of a public school teacher's salary! It's unjust, but alas, so is the world we live in).

Above all, find support. Go out and have a beer with your fellow teachers from time to time. Go to the conferences where you can surround yourself with people who are enthusiastic about the profession. Remind yourself from time to time what your ideals are... believe and and understand that that is often enough. This is how you will survive as a teacher. Been there, done that

Sometimes, it's really hard to be ''on'' all day, to keep pushing yourself to stay mentally focused even during lunch. I know, beleive me, the pace is relentless. But, think about it this way: if you can work in 30 minutes every day at school, that is two and a half hours at home you don't have to find at 5AM or 11PM. It really adds up.

You know, we don't ask our lawyers or plumbers or CPAs to be extraordinary people, but somehow we expect it of teachers. It's ok to be a normal person, with a real life. Don't feel guilty for living it. a veteran teacher

1) I write my lesson plans one month at a time. Usually I end up staying on schedule better this way than I did when I planned a week at a time. I get all of my copies made at the beginning of the cycle and find I have more time for grading.

2) I spend my prep. time (my only block of uninterrupted time all day) grading or running copies only... calls home and follow- ups with counselors come at times of day when I have fewer consecutive minutes so that they can't eat-up my whole prep.

3) I set an end of day time and work to it no matter what, even on Fridays and before vacations... sometimes I don't get all I wanted to done, some I do more than I had planned.

4) I have stayed out of the ''politics'' because it is an energy drain.

5) NO WORK ON WEEKENDS... that is kid and husband time.

6) Simplified grading for homework that is ''skill practice''.

7) TA, volunteer or detention students do clerical work like filing, sorting, alphabetizing, stapling, etc.

This isn't exactly my favorite, but it is the all important... don't beat yourself up for what you ''should'' do. There is always another thing that you could do or spend money on that would make you the ''best'' but sometimes good enough is enough. There are some days when I assign book work... it isn't the most exciting or innovative teaching, but it is valid, and gives me time once in a while to get some of the planning and grading done during school hours. tired teacher

Becoming a teacher so I can spend more time with my child

Hello- I have a 2.5 year old son and work F/T. Although I have finally found a company that isn't horrid to work for, I still feel as if I am missing out on my childs life and life in general.

Every day when I drop him off at preschool, I am energized by the kids and feel myself wanting to stay longer and longer. In college, I was a preschool teachers aid and then also was a T.A. for summer school second graders. During the dot-com downer days, I also went so far as to be qualified to substitute teach and had considered getting credentialed. I have a B.A. in English.

Now, I am beginning to think of teaching as a way to sort of lock in more time with my child as he gets older. But I would love to hear from teachers and those especially who have made the leap from corporate to teaching. Are you in fact able to leave at the end of the school day? Do you spend more time with your child? The thought of having summers off with my child is absolutely wonderful. How awful (really) is the pay? I currently make decent money and am guessing a teachers salary would be half of what I am making now. Any trouble working in a decent/safe neighborhood? I am not keen on driving far to work when I live around the corner from an excellent public school. Any other pitfalls? Did you miss the corporate world?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. I know there is a lot to consider with such a change, and want to really think before I jump.

Should I jump?

As for leaving school when the bell rings, it's not quite like that. Your first few years you will need to work very hard on your lesson plans and correct the kids' work. After a few years, lesson planning is much easier but there is still work to be corrected. You can either stay an hour or two after school or take it home.

It sounds like you are interested in teaching the younger kids, which is great. I think it takes more endurance and perhaps emotional energy than the big kids. I enjoy the teens and, since each class is a discrete entity, it is easier to find a part time job, which is what I am doing now. happy teacher

So, I say, follow your dream! Life is too short to squander it away in a corporate environment that sucks the humanity and hapiness out of you (I don't sound bitter, do I?) :-) poor and happy

''Are you in fact able to leave at the end of the school day?'' If you are very, very organized- that comes with experience. Most teachers don't leave at 3pm (that, unfortunately, is a myth.)

''Do you spend more time with your child?'' I left the classroom because I wasn't spending enough time with my child.

