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Default Apr 24, 2019 at 03:07 AM
  #1
I have a dilemma so please bear with me because this is long and emotionally charged. I have a BA in Eng Lit with a concentration in multiethnic lit. I graduated in '98 after I was married and had my first kid. I had always had mental health issues(bipolar, etc) and with each kid it got worse until I was nonfunctional and agoraphobic. I went on disability 12 years ago. I have made remarkable improvements and tossed around the idea of trying to do something with my life.

This past fall I enrolled in an into to teaching course. My plan was to go the alternate track for teaching over a period of 2 years and become a high school english teacher but my son had a stroke in November and I had to drop the course. The thing is I am very passionate about multiethnic literature and how underserved the minority community is when it comes to literature that is relative to their experiences. I saved all my papers and all the handouts and literature I studied in college in hopes of one day using it in some sort of profession. I personally feel that many school districts study Huckleberry Finn and then that is their section on ethnic literature-the rest is "text book" curriculum. I have all these ideas for how to revamp the school curriculum and for how I would like to open the eyes of students- make them "woke".

But I was thinking recently. Do I want to go for two years with a tract geared towards teaching a curriculum where I will most likely have to fall in line and will have to bend to a districts' ways in order to have a job or do I want to go further? The alternate track will leave me one or two semesters shy of my masters. I have been researching masters' degrees and it would take about the same amount of time and I feel like the freedom to tailor a curriculum might be more likely. I would be dealing with adults who pay to attend and who would choose to be in my classes. The masters program I am looking at is suited to set someone up to teach at the community college level and possibly go for their PHD while doing that. It costs more with job prospects being not as secure.

I could become certified to teach high school and it wouldn't be horrible but I do not think I would have the freedom I want. But the job would be good with good pay, possibility of tenure and benefits. And I would still be making an impression on young adults. But the master's idea is equally appealing because beyond the basics I would have more flexibility to pursue a passion. I would like to affect change and make a difference either way. I just do not know what to do. The masters program would cost more but either way I would have student loans to repay.

What would you all do? I do not think I would be miserable as a high school teacher and everything would be more secure but would I be happy? I am not sure.
I do not know if I should go for happiness purely or practicality. I did apply to be a sub teacher through a teacher staffing sight so I am waiting to hear back from them but that is mainly to earn extra money and get my feet wet. Any suggestions? How does one decide what's more important. I could be in the work force sooner as a HS teacher but that's not to say I wouldnt make it as a college adjunct. I am just very confused. Of course I could always get my teaching certificate and maybe pursue a masters while doing that but once settled somewhere I do not know if I would be willing to switch tracks.

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Default Apr 24, 2019 at 04:30 AM
  #2
I'm so sorry you're going through all of this, sarahsweets! First of all, let me tell you that I think you've chosen a WONDERFUL career and that I believe that whathever you will choose you'll be GREAT AT IT!! You're very PASSIONATE and that's the most important quality that a teacher can have in my opinion! I completely understand how you feel and what you mean. I'm struggling with my career choices as well Perhaps I'm not the best or the most qualified person to give you some advice. For your own sanity take everything I say with a grain of salt! I do believe that you need to think of the reasons why you've decided to pursue this career in particular. What made you decide to pursue Multiethnic Literature and Teaching? I believe that you may find almost exactly what you're looking for if you DID pursue your masters' degrees and DID decide to teach in college! From what you wrote it seems like the ability to decide WHAT to teach and the general freedom are VERY important to you so perhaps that IS the best career option for you if that's what you want to do! I'm sure you'd be great as a teacher in high school but you have to ask yourself if that's REALLY what you want to do and if that's the reason you've started studying Literature in the first place! Perhaps you may not feel completely satisfied if you DID decide to go to high school! Like you've already wisely said better than I ever could, you WILL hae to pay students loan either way! Since you have to pay EITHER WAY, I'd say it's more important to spend those money doing something that you're AT LEAST reasonablu sure that you will LIKE if not LOVE doing in your future, right? I feel like THAT'S something to seriously consider it and to think about it! Of course ALL OF THIS IS JUST MY OPINION!! Of course ALL of these ARE just conjectures and it IS just MY opinion so I don't want to give to you a definitive answer because I feel like that'd be dishonest and I feel like that's YOUR decision! However from what you wrote it seems to me like you already know in your heart what the "right" decision is and what you REALLY, TRULY want to do with your life! I don't want to "force" you to take any decision that doesn't come from within yourself though and I don't want to "force" anythin on you or to say to you that there's a definitive "right" and "wrong" answer because that's NOT the case! Whathever you decide to do, sarahsweets, WILL BE THE RIGHT DECISION because YOU'VE MADE IT! The final decision is up to YOU and ONLY YOU, SARAHSWEETS! PLEASE REMEMBER THAT! I'm so sorry if this post hasn't been very helpful to you! I've just wanted to give some of my thoughts to you! Just think about it and let us know what you DO decide to do in the end, ok? I'm sure that WHATHEVER you WILL decide you'll be GREAT at it and that you'll be a WONDERFUL teacher and I'd be so HONORED to have you as my TEACHER, SARAHSWEETS! I'm so PROUD of you for YOUR GIANT STEPS THAT YOU'RE TAKING and I hope you're PROUD of YOURSELF AS WELL! Please keep us updated as much as you possibly CAN and let us know what you DO decide to do in the end, ok? YOU'RE AWESOME and YOU ROCK! PLEASE REMEMBER THAT! Sending many hugs to you, sarahsweets!
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Default Apr 24, 2019 at 05:07 AM
  #3
You’ll eventually get masters when you start teaching anyways. Even if you start with undergrad. First of all you need credits every few years to renew your certificate so it makes sense to just get a degree and second of all your salary is much higher. So even if you start with BA or BS you typically will go for Masters very quickly (obtaining it while working full time- pain in a neck but doable).

