What would you do?

So I am newly hired as a 4th grade teacher in NYC. I know the principal is also looking for a special ed teacher for a 12:1:1 classroom. I am dually certified. Would you offer yourself for consideration? I would like to gain experience in spec ed and feel that would make me more "marketable" if I ever was to leave this school.

So what would you do?

Re: What would you do?

I think if you want the experience, offer yourself. I would think that it can only help you in the future since reg elementary jobs are so hard to come by. Is it something you think you would want to spend a year doing?

Re: What would you do?

I think I would stay in the regular ed class. I have worked in 2 NYC schools and the special ed teachers really have it rough- there is a lot more paperwork involved because of IEPs and there have been kids who are improperly placed- kids in MIS II who should really be in psychiatric facilities, for example. And in my school, 12:1:1 usually means 15:1:1.

You'd also want to know who your para was going to be- there are some in my school who are wonderful, and some who really make life difficult for the teachers they work with.

I would do regular ed this year, and feel out the situation. Maybe next year, after you know more about the culture of the school, you can switch to special ed. There is always a need for it.

Re: What would you do?

Just to let you know...if you decide to do the special ed and then next year, go back to gen. ed, your tenure track is back at year one. Something to think about. When you switch licenses, your tenure is affected. It happened to me. So although I should be tenured, I am off a year due to a license switch.

Re: What would you do?

I am a special education teacher in the city. Be warned, the city special education programs are very different than those on LI. If you have any questions please let me know. Also, if it is special education in a testing grade, it definately will be high pressure, just like testing grades are now.

Re: What would you do?

You ladies gave me alot of info I didn't know....thanks for the feedback. I just thought it would be good to gain experince in spec ed...but I may just stick with my current situation

Re: What would you do?

I think it would definately make you more marketable in the future-- but like the other ladies said it def is challenging- and if it was a testing grade extremely stressful.

Good luck whatever you choose!!

Re: What would you do?

Re: What would you do?

Posted by browneyedgirl

Posted by MissJones

Just to let you know...if you decide to do the special ed and then next year, go back to gen. ed, your tenure track is back at year one. Something to think about. When you switch licenses, your tenure is affected. It happened to me. So although I should be tenured, I am off a year due to a license switch.

i was going to say the same thing. you can't go back and forth...totally different track.

and gen ed positions on LI are, IMO, harder to get than sp.ed. 4th grade is a great grade to get experience with with all the testing. i would stay there! good luck!

Message edited 8/12/2007 10:48:34 AM.