''How awful (really) is the pay?'' When you look at pay in different districts, you have to look at the benefits package. I work in what could be considered a low-paying district, but the benefits are wonderful.

''I currently make decent money and am guessing a teachers salary would be half of what I am making now.'' Probably...

''Any trouble working in a decent/safe neighborhood?'' In my school district you either have to have seniority or get lucky to teach at a school in a good neighborhood.

''Any other pitfalls?'' Teaching is a very demanding job, physically, chronologically, and emotionally. Teachers are required to do so much these days- you become mother to 20 to 33 kids for a big part of the day. After they leave, there is planning to do, grading papers, cleaning up, organizing. I don't mean to be negative because I love being in education. I am in a position in the main office of my district and I work with teachers and principals at 20 elementary schools. I am very, very lucky, but I paid my dues and worked EXTREMELY hard to get where I am. Unfortunately, I have seen too many teachers who are failing their students because they leave on time and don't put in the extra that is truly needed. Yes, summers off are great, and it's a big joke among teachers that ''The 3 reasons I'm a teacher are: winter break, spring break, and summer'' when the reasons instead should be: kids, kids, kids. If you can, either volunteer in a classroom on a regular basis, or become an instructional aide. That way, you can get a more realistic idea of what being a teacher entails. L

I would make different career decisions, if I had known what daily life would be like as a teacher. I always thought I was more efficient than other people, and their complaints were different than mine, but . . . bay area teacher

WCCUSD also has an intern program with Cal State Hayward. I had my own classroom and was paid as a full time teacher while I went to night school and two summers of coursework. Exhausting but you know it is for a limited time.

Pay...private and parochial schools pay about 1/2 to 2/3 that of public schools, in my experience. Be careful that your district offers health insurance. I found out too late that my present district, Mt. Diablo Unified, does not and it is a bear trying to find individual insurance. Most districts pay your dental, eye and health insurance. I have been teaching for 7-8 years now and make about $60K. Through experience I now bring home very little work and I teach from 7a to 3p, then work at school until 4 or 5p. Usually two days a week, I have committee meetings until 4 or 5p after school. I have seniors who come in and act as my T.A. for credit so they correct most of my homework with a key.

I enjoy the vacation times with my kids but many times spring break is a problem as different districts take a different week off. Summers and winter break are usually better synchronized.

If you like kids, I would go for it. Goodness knows, we need more dedicated teachers.

Best of Luck! kathryn

That being said, overall it was a positive experience and I hope to return to teaching someday, when my kids are older and in school themselves. I've heard from veteran teachers that the longer you teach the easier it gets in terms of time. Once you have a library of lesson plans to choose from you don't have to spend as much time figuring out what to do every day.

As a new teacher you may find it difficult getting hired in the district you want to work in, especially if you are not a math or science teacher. Social Studies and English teachers are more abundant than math teachers and therefore those positions are harder to come by. Your chances of getting in to a good district will go up if you are qualified to teach those subjects.

The pay is not great. I went from making $95k to $35k when I made the switch. Though I was on an emergency credential (lower pay) and working at one of the lowest paid districts in the area.

The vacation time and summers were nice, though you may find that you will do some work during that time as well.

So, if you're looking to spend more time with your kids, you'll probably get some of that during breaks and during the summer but not during the school year and definitely not during your first year or two.

Teaching is an incredibly rewarding job, but it's not easy. Don't do it if you're just looking for summers off. You're heart has to be in it to be successful. anon

There absolutely needs to be a reason for you to be in the classroom. You must either really love your subject, or really love kids or really believe in public education... because it is FAR too much work and too much of an emotional commitment otherwise. You simply won't last. Fully half of all teachers leave the profession within a few years. My belief is that this often happens because people go into the profession for romantic reasons that are simply not based in the reality of teaching. Ideas like ''you get the summers off'' or ''You get off work at 3:00'' are simply not true. I don't think I have enough space here to speak to each of these... I suggest that you spend a lot of time in a variety of classrooms-- even shadow a few teachers through their days (and nights and weekends) to see what their lives look like. I don't know a single good teacher who doesn't put in a ridiculuous amount of hours....I have a 10 and 13 year old and I feel incredibly lucky that I have a husband who has not only been supportive of my job, but flexible enough in his that he could do things like take the kids to doctors' appointemnts and help out in class during the school day, and go on field trips, things that are difficult for someone whose day is run by bells and whistles.