Many high school offer elective English courses which include ethnic literature. No it’s not just American Lit necessarily

Professorship at a community college level isn’t a bad idea if that’s what you want and you can teach with Masters (although PhD is preferable) BUT honestly you might have hard time getting a job. Someone I know is currently interviewing for a full time position at a community college and she’ll likely get it because she is great but she isn’t 100% sure because there are ton of candidates. She has been teaching high school over 15 years and is actually enrolled in PhD but says she might not finish as its so time consuming. So I’ll be honest if you never taught before and will apply for community college rught after getting masters you might have rough time getting a job

Many people looking for jobs in colleges end up relocating because there are only that many colleges around. That woman you mentioned will be relocating although not too far

As about “bending to districts way” if you teach high school, at any job (unless it’s your own private business) you’d have to follow guidelines and you’d have to do some bending. Professors at college level have to do their share of bending. You won’t be able to teach totally what you want in college either. Anywhere. I’d say freedom is limited everywhere you go. You can open your own school and still run into having to bend to “states way”. If bending isn’t your thing lol teaching might not be for you as it involves ton of bending lol

Got to go to work. Might think of more ideas later.
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Default Apr 24, 2019 at 05:29 AM
  #4
You are always so kind and life me up!(dont know if the youtube link will work- heres the lyrics:
Quote:
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey,
Hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey,
Hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey,
Hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey,
Hey Mickey!
You've been around all night and that's a little long
You think you've got the right but I think you've got it wrong
Why can't you say goodnight so you can take me home, Mickey
'Cause when you say you will, it always means you won't
You're givin' me the chills, baby, please baby don't
Every night you still leave me all alone, Mickey
Oh Mickey, what a pity you don't understand
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand
Oh…
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I'm so sorry you're going through all of this, sarahsweets! First of all, let me tell you that I think you've chosen a WONDERFUL career and that I believe that whathever you will choose you'll be GREAT AT IT!! You're very PASSIONATE and that's the most important quality that a teacher can have in my opinion! I completely understand how you feel and what you mean. I'm struggling with my career choices as well Perhaps I'm not the best or the most qualified person to give you some advice. For your own sanity take everything I say with a grain of salt! I do believe that you need to think of the reasons why you've decided to pursue this career in particular. What made you decide to pursue Multiethnic Literature and Teaching? I believe that you may find almost exactly what you're looking for if you DID pursue your masters' degrees and DID decide to teach in college! From what you wrote it seems like the ability to decide WHAT to teach and the general freedom are VERY important to you so perhaps that IS the best career option for you if that's what you want to do! I'm sure you'd be great as a teacher in high school but you have to ask yourself if that's REALLY what you want to do and if that's the reason you've started studying Literature in the first place! Perhaps you may not feel completely satisfied if you DID decide to go to high school! Like you've already wisely said better than I ever could, you WILL hae to pay students loan either way! Since you have to pay EITHER WAY, I'd say it's more important to spend those money doing something that you're AT LEAST reasonablu sure that you will LIKE if not LOVE doing in your future, right? I feel like THAT'S something to seriously consider it and to think about it! Of course ALL OF THIS IS JUST MY OPINION!! Of course ALL of these ARE just conjectures and it IS just MY opinion so I don't want to give to you a definitive answer because I feel like that'd be dishonest and I feel like that's YOUR decision! However from what you wrote it seems to me like you already know in your heart what the "right" decision is and what you REALLY, TRULY want to do with your life! I don't want to "force" you to take any decision that doesn't