Some career advice needed!

Hi everyone! I am currently working at a private school for kids with autism. The school's set up is a lot different than "traditional" schools. The ratio is 2:1, it is an ABA approach and is a very clinical environment. With that said I went to school for education not behavioral psychology which is mostly what my school focuses on. So while the school itself is great it is just not the right place for me.

So, I am thinking about leaving in October to substitute teach in public schools, but I am SOOOOO scared. I have no experience teaching a lesson to 25 or more kids! I have never had the opportunity to do so. I'm afraid that if I leave my current job to sub that I will s u c k at teaching and not get called to sub and therefore not have an income (so NOT an option!)

Do you guys think that I should just do it (I really don't want to stay at my job but I will if it's the smart choice) or should I hold out until DH gets a promotion at work (could be a year from now) and then make the change when we're more financially stable???

Thank you so much for reading!

Re: Some career advice needed!

Well, do you have a degree in special education....there are a LOT of schools that would value your experience working in an autism classroom? in fact, i would tihnk you would be snapped up in a second for an interview! were you the teacher in that room or the aide?

there are also a lot of schools with self-contained special education classes. some with intense ABA programs like the one you're in one now and others not as behaviorally oriented and again would value your experience. fro example, i teach self-contained, but we push in for part of the day, so it gives the kids some variety and it's not so intense.

also, in the public schools there are self-contained, inclusion, resource room, kids with 1:1 aides or TAs... there are a lot of different special models and provided you're certified in special ed., you could teach in anyone of them. if you're an aide or a TA, you would still be needed in these settings.

does this help?

Re: Some career advice needed!

Hey, I'm not really familiar with any public school that uses ABA. I am the certified teacher in my classroom and I am certified to teach Special Ed 1-6 as well as General Ed 1-6. Where do you work if you don't mind- you can FM me if you prefer. Thanks!

Re: Some career advice needed!

I will FM you....

Re: Some career advice needed!

re: subbing, you can look for schools that are on AESOP (an online substitute service) and you can actively get jobs for the next day (or other days) without waiting to be called. Many districts use it, so don't let the lack of jobs turn you away - if you sign up with 1-3 districts, I bet you will work every day.

Re: Some career advice needed!

ooo thanks!

Re: Some career advice needed!

I left an ABA classroom (6:1:1) for a public school position...I now teach in an inclusion setting (and love it!)...I never thought I would get hired for that since I had ABA experience and very little experience in inclusion, but it was a great move for me! FM me if you have any questions!