I'm not here to discourage you. The profession will always need good teachers--- and kids will always deserve good teachers, but becoming a teacher (at least becoming a good one) is a lifestyle choice, and not one made by default. I don't want to discourage idealism... teaching is in many ways a leap of faith, an entirely hopeful act... but romanticizing it doesn't help anyone.

And, by the way... you can go on the website of just about any district to ask for the salary schedule to see what teachers make. a committed, but tired teacher... with eyes wide open

The kids are definitely the best part of the job, I truly love my students and enjoy working with them. As many teachers will tell you, if you could just teach (and make a decent living at it) it would be a great job, however you spend a lot of time dealing with administration and test scores and the pressure to keep scores up. I teach in Richmond, to mostly second language learners, and they are required to take the same test as everyone else. Hanging over our heads is the fact under No Child Left Behind, if scores aren't up we may lose our jobs, get transferred, lose pay...this and the fact there's no additional support to help these kids...so you just have to make it happen. Administrators are stressed and it's passed down to the teachers. Many experienced teachers are trying to get into schools with high test scores as the pressure is too high in low scoring schools.

I know some teachers who find it difficult to work all day with kids and then go home to kids. Usually you are the only adult in the room and have very little contact with other adults, it can be a weird feeling...all the teachers are so busy they have very little time to talk, except at lunch. As for working late, your contract gives you your hours, although many teachers feel pressure from principals to stay late. They'll take as much free time from you as you'll give them.

All that said, summers off are great...you won't have the money to do anything, but the time off is wonderful. Good luck with your decision. Maybe try subbing to get a feel how you'd like it. MVM

Teaching is an incredibly hard profession to combine with parenting. I know very few people who have been able to have kids and continue teaching - and remain happy sane and balanced! The demands on teachers these days are tremendous - maintain ongoing communication with parents, make sure your students do well on tests, counsel troubled students, work with families in crisis, fill out paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork, go to meetings, grade papers, create curriculum - oh yes and teach!

Do some informational interviewing with teachers who combine teaching with parenting a young child. It's REALLY hard to do well. The people who I see able to balance parenting and being a high-quality teacher have partners who are home full-time or mostly full-time. These people also have the personality that enables them to work hard - but leave worries at work so that they don't carry it home. If you aren't this kind of a person already - teaching may completely drain you.

I think you are envisioning life as a teacher the way it was 30 years ago. It may still be this way in parts of the US, but it isn't in CA where our educational system is falling apart, many families are in crisis, schools are underfunded and teachers are asked to do more and more with no increases in prep. time or money. I love teaching, but you HAVE to be passionate about it - it isn't a lifestyle choice that any sane person would make! A Passionate, but drained teacher

Since becoming a teacher I have had another child and my oldest is in first grade. Because I ''don't have to be at work'' past three and can ''take my job with me'' I have ALL of the responsibilty for doing ALL the driving of our children to tutoring, lessons, and sports. Meanshile I try to get my grading done on the sidelines.

Being a parent and a teacher also put me in a strange position once my child became a student. Some of my childrens' teachers have assumed I would be on ''their side'' when my kids had problems in school. I am expected to be one of the ''easy parents'' who doesn't make waves and is always supportive even if I truly disagree. It is to be assumed that my child will be the top of the class or that I will know what is being taught and school and will pre- or re-teach the lessons at home so that he will master skills faster. The unfortunate reality is that trying to do homework with or teach skills to my own child is a nightmare for both of us on some nights because I have used up all of my patience during the day on my 175 students. (I guess I forgot to mention that I teach middle school... patience does have it's limits.) I find that at social events other parents sit back and wait for to see if someone else is willing to set limits for all the children so it usually falls to me to intervene before someone is injured, and there are some who then make comments (some not so appreciatively) about my telling their kid to stop acting up. And then when I go on field trips with the class the ''behavior problems'' are always in my group because I will ''know how to handle them''.