come from within yourself though and I don't want to "force" anythin on you or to say to you that there's a definitive "right" and "wrong" answer because that's NOT the case! Whathever you decide to do, sarahsweets, WILL BE THE RIGHT DECISION because YOU'VE MADE IT! The final decision is up to YOU and ONLY YOU, SARAHSWEETS! PLEASE REMEMBER THAT! I'm so sorry if this post hasn't been very helpful to you! I've just wanted to give some of my thoughts to you! Just think about it and let us know what you DO decide to do in the end, ok? I'm sure that WHATHEVER you WILL decide you'll be GREAT at it and that you'll be a WONDERFUL teacher and I'd be so HONORED to have you as my TEACHER, SARAHSWEETS! I'm so PROUD of you for YOUR GIANT STEPS THAT YOU'RE TAKING and I hope you're PROUD of YOURSELF AS WELL! Please keep us updated as much as you possibly CAN and let us know what you DO decide to do in the end, ok? YOU'RE AWESOME and YOU ROCK! PLEASE REMEMBER THAT! Sending many hugs to you, sarahsweets!

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Default Apr 24, 2019 at 06:14 AM
  #5
I’m still asking myself the same question!

I suggest start working as a substitute teacher. You will get a taste of what teaching is like. You will get to make an impact on students. You will earn some money and not spend a load of money for more education. Then you can access whether to proceed toward any other education track.

I’ve been involved in a project working with the school board to get something new done, and have had it shelved because there is no funding. Implementing anything new will be a huge challenge. You really don’t have that much autonomy.

Ironically, what you described wanting to do you are already doing right here on PC! While you are not getting paid, you also are not spending money to do it, and you are making a difference to others. You are an inspiration in your support here!

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Default Apr 24, 2019 at 06:19 AM
  #6
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Originally Posted by sarahsweets View Post
I have a BA in Eng Lit with a concentration in multiethnic lit.....

.....where I will most likely have to fall in line and will have to bend to a districts' ways in order to have a job or do I want to go further?

I could become certified to teach high school and it wouldn't be horrible but I do not think I would have the freedom I want. [/SIZE]
I have been a Pre-K and elementary school teacher plus I have substituted in Pre-K through 12 classes. Most public school districts expect you to "fall in line", the ones that expect you to teach such and such on this date and for this long and this way are the least enjoyable to work in. From reading your posts, you are a very idealist person and would not be able to "tow the line" in a district which runs counter to your ideals to to great of a degree. There will never be a district, community college or university which matches your ideals 100 percent but perhaps it could work if you find one that matches your values 60% or more and gives some autonomy. Also, the principal in the school can help make it more bearable but the manditory curriculum is the biggest driver. I have worked in a private preschool and three public school distric districts. I really liked one district plus I worked under an awesome Vice Principal in that district as a Title One teacher (K-5)--I loved it. Then when we moved and I got a job in a new district as a 2nd grade teacher, I really hated how they did everything. Part of the problem was I was comparing them to the former district but most of the problem was the philosophy, lack of autonomy and attitiude toward the teachers and students. I did not have a "bad" principal but she also had very little autonomy (always in district meeting/training) and the school was understaffed. Funds were being spent of the Superintendents expensive pet projects rather than staffing this districts schools the way the former district did.

So if you can find a private or public school which matches your beliefs to a great enough degree then teaching full time might work. If there are no schools like that near you then maybe try a community college/university (I know nothing about the working conditions there) or go a completely different route. I am currently grading student achievement tests (remotely) for a company called Pearson (a UK Corp) and am certifying with VIP kids (a Chinese company) to teach English remotely to cute young Chinese students. Neither job gives me much autonomy but I find the students voices that come through in their writing and the interaction with little kids to be uplifting.

