NYC teachers...can they do this?

I have been teaching English for 9 years. Today I go in and get my program. I am teaching two doubles of English 10 and a section of GOVERNMENT. Next semester would be ECONOMICS???

I haven't taken a government class since I was in high school and as for economics....I can't even balance my own check book let alone teach the kids to do it.

Can they make me teach out of my content area? Also, if so would it go by seniority?

There was no one in the building today that I could ask about this.

Message edited 9/2/2010 8:33:18 PM.

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

I'm by no means an expert...but I believe they can have you teach one area outside your certification.

Last year, I somehow ended up teaching AIS science, and I have no science certification/experience whatsoever. (I'm on LI)

Again, don't quote me, I don't know the specific rules, just my experience.

I'm sure there are union people on here who will know.

Message edited 9/2/2010 8:44:25 PM.

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

Yes, a collegue of mine found this out the hard way. I'm sorry!

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

You can. I had to teach a class out of my certification area 3 years ago. It can be overwhelming at first, but you will get through it. At least it is not a Regents class.

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

Do you fill out BEDS forms in the city?? That is a state form we have to fill out every year which shows what we are teaching. You are allowed to teach 1 course outside of your certification area.

I am certified up to 6th grade, but taught 7th grade courses whenI taught middle school because of this.

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

Message edited 9/3/2010 10:33:14 AM.

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

I don't know how seniority works with it, but when I was hired in NYC they mentioned that I might have to teach AP Chemistry!!! ***! And they weren't kidding!

thankfully they found 5 SS classes for me (although I taught one in the auditorium! )


They gave you these classes b/c they don't have a regents exam and you'll have a lot of wiggle room.

government is going to be pretty simple. I'll be more than happy to help you and set up an outline. the fall is good - elections (and there are some good elections this fall). you can have them build their own campaigns in groups - even a webquest. Writing letters to a government official (which you could bring in business letter writing as well)


economics will have it's tough spots, but you can have fun with the microeconomics aspects. I married students and we played a gmae where they picked whether one or both would work out of a hat; picked their profession out of a hat and had to research salary and house expenses. they had different unexpected expenses (including funeral costs for a long lost uncle new shoes for their kids). I also made up w2s for all of them and they had to fill out a 1040 EZ tax form. Don't forget how to write checks. think of all the simple things we have to do in our lives regarding money (CCs, investing, life insurance, etc) and the students will be better for learning that.



Don't forget movies - I love Mr Smith goes to Washington for govt! 1776, you could do something with Fahrenheit 451 and Micheal Moore's version (F 911). Wall Street is good for economics, but it's Rated R, so you will have to get permission slips (and there is a sex scene to FF)

the ascent of money from PBS could be great! It shows the history of money, credit and banking.

eco:
Enron: the smartest men in the room
Food, Inc
Grapes of Wrath
tucker
glen gary glen ross
boiler room
soylent green

govt:
all the president's men
bulworth
dave
primary colors
manchurian candidate
wag the tail
tanner on tanner
my fellow americans


sorry - i went off on a tangent. At least it's not AP Chemistry!

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

BEDS is the Basic Education Data System. I am surprised NYC schools do not do it. Every school I have ever worked in (on LI and upstate) has done them.

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

I have done that survey EVERY year

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

NYS allows you to teach one section out of your certification area each school year. I'm certified math/business 7-12 and every year in my old district I taught 1 section of 6th grade math.

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

They did WHAT?!?

I think contractually you can teach a period or two out of license. I'm sure you're a talented teacher, but what they heck are the admins thinking?!?!? If you have to teach it, definitely get materials from another SS teacher.

Message edited 9/3/2010 4:56:12 PM.

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

I taught government and eco for 2 years. If you need anything FM me. I'm more than happy to share!

I agree that movies are GREAT!!

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

Sorry, they can do that! I teach Govt and Eco so let me know if I can help. If your school is one of the city schools that focuses on financial literacy, rather than traditional eco, you'll find it's not too bad. Good luck!

Re: NYC teachers...can they do this?

I am not in the city but that is crazy. And to only find out now I taught one semester of govt so I am def not an expert, but fm if you need any help.

I know the govt teachers in my building do current events each week. It is a great way to get some grades in a half year course. Plus like a pp mentioned fall is great for govt bc of elections.

GL!