Teaching does give me more time with my children. And I have to say that I am a much more fulfilled person as a teacher than I was as an office worker and that has to be better for my kids. I do love teaching. But it isn't a short or easy work day. Hope that helps

Going back to teaching after time off

I am looking for a new teaching job after taking the year off to have a baby, who is now 3.5 months. I finished my masters/credential program last June, so I have only student taught so far. I am not sure how or if I should explain the gap in my resume in a cover letter or how to address it in an interview. I would also like a part-time position, but I'm worried that if I ask about that in an initial interview, I will sound flaky or uncommitted. Basically, I am feeling that employers feel like I am not as trustworthy and desirable as someone without a baby and I'm struggling with getting my foot in the door. Any tips from those who have crossed this road before would be appreciated! Thanks. Anon

The second issue, wanting to be part-time, is likely to be tricky. In public schools (don't know about private), part-time jobs are hard to come by, especially if you aren't already in the system. Some people job share, but that often involves being in the right place at the right time, and knowing people already.

Unless you are specifically responding to a part-time posting, you are unlikely to be able to negotiate it. I've had part-time teaching positions due to the right time/ right place factor, but they aren't all that common from what I've seen. I wish this wasn't true, because I think schools of all places should be models of family friendly workplaces. But realistically, I think it will be hard for a beginning teacher to find a part-time placement that pays you as a credentialed teacher (as opposed to after-school programs, etc.). That said, I hope you find something! Good luck. Stephanie

Teaching Credential without a Degree?

I've checked the CA website for obtaining a teaching credential and I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but am hoping I'm wrong. :) I have 21 years of work experience and have taught my own 4 children (through 5th grade) but never obtained a bachelor's degree. I got into the computer industry way back in the day (before PC's) and climbed the technical ladder without any credentials. I'd like to work as a substitute teacher but am concerned that I'd have to get a bachelor's degree first. Is there any way around this? Would my work experience (both homeschooling my own 4 and in the business arena) suffice together with passing the CBEST? Thanks for any advice. Kathy

Substitute Teaching

Hello, I've decided to start substitute teaching, in order to augment a meager part-time lecturer's salary, and am wondering what the procedure is after passing the CBEST. Also, could anyone tell me what the prospects are for getting fairly steady work in the bay area as a substitute teacher. I have teaching experience with all ages, like to teach, and expect to be able to do fairly well, after figuring out the initial road bumps. Thanks so much for any feedback. Teacher

I'm considering becoming a substitute teacher but don't have a teaching credential. I'd like to know what substitute teaching is like and whether or not substitutes without credentials can get work. I have an education related master's degree and 12 units toward a teaching credential from another state but no teaching credential. I've had over 15 years experience teaching mixed age groups of kids from toddlers though middle schoolers in non- academic settings. Has anybody tried substitute teaching without a teaching credential? How possible is it to get work? If I want to limit my work to certain days during the week (like Monday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Friday) is that workable? Are some school districts in the East Bay more receptive to substitutes without credentials than others? What makes an effective substitute teacher? To Sub or Not to Sub

Once you have verified the above the school district will fingerprint you. If your fingerprints pass, you will be added to the substitute list. In most of the larger districts in the area that means your number is entered into an automated dialing program that will call you when there is a job available. If you want to take it, you simply ''press 1 now'' and have to show up at the school. If you don't want it, you ''press 2 now'' and the machine will call another sub. Sometimes you will get a call the day before, but frquently you will get a call the same day. Once you are subbing and teachers/schools get to know/like you they may make arrangements with you in advance, and you won't have to work on such short notice all the time. In some districts it is possble to get work almost daily... sometimes just by working at a few schools. If you limit the days, schools and/or grades you may get less calls, but will still find work.