Good luck finding a path.
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Default Apr 24, 2019 at 06:34 AM
  #7
Although substituting isn’t a bad idea to make some money and to see if you like working with kids, I’d say it’s nothing like teaching. If teaching was just working with kids, it will be a piece of cake. If you know any teachers, see if you can shadow them for a day (not saying formal pre-student teaching just informally) and see what their day is composed of, it would give you better idea of what to come.

Also look up salaries. In many states salaries drop, where I am at salaries drop significantly and I wouldn’t call it good pay at all. One has to really love it to keep doing it. Also look up pensions. Our state closed up pension system and you only get it if you grandfathered in. Look that up.

If you decide to become a teacher, you still have good few decades of working a rewarding job. It’s absolutely worth all other nonsense we put up with, just make sure that’s what you want and then go for it. Good luck

Last edited by divine1966; Apr 24, 2019 at 06:46 AM..
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Default Apr 24, 2019 at 09:32 AM
  #8
I would guess that districts vary and by asking around you might find some (or private schools) that appreciate your approach to teaching.
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Default Apr 25, 2019 at 05:23 AM
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I would guess that districts vary and by asking around you might find some (or private schools) that appreciate your approach to teaching.
I’d say unless you teach at a totally unique private school that historically have very different approach (but keep in mind that private schools do not pay even close to what the most destitute public schools pay), there is no guarantee that this approach remains for duration of one’s career. Approach is known to be switched in a blink of an eye with new administration/curriculum change/stare requirement change.

One of the important quality that teachers have to possess is flexibility. Things might not be the same the very next day and what’s that you hoped to accomplish will be unattainable so you’d have to switch gears.

Also even if there are schools that appeal to you specifically, what’s the chance of getting a job there? Do they hire? Would they hire someone with zero experience if the school is that unique?

I am speaking from experience and observing people that if one goes into teaching because there is something specific they want to teach that they think others don’t teach or they want to teach in a specific kind of unique schools, that’s rarely works in a long run. By that I mean they wouldn’t even make it through the first year. Let alone a career.

If you want to “teach”, then it will work in a long run. You might end up in an ideal environment or you might not. That can’t be your goal realistically. Your first job will likely be in whatever district hires at the moment. And you’d be happy you got a job and you do your best and hopefully you love it because that’s what you want to do. Teach: no matter where. Make a difference. Have a job that brings satisfaction. Have fun because it’s fun for you anywhere you teach. Love to be with kids or teens etc All those reasons. Plus of course get your paycheck and be able to pay your bills.
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Default Apr 25, 2019 at 05:48 AM
  #10
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I am currently grading student achievement tests (remotely) for a company called Pearson (a UK Corp) and am certifying with VIP kids (a Chinese company) to teach English remotely
Only mentioned these jobs (though I did not state it explicitly) to show that there are many jobs in education that do not require an advanced degree (these only require a bachelors in any field) and that you can get into this field without paying for additional education. Though these to jobs do not have benefits. that the Chinese company provides an ESOL Certification might lead to another more substantial job. These are work as much or little as you want when you want jobs and the work is not guaranteed, it is based on the companies needs. The Chinese company pays via 1099 so I would even have to do my own payroll/payroll taxes.

Back when I worked in Public Schools, many of them paid for additional certifications while you worked. These programs are not for the faint of heart because you are teaching full time while taking on extensive educational studies.

I was on disability from October 2015 to February 2018. I was a mess while I was on disability (I was still working a little bit for Pearson but my performance was bad) and got into the workforce again by being a security guard for Athletic Events and Concerts--anything to show recent work experience on my resume. I will say that the one great thing about that job is that they are always happy to provide me with a good reference and I still work there just enough so that I have them for this and because you never know when an additional job could come in handy because you need money.

I never new what I wanted to be when I grew up. I have always found myself trying a little bit of everything but never really had a successful career. I now think that I didn't "climb the ladder" the way that many my college peers did because of my mental health issues. In my case, I am not sure I can handle the stress of being a full time classroom teacher or want that kind of stress in my life again.

