Dilemma of a New Teacher: Should I Stay or Go?

  • Thread starter Thread starter happyg1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Teacher
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the dilemma faced by a new teacher regarding career decisions in academia, specifically whether to remain in a part-time college teaching position or transition to a full-time high school teaching role. The conversation explores themes of job security, experience, teaching environments, and personal preferences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (CC) has been interviewed for full-time positions but was not hired due to a lack of experience compared to other candidates.
  • CC has received positive student evaluations and a significantly lower failure rate than colleagues, raising questions about their value in the department.
  • CC is considering whether to pursue a high school teaching position, weighing the pros and cons of classroom management and safety concerns against the potential for a full-time role in college.
  • Another participant inquires about the availability of alternative licensure options for high school teaching, suggesting that this could influence CC's decision.
  • CC mentions the existence of fast-track options for obtaining teaching credentials while working, indicating a potential pathway to transition to high school teaching.
  • Concerns are raised about the challenges of teaching in a high school environment, including issues related to safety and classroom management.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the merits of staying in a college position versus moving to high school teaching. There is no consensus on the best path forward for CC, as opinions vary regarding the implications of experience, job security, and personal preferences.

Contextual Notes

CC's situation is influenced by their limited teaching experience and the competitive nature of hiring in academia. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the long-term viability of part-time positions and the potential risks associated with high school teaching environments.

Who May Find This Useful

New educators considering their career paths in teaching, particularly those weighing options between college and high school positions, may find this discussion relevant.

happyg1
Messages
304
Reaction score
0
Hi,
I have interviewed for a full-time position 2 times and both times I was told that the only reason that I was not hired was because the person that was chosen had more experience than I do...however the Department heads both times told me that they want me to stick around to teach 10-14 hours (full time is 15, as you probably know). I only have a year in the classroom outside of being a TA (for two years, plus EXTENSIVE tutoring) and the people that were chosen both have 20+ years experience(CLASSROOM).

I have had EXCELLENT student evals and my failure rate is HALF of my colleagues'. (Not hard to have a rate that's half of everyone else's when the existing one was 50%...)

Should I go to the high school realm or should I go ahead and make $20,000/yr less than those who are teaching fewer classes? (I'm teaching Developmental Math and it's a 3-2-2 set up ((3 hours credit, 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab...as of this semester, the TA's will run the labs))...we only get 2 hours credit for each class) which means that 14 hours is 7 classes. The full time folks have 5 or MAYBE 6 classes. Is this considered paying my dues or just "we need a body"?

Do you think that I have a chance of going full time? Am I just being used? Or both?

You guys who have been there please tell me what you think.

Thanks in advance,
CC
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Regarding the high school option, does your state have a fast-track to the classroom (aka "alternative licensure" or "alternative certification"), or will you need to take the required education coursework first before you can get a job?
 


Yeah, We have the fast track thing. You are required to take online classes with the University and are allowed to teach in the meantime. There are 2 spots open now for the Fall in Trig, Calc I and Algebra (I & II). I don't know what to do. I like teaching in the College setting because classroom management issues are much easier. The high school here can be scary. Lots of gangs, etc...
 
Last edited:


according to ks_physicist
it sounds like a must
 

Similar threads

Uncertainty in pursuing Engineering
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
Should I double up on math courses next school year?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Studying Help How do I raise my GPA? I have a full schedule with hard classes
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Admissions How to improve graduate school applications after college?
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
Other Am I compatible with a PhD?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Studying Should I drop my dreams? (Daydreamer with underachieving abilities)
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
AP Calculus teacher not very good
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Other Physics PhD after working for few years
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Other Could/Should I still go for a PhD?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Programs Academic/Career Crossroads: Teacher to ME to Naval Flight officer....
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K