What makes a good sub? Well that depends on the perspective. As a teacher I think a good sub is someone who follows the lesson plans, and makes sure that the kids are behaved and working. For some principals, a good sub is someone who manages to keep the kids in the room. To kids, well, my classes liked the subs who let them watch movies, talk and eat, but that usually meant I didn't ask the sub to come back. a teaching mom

It is fairly easy to get work as a sub without a credential. You will probably need:
to pass the CBEST
recent neg TB test
and probably a background check (usually livescan service at local PD, depends on the school)

If you have trouble with school districts (it took a long time for me to get Oakland to call me back - by the time they did I had a position through the end of the year at a charter school) try individual charter and private schools.

Feel free to email or call if you have questions or want more info re my experiences subbing and teaching w/o credential. Jessica

To my knowledge, you can work any day of the week you'd like, or not at all. I believe that once you are in the system, you get calls for jobs at 5a.m. and you can decide wether or not to take the job.

Another option is to become familiar with a certain school and ask people to phone you personally. The advantage of this is getting to know the school, children, and staff, and no early morning calls. The disadvantage is that you'd probably get less work.

To be honest, as a classroom teacher, I think substitute teaching is very difficult. I am not tryoing to discourage you, but I feel I should be honest. Even the most organized teachers with well managed classrooms seem to fall apart when a sub arrives. Often there are no lesson plans, no keys to the bathroom, and no help from the rest of the staff. Of course, I can only speak for Oakland. Other districts may be different...

Please feel free to email me for more information. kris

After that, you apply to individual districts, who put you on their sub lists. When the economy was booming, districts were desperate for subs. Now that the economy is not so great, that may have changed. You can definitely limit your work to certain schools, grades, days, etc, and you can always decline work. Different districts have different pay rates for subs, but it usually is somewhere around $100 a day.

In my opinion (I've been teaching 10 years and before that I was a sub myself) an effective substitute teacher has a sense of humor and good classroom management skills, and makes a real attempt to follow the lesson plans. Teachers don't like to come back and find their rooms out of order and their kids out of control. Coming back to corrected papers and lessons that have been completed is fantastic...it is really frustrating when subs decide that they're going to be ''cool'' in one way or another (playing games the whole time, show their own videos, or letting students have free time). Good luck! anon

You don't mention if you've ever subbed before...maybe you could sit in or help out at school to help you decide if it's really for you before you invest your time and money (CBEST). Good luck, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. ksschen

How to find a teacher job?

I received California Preliminary Credential for Science Teaching a few days ago (I was a teacher in Korea). I want to get a teaching job in the east bay, maybe as a substitute at first. How can I start job search? I looked over edjoin.org, but not many jobs there (esp. around Berkeley) Are there many jobs? Any suggestion will be appeciated.

Thinking about Becoming a Teacher

I'm interested in becoming a grade-school or high-school teacher but I really don't know where to begin or what it would be like. I've heard there is a high demand for teachers these days, and it seems like it would offer a good schedule for a working mom. Also, I am going to have to stop working on the computer as much as my present job demands. Any advice would be helpful, especially comments from teachers about what they like or don't like about their jobs.

I can honestly say that I loved my work but that it would be VERY difficult to be a teacher and parent at the same time. While the hours you are "at work" may be similar to the hours that your child is at school, your work and your obligations do not simply end there. Not only are teachers required to be there for the school day, but we are also supposed to be there for a specific amount of time before school begins and after it is over. Planning your curriculum, collaborating with other teachers and grading papers take A LOT of time, usually outside of school hours. There are also staff meetings, curriculum development sessions, professional development classes and parent meetings that require our attendance. At the high school that I taught, we were also required to attend a certain number of extra curricular activities a year, such as athletic events or drama productions. I am not complaining, please don't misunderstand where I am coming from. I just want you to be aware that if your children are of an age where they need (or want!) you, they might find your time in short supply.

Saying that, teaching can be a wonderfully rewarding career. Your motivation needs to come from having the desire to help children by enriching their lives. You will probably not be thanked very often (similar to being a parent, I suppose!), but you will feel tremendous when you see your students brighten!