Not saying what you should do--only that what we end up doing is so different for everyone. BTW, I am not surprised to hear that you were an English Lit major. Your communication skills are excellent.
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Default Apr 26, 2019 at 04:18 AM
  #11
Hi SarahSweets, you are asking excellent questions. I have no doubt that whatever you do, you will be good at it and create change. I was in sort of the same place as you for quite a while. I wasn't sure whether to go practical and boring, or take the extra time to explore things I'm actually interested in. I chose the latter. I know its not exactly your situation. Everyone's journey and circumstances are different. Someone may have to take that boring but well paying job because they need the money. I feel fortunate to be on disability. I get more time now to explore and work on myself.

I think that's so cool that multiethnic lit is your passion. I didn't know that about you. Good luck. I have faith that you will figure it out.
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Default Apr 26, 2019 at 04:22 AM
  #12
Oh, one more thing. Try conducting some informational interviews. I think subbing is a great way to get your foot in the door and also learn if its for you too.
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Default Apr 26, 2019 at 04:41 AM
  #13
Hi Sarah,
I've been in a similar situation in the past. I didn't make the best decision (added computing to my original degree). We can't always see into the future however carefully we weigh up the options, but everything worked out ok for me in the end.

So I would recommend that firstly - you are the only person who can weigh up your motivation and your state of mental health for the future. Studying is hard. Teaching high school is more than super hard....

Personally I would not recommend an older adult going into high school teaching. It is a burn-out profession and you need to be temperamentally suited and to absolutely adore the job to make it through to retirement age. I have many friends who went into high school teaching because it's a secure profession and some ended up hating the job for the same reasons that you mention = changing state policies, controlled curriculum not always suited to the students. Many got burned out by age 45 and had to grit their teeth to make it through to retirement - with depression, anxiety, insomnia. Only the ones who adore spending time with noisy young children no matter what government policy stay relaxed the whole way through.

I would seriously consider doing what you love and going for the specialist Masters. Yes, it's a financial commitment and might not pan out for you BUT I get the feeling that it's a serious option for you. Through dealing with your issues, you have acquired an aptitude for connecting well with a range of people, so use it !!!

One way to decide would be to apply and study the Mastaers curriculum of a number of universities in some detail before committing yourself. Listen to your reactions inside. I found myself taking my degree in a completely different subject than I first intended because at the last minute the curriculum for psychology (which I intended to study) seemed totally yawn-inducing to me. It was the right decision. Psychology interests me in general but not as a profession, and not the way that it's studied in university.

Good luck to you and way to go!

As an aside, would teaching multi-ethnic literature in the prison system be a possible career? You know how much I admire your work with women in prisons, and creative writing is surely something that prisoners can benefit from doing. Creative writing in general might be a way forward for you.

Saidso

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Default Apr 26, 2019 at 04:58 AM
  #14
PS I agree with Divine about any government job requiring "bending". Any salaried job, public or private for that matter.

Reading what Divine wrote, it seems to me that she's pointed out that you need to sit down with your husband and figure out the financial side of this. How badly do you need to earn a reliable salary as opposed to doing what you love and continuing supporting your family in non-work ways???? Like Divine and other people have said, some of us have no choice about choosing the highest possible, most reliable income. Personally, having a high income has been essential for me but I worked contracts not salaried and still managed ok. You need to work out with your husband whether as a household you will depend on one, one and a half, or two incomes.

If you can manage on an irregular income, and if you think that there might be options for teaching multi-ethnic literature in your area... GO GIRL!

Another thing to talk through with your husband might be the financial implications of you went self-employed. You would have to do your own accounting and tax returns in that situation.

Can you talk to some people involved in multi-ethnic literature teaching and test out your enthusiasm???

There is a downside to earning money by doing what you love. You have to get up in the morning and do it regardless of whether you still are passionate about it or not. Work is work, passion is passion.

Could you talk to some prison managers and see whether they run creative writing courses and what they pay on a sessional basis??? DO IT!

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Question Apr 26, 2019 at 05:12 AM
  #15
PS One last afterthought!!!
Would you consider doing a Masters in Counselling plus Creative Writing?
A Counselling qualification might help you to target marginalised communities - both giving you certification and helping you to hold boundaries emotionally.

I remembered that you say you have ADHD, and I think this wouldn't be an issue at all counselling/ teaching marginalised communities but it might be an issue with the large class sizes in mainstream ed?

