Job interview, now I'm confused

[Pembo]

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[piglet too]

One thing to me is the homework. What will happen if you do not assign that much?

But, that said, if your gut is telling you something is not right, then listen to it.

 

[Daxx]

My guess is that either they fired the current teacher or that teacher quit and they need to fill the opening immediately so the kids don't get behind in their studies. With a teacher gone and no lesson plans, what's a substitute to do ... esp. if it takes a few weeks to get a teacher in! I'll bet that's why they're so hot to get a replacement.

They may have looked at other resumes and felt yours was the best fit and decided not to interview any others until they checked out the "best candidate" for the job.

Red flags ... if they make you sign an extended contract that doesn't give you the option to leave w/o some sort of financial penalty, then maybe. Otherwise, it sounds like they need someone quick and your resume was the best fit for them.

 

[Pembo]

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[Mr. Malaprop]

I'd tend to agree with Daxx. Unless you are required to sign some long-term contract, I would take the job and see how it works out. It sounds like you impressed them and they really want you.

 

[helenabear]

I'm to be a special ed teacher so I'm not even sure if I'll be responsible for homework assignments. To be honest, they didn't really tell me what I'll be doing. They didn't really tell me much at all other than their philosophy....

And this a new position they are creating...

This would send red flags up for me then! I have had a few friends work for charter schools in central Ohio only to hate it so much they tried to get back to Columbus Public (which laid them off... hence going to the charter school in the first place). At least the ones around here, I'm not sure are very highly thought of (per the teachers I know)

 

[Pembo]

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[Toby'sFriend]

well, it's only 4 months right?

I guess the question is.....
how bad do you want to get a job this school year?

I had a job once where the "big guy" kind of got his jollies by going in and terrorizing all the new hires like that, but once you got past the interview you only saw him about twice a year. Nearly scared the crap out of me though.

 

[rhiannonwales]

One thing that does concern me...
You mentioned it was a special education class. Do you have special training in this area? If not then BIG red flag... teaching a special ed. class is very different than regular class. Sometimes the kids are violent, some need specialsed equipment, and stuff like that.

 

[Pembo]

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[helenabear]

Pembo hi back atcha and good luck with all this. I can understand wanting a job in the public field. I have many friends who are teachers (and a lot of their friends I meet were/are teachers too) so I hear a lot at least around here.

If you think that this could help you get your foot in the door for fall, it might be worth it. Though if you are needing recomendations for fall, and this doesn't work out it could bite you. I'd see what your "research" finds out. It could turn out to be a great job for a few months... but no matter what, find out what your specific job duties might be (and get it in writing). That could be a clincher IMO. Again, I'm not so big on the charter schools that I have come across in my neck of the woods so I am very wary of others

A lot seems "off" though and my gut would probably make me run.

 

[ElizaB39]

Am I seeing red flags here? (offering me the job at the only interview, immediate start date). I think they are desperate.

Any opinions?

This is how my sister was offered her job. She was the last teacher to be hired at a charter school, and she has now been there for 6 years (I think) and she loves it! They have accomodated all of her wishes (transfer from classroom to media specialist = Library). She is so happy at her job. The Principal interviewed her and said, "you are the right teacher for the right job." My sis also thought they must be desparate but she took the job and hasn't looked back.

Good Luck.

 

[Mkrop]

If they want you that bad then you have the ball in your court and you need to ask for a second interview and then you ask the questions YOU want answered. You were probably too nervous and that one interviewer freaked you out that you didn't ask if this is a good fit for you. Just because they see you as a good fit doesnt mean they are a good fit for you.

Since it is only four months, did you consider just subing in the public school and see if they get a good feel for your skills as a teacher then try to apply for something in the fall.