There are some wonderful credential programs in the bay area, including Dominican University in San Rafael and Mills in Oakland. Science and Math teachers are in particularly short supply.

Best wishes, Michelle

I would suggest you spend a day "shadowing" a teacher you know, whether it is a teacher-friend or your child's teacher. You could offer to spend a day with him or her, in exchange for some kind of assistance (such as working with a group of students, grading papers, preparing materials for an activity). That would give you a teacher's eye view of a school day.

People often do not realize the amount of work that goes into teaching. A recent study found that 1/3 of the work that elementary teachers do is unpaid (meaning outside of school hours/contracted time). If you teach elementary school, most of the outside work goes into preparing and planning the activities in your classroom. If you teach high school, most of that work is in grading papers. (Of course, elementary teachers grade and high school teachers plan too!) Both elementary and high school teachers also spend time doing things beyond what they are contracted to do: tutoring kids individually, holding extra parent conferences to address issues of discipline, making phone calls home, following up with counselors or principals on various issues, attending meetings after school, professional development workshops, etc.

This is not to dissuade you from entering this noble and rewarding profession. But definitely enter it with your eyes open. You should also try to figure out what environment might suit you as a teacher, as different schools offer different kinds of work environments. The most obvious is the difference between high school and grade school. Do you enjoy working with adolescents or do you prefer young children? Are you passionate about a particular subject matter? Or would you prefer the challenge of teaching a variety of subjects in a self-contained elementary classroom? Does it appeal to you to develop relationships with about 100 to 200 young people each year (h.s.), or would you prefer to work with around 20 to 30? In addition, different schools have different teacher work cultures. Some are very collaborative, where teachers are expected to share ideas (lessons, assessments, discipline strategies, etc), while others are more individualistic. Some have a teacher work culture that is about the academic identities of the teachers; some teachers are about social justice through education (these are not mutually exclusive categories, of course... just trying to give you "flavors"). And while the pay is often better in affluent public schools, the work culture (and the student culture) may not be, so don't make a decision about where you'd want to work based on test scores.

Of course, independent schools do not necessarily require credentials. But they often look for academic pedigrees. They tend to pay less than public schools, but in turn teachers in independent schools have fewer students, more planning time built into the school day, and fewer extreme discipline problems in their classrooms. You might look up an independent school teacher placement service like Independent Educational Services (http://www.ies-search.org/) if you think this might suit you.

I obviously could go on at length about this topic. I hope this gives a helpful start. Good luck! Ilana

It can be very rewarding but also challenging. There are a fair number who try it and don't stick with it. I would recommend you get into different classrooms to observe a bit before you commit to a career change, and remember the job openings may be in the more challenging schools; keep this in mind when you select the schools you are going to visit. I think a lot of people who quit envisioned something very different than what they found; you have to go into with an open mind, ready to work hard and be flexible. Email if you want to talk further. Betty

Becoming a Reading Specialist

I am considering becoming a Reading Specialist but want to know more about the field , both in terms of types of jobs availalbe in this field, schooling and experience necessary and salary range. I have extensive background in teaching adult literacy and ESL to adults so am hoping this would build on my experience, though I realize it would be different to apply my skills to elementary or/ and high school education. Does one have to have taught in the public schools to beome a Reading Specialist? I am not interested in becoming a classroom teacher, but would like to do primarily staff development / training with teachers and do some classroom teaching. Where does Special Education fit into this? I would appreciate any advice on how to pursue this career path. Thanks! anonymous

Health Benefits for Part-Time Teachers

I just accepted a part time teaching position in a public school. It's a 40% position. I was told that I would get 40% benefits. When inquiring what my portion of the payments would be, I was told that $1000 would be deducted from my check every month. This is $200 more than what I currently pay and I pay for 100% of my health insurance. This doesn't seem right. I'm hoping that there are some other subscribers who also teach part time and can tell me if this seems off. I thought that if my district is paying 40% that it would that much less than what I currently pay. Don't large organizations get breaks on the insurance costs? Second question - Has anyone ever negotiated their contract with a school district if they've chosen not to take the benefits offered? It would be a savings for the district not to have to pay for my health insurance. Wouldn't it make sense that they'd pay me the difference, or part of the difference? Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you... frustrated with benefits

One option is to go with the cheapest plan (usually Kaiser). Then you will probably pay less than if you opt for another plan, such as Health Net.