You would make a great counsellor if that floats you boat at all, because you are sensitive and accepting! Just my opinion...

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Default Apr 26, 2019 at 07:09 AM
  #16
Saidso makes good points. Oh I didn’t think about being a counselor! That is a good idea!!!

High school isn’t for sissies, many people get eaten alive so to speak, it’s rough and tough BUT I’d never discourage anyone going into it if that’s what one wants to do and have aptitude for. You absolutely should do it if that’s what you want. Age doesn’t matter.

I mentioned pay check because well it’s important but I would discourage people going into teaching for that reason. Pay check is important for me but I didn’t go into it for that reason. It is not that well paid. Our state created a big mess and we took major pay cut in 2009 and since then salaries and steps froze in my district. Not a penny raise since 2009. Just saying. Don’t go into it for money. Unexpected things happen. I get paid 20k less than what I originally calculated.

Many districts and high schools teach multi ethnic literature, it’s not something unheard of or huge innovation. It is being taught especially nowadays BUT you can’t go into this profession in hopes to teach that particular class. You could be hired in August but September rolls in and something happened and it’s taken off the master schedule that semester. And now you might teach it next semester or maybe next year but this one you’ll teach something that you might not like. What you going to do? Quit? You can’t go into it with that specific of a goal.

Yes wanting to spend your days with loud teenagers and never be bored is likely the only reason that will sustain you in this profession. Everything else like curriculum or pay check changes all the time, but this will not change. So choose it but for the right reason or it would be too hard to sustain
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Default May 03, 2019 at 04:14 AM
  #17
I've decided to get my feet wet a little. My school district does "in house " subs not a sub company and I have an interview at 10! I had to make a resume-god help me I did the best I could considering I have been home with the kids for 15 years. I did get references together and I went an bought an interview outfit- nothing too formal I went to goodwill and got a skirt with some purple in it and a muted purple top(of course its purple) and some black flats. I have lots of sundresses because thats all I wear in the summer but a lot of them are sleeveless or backless and I thought they would be a little to risque or casual. You only need 60 credits to sub and I have a BA so I am not worried about that part. I had gotten finger printed over 20 years ago and have no proof of that so I suspect I will have to do it again. I am hoping this will at least give me a tasted of what dealing with school kids will be like to help with my decision although I am still leaning towards my masters.

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Default May 03, 2019 at 10:36 PM
  #18
Good luck!
Yes they will do background check and finger prints, old finger prints won’t suffice as background has to be current, sure finger prints don’t change but they won’t dig old ones for sure. Out district also does drug test. See if they need building subs (you are there all day and sub for whoever needs it), less stressful than regular subbing
Let us know how it goes
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Default May 04, 2019 at 04:52 AM
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It went great! I m so happy. I was "hired" in the sense that I was ok'd for sub employment but I have a lot to get done to get my sub certificate. I have to schedule the finger printing and have a huge stack of paperwork to fill out. I have to get a 125$ money order for the state certificate program that will cover all the backround checking, training and insurance (I think). There are some very specific ways I have to go about filling out the paper work. My resume ended up not being too bad for someone who hasnt worked in 15 years. I am so thankful I ordered extra transcripts because they need an unopened one along with my paperwork. I am going to tackle the filling out part this weekend and then go on the website to schedule the finger printing in hopes of having it all complete to turn into the woman next friday. This is prepping me for Sept. because the school year is almost over. The good thing is I can sign up with a sub staffing company and work in other districts because this process certifies me to work in the entire state. My school does "in house" sub calls but some schools use the staffing places. I was so nervous but I have always been a good interviewer. She didnt bat an eye about me not working because I have the kids so this is definitely a way to build my resume and decide which track I want to take for school. Thank you all for your support.

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Default May 04, 2019 at 07:53 AM
  #20
Awesome. Several of my co workers (in all kind of different positions) stayed at home with young kids and then joined workforce. It’s fairly typical. Nothing to be ashamed of.

Sounds like a very smart decision! Excellent. Don’t know about your particular state/schools but if you are good, you can be on preferred lists like they will request you and also keep an eye on long-term sub positions when people are on maternity leave or similar leaves. That would be probably the best for you to determine if you want to go into teaching (regardless school or college) as it would be involving more teaching tasks (planning grading dealing with parents) than random subbing

Woohoo!!!
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