Advice needed please

I was just offered a positon at a school in Queens and I am very excited about it. I was also offered a position at C.W. Post as a learning assistant. That would be two nights a week from about 5-8. The pay is okay, but I think the experience would be wonderful. My question is as a first year teacher, do you think taking both positions is too much? I think I may get burned out, especially with the commute. I just do not want to close any doors that may lead to future opportunities. I have always wanted to get my Masters in Literature and teach a college level course one day. I just think that it may be too much this year. Also, C.W. wants me to sign a contract. I don't want to sign a contract and then not be able to fullfill it.

NYC teachers, how much professional development, etc. goes on after school that may interfere with the second job?

Re: Advice needed please

As mentioned in an FM, I think you are setting yourself up for too much as a first-year teacher. If you NEED the money it is another story, but keep in mind planning, extra help, meetings, traffic, etc.

That is a long day since most likely you will be leaving around 6 am and getting home around 8:30 pm from CW.

Re: Advice needed please

I definitely think the position in Queens is much better and more important for you than the Post position. If you need the money, you would prob make more doing private tutoring.

Congratulations! Best wishes for success and happiness.

Re: Advice needed please

I am not in NYC, so I cant address what types of extra stuff (prof development etc) you might need to do, but...
I think being a first year teacher is an all consuming job and it might be a little rough to do both. Then again, I tend to thrive on pressure, so I might take it on

Re: Advice needed please

Honestly, I think it would be too much. Being a first year teacher is TOUGH! I wouldn't add anything to it, IMO.

Re: Advice needed please

I take the opposite approach. I used to do EI and SEIT work afterschool as a first year teacher. But - I taught EI and SEIT in a school before I taught in a public school so I guess I really wasn't a "first year". I did it 3 nights a week - and it was fine. I worked for the city a few years ago as the first year and as long as I was prepared and disciplined it was fine! It depends what type of person you are! I also am used to working 12 hour days w/ SEIT and EI so it didn't bother me!

Re: Advice needed please

Re: Advice needed please

Honestly, when I was a first year NYC teacher, I had hours I had to fulfill. It was one or two Mondays per month. I don't think they are doing that anymore, but it was annoying. But there isn't a lot of extra PD after school.

However, I waitressed two nights a week my first year and holy crap, I was exhausted...I couldn't keep up the two, so the restaurant was done. And to be even further honest, I am not sure I would want an extra job NOW, because I come home and I'm exhuasted. Tutoring is the only thing I do.

Re: Advice needed please

Re: Advice needed please

I think it depends on your mindset. You sound like you work a lot and can handle it. My first year teaching I was still getting my masters, so that was a few nights a week. I was used to my old job working long hours, so it was fine. The first year is rough, but if you are used to working long hours, I think you can pull off the second job. Good luck in whatever you choose! ETA-In NYC, it really depends on the school what the after school hours and meetings and all that will be.

Message edited 7/20/2007 3:43:55 PM.

Re: Advice needed please: small update

Okay I am calling C.W. Post on Monday to ask them a few questions. I also shot an email to my A.P. to ask her about Professional Development, etc. I had decided that I wasn't going to take it , but I think I may. We'll see!!!