If you do opt to take the district benefits, you can have them paid for with pre-tax money. Talk to someone in payroll about this--it will save you money. Also, you might want to see if you can set up a reimbursable account for medical expenses such as prescriptions and co-pays through your district...this is where you have a certain amount of money deducted from you check each month pre-tax, but then submit receipts and get the money back. (There is also a way to do this for child care expenses--same process, different account.)

Another thought is seeing if you can increase your working time to 50% or 60%. Then you will make more and (again, depending on where you will be working) your benefits cost will be less (you might be responsible for 50% or 40% instead of 60%). This really makes a big difference in some cases!

As far as negotiating individually with the district, I don't think this would be possible. If the district DID negotiate a special deal with you, it would most likely be in violation of the contract negotiated by your union. Good Luck! A Part Time Teacher Too

Teacher wanting a new career

There was a really similar question in the last post, and I'd been thinking of asking it myself ina more general way.

I'd love to hear from any former teachers who've made a career change. What did you teach? What do you do now? Do you enjoy it? What, if anything, do you miss about teaching? How did you figure out what you wanted to do next? How hard was it to make the transition?

I love teaching (the creativity, the kids, helping adolescents love literature and writing) but am considering a career change for a variety of reasons. exploring other options

From teaching to what?

Hi, Are there any ex-teachers out there that have found a second career that they love? My circumstances are changing and I am looking at a career change. I love elementary aged kids, books, flexible schedule, chance to be creative, nature, movement and collaboration. I speak Spanish. Anybody have any ideas? Needs a change

The work hours are often very flexible, great for working parents, and the pay, while variable, can be decent. Depending on the particular work place, ther is often lots of opportunity for creativity.

Entry level training is a bachelor's (or entry-level master's) degree. There is also Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant which requires just an associate degree. The pay is a little less, and you have to be officially supervised by an O.T., but the variety and flexibility are similar. R.K.

I was shocked to find that all of my needs were met by becoming a consultant with The Pampered Chef. Because I run my own business, I can be creative. I am teaching people how to make their time in the kitchen faster and easier, so I am still using all of my teaching and personal skills. I have also expanded into teaching cooking classes for children, which makes me feel REALLY good. I am part of a larger team, so there is lots of training and collaboration opportunities available. That works well for me, because I don't like to ''re-invent the wheel.'' The Pampered Chef also has some extra incentives for consultants who speak Spanish...

Being my own boss is the best thing that I could imagine. If you are self motivated, running your own business might be something that you would enjoy. Maybe you could begin tutoring children? From your interests, it seems like you would enjoy some of the interpretive work at some of the East Bay Regional Parks. They have lots of wonderful programs for children to learn about environmental education.

Hope these ideas help... if you want to learn more about what I do, please visit my websites: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/michellestern http://www.whatscooking.info Michelle

Need to work while attending Credential Program

I am 50 years old, Masters degree,twenty years in the corporate training world, and now I want to satisfy my search for greater meaning by becoming a grade 3-6 elementary school teacher. I am trying to find a good credential program that doesn't take more than a year and which enables me to either work (paid as a teacher) during the credential program or work at my old job (classes, student teaching after work/weekends). I can't afford to have no income for a year as main breadwinner for my family. I also want to start as soon as possible. I've discovered JFK, Holy Names, and St. Mary's as possibilities and wondered if any one has experience with and can recommend these schools and their programs. How are they in the educational community? Which has the best education/internship/mentor program? Etc, etc. Christine

(From the discussion "Thinking about Becoming a Teacher" ...

There are some wonderful credential programs in the bay area, including Dominican University in San Rafael and Mills in Oakland. Science and Math teachers are in particularly short supply. Michelle