I’ve been offered 2 very different teaching positions, which one would you take?

Personally, I would take the alternative school. My reasoning why is, I have found that once you get into special education, it’s nearly impossible to get out. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with teaching spec ed, but once you get actual classroom experience doing it, you’ll always get that as the first question to any interview you go to from then on…”I notice you taught a year of special education….would you be interested in teaching it again? How about teaching our spec ed at our school?” Once you say no, the school starts frowning. I’ve had this happen several times before.

I’ve also been told by professors if you teach spec ed in a school, you will never be moved from it to a regular ed classroom. You would have to leave the school and go somewhere else to get a chance to move into a grade classroom.

Personally, I would probably choose the first option. Number one, I also really enjoy having the summer off to spend time with my own daughter. Also, I would rather work with students with behavioral issues than severe disabilities, only because I enjoy the academic aspect of teaching.

I do also like developing relationships with the children though, which would be possible in both situations, and if you could make a connection with the students in the first school, chances are they would work hard for you. In an alternative school, it is most likely that there are very strict rules and policies to keep the students in line anyway, as they are basically on their last chance for the most part.

As far as the money, keep in mind that the second position is year round, so it should be at least 20% (2 extra months beyond 10 months) higher than the equivalent 10 month rate. In that case, if the first salary was projected to a 12 month position, you would be earning about $37,000. So job 2 does still have a higher payout, but if the schools are in different districts, you need to consider how quickly the salaries will rise. For instance, my district usually gets 4 to 4.5% raises each year, where as my wife’s contract has steps where the percents raise over time, so she might be getting 7 – 10% a year after a while, however she starts lower. So some school offer bigger starting salaries but in the end actually pay less if you stay long enough.

Basically, you just need to weigh out all the factors involved to make the decision that will make you the most happy. Which student population do you think you would prefer, how important is summers off, where are the schools located and how long will it take you to commute? Consider all the details and take a chance on one. Worst thing happens is down the line you can look for something else!

There are probably more similarities than you might first think.

Both positions will be very demanding and emotionally and physically draining.

I taught 2 years in an alternative school for ages 12-18, my life was never threatened nor did I sustain any property damage. The attitudes of most of the students was poor and there was very little parental involvement. In special ed you will probably have a great deal of parental input. However in my school there are times when the profoundly disabled have been physically threatening.

So my recommendation is to look more at the administration, principal, counselors and support staff. These are the people who will make the situation bearable regardless of which you choose.

Personally I’ve worked with both and would enjoy the first more. The second group, unless you have a special desire to be with them, can leave you drained after a while, and after a year or two you may want to move on. The first group can often be more interesting and rejuvenating.

With your summers, you’re also flexible to find another job. Probably it won’t fill in that gap of money that you’re missing out on, but it will help.

Lastly, I just think that it’s more impressive on resumes to teach at alternative schools than with the severe and profound. I know it’s harsh to say, and people will get angry. But I’ve spent years with this population, and very few prospective job interviewers (who would hire me for non-special needs clients) seem to care. It’s just the truth. The first job may give you some more marketable skills.

I did a semester internship at an alternative school. Primarily all I/we did was observe. Many of these students had attitude issues, some had learning disabilities and it seemed like some were improperly placed. But if you take that job – at the alternative school – don’t expect the normal teaching experience. I noticed that many of the students didn’t care and were a bit disruptive in class. The teacher just ignored them as much as he could – i.e. not giving them the attention they seek.

Working with kids like that is just as unique as working with disabled children. Just be prepared and if you don’t have experience you may want to consider taking the job where you do have the experience. Of course, if you truly feel that you could work with students like that then give it a try. Just know that it’s as specialized as the other.

Many people work in the summer, and it’s not that bad as long as you get 2 weeks of a break somewhere in the middle!

I would pick the second option if you are more patient and like having a nice envoronment. It’s also more pay. The first option can be very deppressing and tough. You will also get less pay, even with a summer off.

I would take the second option If I were you!

Good Luck!

Think of it this way. Could you make 14,000 over the summer IF you WANTED to.

i.e. by taking the 10 mo position, could you make up the difference in the money if you wanted to – that way giving you a choice.

Personally, I’d take the 31,000 job, and then work the summers if I needed more money. If I didn’t, then I’d have the summer “off”. But at least I wouldn’t be locked into working summers.

The second one is paying you more per month worked 3750 compared to 3444 for school 1.

Go with school 2 nothing really happens during the day anyway in the summer its all happening at night plus you know what to expect from these students because you’ve taught similar students before.

I worked with troubled teens for several years… mostly gang members. It was a very rewarding experience. For many, I was the first adult to find anything positive about them or be willing to listen to them. I never cut them any slack and made them own up to their choice oif lifestyle, but there is a way to do that with dignity.

Beware, you may have to spend some of your down time in court appearances and very few teachers anywhere have summers free anymore. They always find something for you to do.

the first one.