Why should I be embarrased to be a teacher in NYC????

We scheduling a delivery for something we ordered and DH mentioned that we were both teachers. So the sales person said "oh where do you work" and we both said NYC and the salesperson had this look of horror and said "oh my God I am so sorry" I said...I am not I it's not bad and I have a job!

I constantly feel that I am made to feel like less of a teacher for working in NYC...anyone else feel this way as well???

Re: Why should I be embarrased to be a teacher in NYC????

I have never been treated that way. When I tell people where I work I always get positive responses and their respect.
Never be ashamed or embarassed...those people that are rude to you sould be embarassed of themselves!
You make a positive impact on those kids lives every day...their socio-economic status does not change that.
That really p*$$#es me off!

Re: Why should I be embarrased to be a teacher in NYC????

Posted by Niblet

I have never been treated that way. When I tell people where I work I always get positive responses and their respect.
Never be ashamed or embarassed...those people that are rude to you sould be embarassed of themselves!
You make a positive impact on those kids lives every day...their socio-economic status does not change that.
That really p*$$#es me off!

Re: Why should I be embarrased to be a teacher in NYC????

that's terrible! you should never be embarrassed to be a NYC teacher. some people are so stupid.... you make a difference in your students' lives, which is more than the people that say that are doing!

Re: Why should I be embarrased to be a teacher in NYC????

I got this once in an e-mail. I love what it says....

I am a New York City public high school teacher Do not look surprised. Do not feel sorry for me. Do not pity me. Do not offer me your condolences. Do not pat me on the back, shake my hand, Cross yourself or speak of my bravery. Do not ask me if I receive combat pay Or wear a bulletproof vest. Do not ask me when I plan to get a real job, Apply to law school, Or what my first career choice was. Do not assume my head is in the clouds And I have no grasp on reality. Do not sympathize, empathize, Or tell me about the job opening in your cousin's business. Do not suggest that I join the Peace Corps. Do not ask if my parents were teachers. Do not ask if my parents were hippies. Do not assume that I am a saint, naive, innocent, Searching for my childhood, Living for summers off, Home by 2:15, Use a red pen, Play the Lotto, Wish for the glory days of the past Or would rather teach in the suburbs where I could *really* teach. I am a New York City public high school teacher Ask me why I chose to be a teacher. Ask me if my students have books, supplies, and chairs. Ask me my opinion of Bloomberg, Pataki, and Klein. Reminisce with me about your favorite teachers, Share with me the qualities that made them admirable. Tell me about your favorite projects and trips. Ask me what my students are working on now. Gasp when I say how many students are in each of my classes. Gasp when I say how many I see in a week. Cry with me about Marc sleeping in the subway, Simone losing her father, Maria thinking she's pregnant, And Rick dropping out of school. Laugh with me about Kenny (caught in the act) insisting it was the "Stalin in him," My classroom being toilet papered, And the Great All-Out-Classroom Trash Throwing War. Marvel with me over my students' intelligence Achievements, diligence, creativity, and strength. Cheer with me as they write their college essays and take their S.A.T.'s. Soar with me as they get their college acceptance letters. Ask me how to create a scholarship, Ask me how to volunteer, Ask me about the qualities needed to become A New York City public high school teacher. -The New York Times, September 9, 1997

Re: Why should I be embarrased to be a teacher in NYC????

nikki - great letter

I am an assistant principal in queens and i have worked for the nyc doe for 13 years

i have to agree with OP
i have gotten horrified reactions more times than i can count!!

when i was single, and a guy would ask me what i do or where i work, SO many would say "oh, are you looking to get out of the city?" I used to get SO annoyed, that if a guy said it, i wouldnt continue talking to them - it became a complete turn off!!

Just remember, that while there are other districts on long island that are as challenging and YES students everywhere are needy, WE are helping some of the country's MOST needy, neglected and INTELLIGENT children!

Oh, and I dont work in Bayside or Forest Hills (where I live) LOL
Yes, there ARE "good" schools in NYC!