Job Need Advice (Budget Related)

[Zydebearsmom]

OK I just graduated from school with my Masters in Education. The job market in my state for teachers is horrible right now. My district laid off 700 teachers so teaching jobs are really scare right now. I worked for the school system as a clerk and made about $1500 a month ( I only work 9 months but got paid for 12). I only did it becasue it was flexible and I wanted to get my foot in the door. Ok, well I was laid off in May so I am receiving uneployement at $748 a month. Well I went on a interview today at a year round private school but it is only paying $1760 a month. I was offered a position but they want me to sign a contract from September 2010 to September 2011. Well I am hoping to get with the public schools next year (providing there a no more cuts) they start about the end of July early August. If I except this position I would not be able to get a job at a public school because I would still be in contract with the private school. But I am scared if I dont except the private school I may not find another job and will have to stay on unemployment. I feel like if I take this job it will give me the experience I need as a new teacher, but it will hold me back in the long run. My childcare is $100 a week so I have to take that into consideration also. New teachers in my county working in a public school is starting at $47,000 working 9 months versus the private school working 12 months making $21,120 a year. Any advice?

 

[Darcy03231]

You know what they say about a bird in the hand.....

I would take the job you've been offered.

 

[Luvchefmic]

You know what they say about a bird in the hand.....

I would take the job you've been offered.

took the words right off my keyboard...think about it OP no guarantees in ANYTHING, take what you can now

 

[wdwfan16]

OK I just graduated from school with my Masters in Education. The job market in my state for teachers is horrible right now. My district laid off 700 teachers so teaching jobs are really scare right now. I worked for the school system as a clerk and made about $1500 a month ( I only work 9 months but got paid for 12). I only did it becasue it was flexible and I wanted to get my foot in the door. Ok, well I was laid off in May so I am receiving uneployement at $748 a month. Well I went on a interview today at a year round private school but it is only paying $1760 a month. I was offered a position but they want me to sign a contract from September 2010 to September 2011. Well I am hoping to get with the public schools next year (providing there a no more cuts) they start about the end of July early August. If I except this position I would not be able to get a job at a public school because I would still be in contract with the private school. But I am scared if I dont except the private school I may not find another job and will have to stay on unemployment. I feel like if I take this job it will give me the experience I need as a new teacher, but it will hold me back in the long run. My childcare is $100 a week so I have to take that into consideration also. New teachers in my county working in a public school is starting at $47,000 working 9 months versus the private school working 12 months making $21,120 a year. Any advice?

If you turn down this job you will have to report it to unemployment and you will most likely lose your unemployment.

What are the consequences of breaking your contract with the private school?

 

[daisyduck123]

I would take it. Hope you have a great school year!

(By the way...it's "accept" the position, not "except". )

 

[Zydebearsmom]

I would take it. Hope you have a great school year!

(By the way...it's "accept" the position, not "except". )

LOL. Your right! Guess I should no better.

 

[sk!mom]

It depends-If it's a really good, well respected private school then I'd take the job. When does the private school year end? Can you resign at the end of the school year?


If it's not that great a school (and the extremely low salary makes me question the school), then I would sub and continue to apply for public school jobs.

 

[Kimberly]

To be honest... I don't think I'd take the position offered by the private school. It seems like you're sacrificing a bit too much just keep your foot in the door rather than get the position you really want. What would this clerk position do for you in the long run at the particular private school? If nothing, I'd politely decline.

 

[wdwfan16]

LOL. Your right! Guess I should no better.

 

[Theta]

LOL. Your right! Guess I should no better.

I would decline the job too and look for something else, for instance, schools are always looking for substitute teachers.

(Also, it is You're right! and "... I should know better.)

 

[Luvchefmic]

someone else mentioned it too, if you turn it down you'll probably jeopardize your unemployment check..not only that but IMHO why anyone would turn down a job to stay on unemployment makes no sense to me even if you can. There are plenty of people with Masters degrees out here now that would take a factory job if they could get a job...any job...just sayin'

 

[Theta]

Where do you live? $47,000 for a first year teacher?

 

[smokeyblue]

I would "accept" the job you have been offered. I would expect that you wouldn't want your unemployement benefits taken away. I know in my state that if you refuse work and accept unemployment benefits you are committing fraud.

I'd ask to take a look at that contract. There has to be a way out of it if need be.

 

[Zydebearsmom]

Where do you live? $47,000 for a first year teacher?

Georgia. I am in the Metro Atlanta area. Bachelors start at 38,000 and Masters start at 47,000.

 

[Zydebearsmom]

It depends-If it's a really good, well respected private school then I'd take the job. When does the private school year end? Can you resign at the end of the school year?


If it's not that great a school (and the extremely low salary makes me question the school), then I would sub and continue to apply for public school jobs.

Sorry, I should have also mentioned that this is a brand new school. They are opening their doors September 7th. At this time they are not offering any benefits and the only time off is major holidays except for vacation time, which they had not decided yet how they want to handle vacations.

 

[disny_luvr]

I think I'd actually sub. It is a great way to get your foot in the door at local school districts. I'm a teacher also and have a job and know that most of the teachers hired in my district are from the sub list. Also, $21,000/year to have your own classroom is not that much money for all the work that comes along with it. If you are still able to collect unemployment (not sure about that one) and sub, you'll probably make more than the private school.

This is a tricky one. I'd go with what your gut is telling you. Good luck with your decision.

BTW, PA teachers make about the same as GA teachers and $47,000 is a good chunk of change for a teacher's salary, IMO.

 

[sunshine1178]

Seriously? $47,000 the first year? If parents are paying a dime as book rental, I'd be furious! I better check what our teachers are paid after they begged for cleaning supplies! Resource allocation issues!

I think I'd actually sub. It is a great way to get your foot in the door at local school districts. I'm a teacher also and have a job and know that most of the teachers hired in my district are from the sub list. Also, $21,000/year to have your own classroom is not that much money for all the work that comes along with it. If you are still able to collect unemployment (not sure about that one) and sub, you'll probably make more than the private school.

This is a tricky one. I'd go with what your gut is telling you. Good luck with your decision.

BTW, PA teachers make about the same as GA teachers and $47,000 is a good chunk of change for a teacher's salary, IMO.

 

[KKB]

Our subs are paid around 150/day...that is more in 9 months than the private school in 12!!!
I am a teacher...they have set that contract up KNOWING you are stuck. I would not take it.
You could make more working retail or fast food--with far less stress! At least doing those jobs you would have no issues taking jobs that come open. Realize w/ all the cuts there is a VERY good chance that there will be hiring DURING the school year (TRUST me...they will find needs as the year progresses) YOU want to be the one available for these jobs.
I say sub...decent pay...get your foot in the door. If you are worried about the volatility of subbing, go for a retail/restaurant job.
Are you open to looking elsewhere?
GOOD LUCK!

 

[SLM]

That salary is with a graduate degree! Several of my daughter's friend's started at salaries higher than 47,000 when they graduated from college. Don't you want bright, professional people teaching your children?

 

[Pumbaa_]

if they have laid off 700 teachers inthat district, i would assume many of them are subbing for the district.

Review the contract, what is the penatly if you leave early?