So I got my

acceptance letter to interview for the NYC Teaching Fellow position. I am very excited, and I am going to go forward with the interview, however, I am still on the fence whether or not I should jump into this career...while I want to make a difference, spend more time with my family, and have a fulfilling career, I am afraid that the fact that I have to go back to school for another masters, take a paycut and step into the unknown (not knowing where I'll teach and what kind of administration I will be dealing with) is really worth it. The salary cut is THE least of my problems, as when I am able to spend more time with my son, my husband will be able to have more flexibility with OT and make up the $.

I live in Queens, so I'm thinking about either choosing Queens or Manhattan school dsitricts, and I want my son to go to private schools in the city. We're looking to buy a co-op in the near future and all of these changes and decisions are piling on my head and really affecting me.

I know I will not get cut and dry answers, but your opinion as to WWYD in my situation would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

P.S. I also wanted to add that right now I have a comfortable corporate position, but #1 I don't see myself growing here unless I go to law school and #2 I was going to look to change jobs soon anyway.

I know I am rambling, but I just have so much on my mind that its hard to put everything out there...

Message edited 10/16/2008 11:32:09 AM.

Re: So I got my

Re: So I got my

I am/was a fellow - and for the family it the best thing I could have ever done.

Plus --- I love my job!

Re: So I got my

my husband is a Fellow.. he'll be done with the program next year.

HE loves it!!!

i say go for it.... but you have to go into knowing that the DOE is dysfunctional on a good day. my advice to you is FIND A SCHOOL ON YOUR OWN! otherwise, they will just place you wherever not considering your commute or any other factors.

Re: So I got my

Thank you! This is good to hear!

I wonder how teachers feel about Fellows...no one seemed to have any advice...

ETA: Please feel free to FM me if you don't want to post it here. I TRULY appreciate all opinions and comments! Thanks!

Message edited 10/17/2008 9:29:14 PM.

Re: So I got my

I was also worried about the views other teachers/ admin would have of me being a fellow.....no one even really remembers or cares!!!

Definitely try and find a school on your own!

Which area are you going for? Elementary special ed., secondary, math, or science??

Also, just check out how long your committment has to be to the city schools- mine is three years, but I heard that it changed to 5 years?? not sure though. Also, which masters will you come out with? MTA or MSED? Just get all the info before you make your final decision!

All in all, I am very happy with my decision!! Good luck!!

Re: So I got my

Good for you!!!!!

We have 2 Fellows in our school and honestly, we always feel badly for them because they still have to go to school a few nights a week. But it isn't unlike teaching and getting your masters. But I can honestly say I don't think I've heard anything negative about them. The best of luck!

Re: So I got my

I am a NYC teaching fellow. I went through the summer program this june and currently teaching at a school in queens.

I am enjoying the program and the school that I am in. Several people in my cohort class of the fellows are not enjoying the schools they are in. Like the above poster also said, you choose your school so you get the chance to go on many interviews and pick the school that is right for you.

Look into the program and talk to as many people about the program that you can to make sure that it is right for you. At times it can be a lot of work especially if you are not placed in your subject area.

For me, it was the best move I made....
Good Luck!!!!!