OT: Anyone teach at an online virtual school?

[llori7]

Background info: I taught 2nd grade for 2 years before my oldest ds was born. Then I decided to become a SAHM. Since one ds is in kindergarten and my other ds in preschool, I decided to become a substitute teacher this year. Well, it is not going too well----I am hardly ever getting called! So I thought about taking the 9 credit hours I need to renew my license. I am afraid if I go back for these 9 hours, I won't be able to find a job around here. Lots of people who graduate in education in this area are NOT finding any jobs. Then I thought about applying at an online school, but I don't really know anything about them.

Since I don't know a lot about them, but would love to know more before I invest in more college classes. I am interested in hearing anything you would like to tell me.

Was it hard to get a job? Do you like it? What don't you like about it? Do you ever see your students? How do you teach them over the computer? Do you get school breaks and holidays like other schools? Do you have to travel anywhere? What are your hours?

I just have so many questions, so feel free to help me out. I really appreciate it!!!

Lori

 

[llori7]

bump

anyone?

 

[amez]

I don't teach but my son is enrolled in an online school for 2nd grade. His teacher works out of her home. Each week she holds 4 class connect sessions for about 30 minutes each-2 language arts, 2 math (the classes are repeated). Each quarter she holds a parent teacher conference that with each parent and student. she makes certain we are on track to finish on time for the year and offers suggestions if we are not. If a student needs extra help she will meet them online for one on one sessions.

The school has different meet and greets-usually teachers are there, but we've note met my son's teacher face to face (she is in a different area). she has emailed us pictures of herself and her family and sends a not atleast once a week seeing how everyone is and maybe telling a bit about her weekend. The teachers have holidays off (like next week they are off all week for spring break) So we can continue working but if we were to have a problem we wouldn't expect a reply to an email until school is back in session. (although if she is around she certainly would help out if she could) Although my son can work on his school work any time day or night we would only expect to have immediate contact with her Monday-Friday during normal day time hours.

I just noticed you are in Ohio-is there a specific virtual school you are looking at? Our school just opened enrollment up for next year and this years students are confirming their intent to continue with the school-so the school is definitely planning for next years staff.

HTH

 

[ekatiel]

I briefly looked into it a few months ago. I am also a former teacher who has been staying home with my young kiddos. From what I saw, the pay is not very good (I remember seeing something like $12 an hour ). I stopped researching when I saw how low the pay was. The pay may be different in your area. One way I am able to work part time right now is that I teach classes at a local home school alliance. The alliance classes meet once a week. I teach three one hour classes on Wednesdays while my boys are in preschool. The home schooling classes have been a great way to keep up my teaching skills and earn some extra money. If you've got a few hours available each week, I'd look for home schooling alliances in your area and see if they are in need of teachers. Good luck with whatever you decide! --Katie

 

[llori7]

I don't teach but my son is enrolled in an online school for 2nd grade. His teacher works out of her home. Each week she holds 4 class connect sessions for about 30 minutes each-2 language arts, 2 math (the classes are repeated). Each quarter she holds a parent teacher conference that with each parent and student. she makes certain we are on track to finish on time for the year and offers suggestions if we are not. If a student needs extra help she will meet them online for one on one sessions.

The school has different meet and greets-usually teachers are there, but we've note met my son's teacher face to face (she is in a different area). she has emailed us pictures of herself and her family and sends a not atleast once a week seeing how everyone is and maybe telling a bit about her weekend. The teachers have holidays off (like next week they are off all week for spring break) So we can continue working but if we were to have a problem we wouldn't expect a reply to an email until school is back in session. (although if she is around she certainly would help out if she could) Although my son can work on his school work any time day or night we would only expect to have immediate contact with her Monday-Friday during normal day time hours.

I just noticed you are in Ohio-is there a specific virtual school you are looking at? Our school just opened enrollment up for next year and this years students are confirming their intent to continue with the school-so the school is definitely planning for next years staff.

HTH

Thanks! I didn't have one specific school in mind. I only know of 2 in Ohio, so I guess I will have to look into more. I just wanted to get some feedback about them before I put all this money into it.

Does your teacher make the lesson plans or are they provided by the school?

 

[amez]

We belong to OHVA- they use the k12 Curr. So all of the daily work is taken care of. For her class connect lessons I'm not sure if she writes the plans or if the school does. She uses a white board and she and the students can chat back and forth. The lesson does sound a little scripted to me and I lean toward thinking it was written for her, but I'm not positive.

A few other virtual schools in ohio- vcs, ohdella, connections acadamy, boss
I just found a link to some more http://distancelearn.about.com/od/onlinepublicschools/a/OhioPublic.htm
hth

 

[llori7]

We belong to OHVA- they use the k12 Curr. So all of the daily work is taken care of. For her class connect lessons I'm not sure if she writes the plans or if the school does. She uses a white board and she and the students can chat back and forth. The lesson does sound a little scripted to me and I lean toward thinking it was written for her, but I'm not positive.

A few other virtual schools in ohio- vcs, ohdella, connections acadamy, boss
I just found a link to some more http://distancelearn.about.com/od/onlinepublicschools/a/OhioPublic.htm
hth

Thanks for your help! I will have to look into these.