Vent Incoming.....work related.

[Mom2Nick]

I also think that it is silly to refer to somebody with the title for one profession for which they may be licensed/qualified, if they are not actually working in that capacity.

I agree - except for with Doctors. Doctors EARN a title - a personal title - it's not just a job, not just a degree. A Teacher is just not on that level. Teacher is a job title - not a formal personal title earned through years upon years of extensive schooling and training.

My husband has earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. He currently works in that capacity. If he decides he wants to be a Police Officer he will be a Police Officer that happens to have a degree in Engineering not an Engineer working as a Police Officer.

 

[believe]

I have read some replies, but not all.

I have worked as an after school childcare center as well as teaching. I do consider those 2 totally different jobs. I personally felt that the after school childcare was more of a 'babysitting' job, even though we worked with 4H to do projects, completed crafts, assisted with homework, etc. I don't even know that I had a title then or care, it may have been assistant.

Does it really matter what the title is? Even teachers are treated as babysitters as times, which is unfortunate. A title isn't going to make a difference for some individuals.

 

[MushyMushy]

The after-school program at my kids' schools will only hire certified teachers. It's more of a tutoring program, with some fun thrown in to entice kids to come.

 

[Bluestars]

My kids have always gone to before and after school programs. They are administered by teachers. I have never viewed them as babysitters. No wonder some of them feel unappreciated, because it looks like they are by some people.

I appreciate all of my kids' teachers. They have done a wonderful job and really care about the the kids, even when they were "just" helping with homework in the after school program. I view that time as an extension of their school day.

 

[barkley]

The after-school program at my kids' schools will only hire certified teachers. It's more of a tutoring program, with some fun thrown in to entice kids to come.

curious-what kind of certification?

reason i ask is my ece teaching certification does'nt qualify me to be a teacher in a non preschool setting, and my k-12 multiple subject credential does'nt qualify me to provide before/after school "child care".

just a heads up to anyone whose kids are in these arrangements-check and see what kind of legal standing the program has-in some states the one's run by the public schools use credentialed teachers (multiple or single subject) as administrators because it then exempts them as 'childcare' such that they are'nt held to the same standards and rules as lic childcare/family home daycare places (they can fall under recreational or extracurriculuar programs which can have much looser supervisor/safety requirements).

i've never personaly viewed the staff in before/after school programs as teachers-some may hold the educational or legal standing but (for me) by virtue of the offerings i've had available they were either 'before/after school care' (and therefore the adults were care providers) or 'before/after school recreation' (and therefore the adults were recreation leaders).

 

[Uuaww]

You are doing alright, just be happy you have a job you love!

 

[MushyMushy]

curious-what kind of certification?

reason i ask is my ece teaching certification does'nt qualify me to be a teacher in a non preschool setting, and my k-12 multiple subject credential does'nt qualify me to provide before/after school "child care".

just a heads up to anyone whose kids are in these arrangements-check and see what kind of legal standing the program has-in some states the one's run by the public schools use credentialed teachers (multiple or single subject) as administrators because it then exempts them as 'childcare' such that they are'nt held to the same standards and rules as lic childcare/family home daycare places (they can fall under recreational or extracurriculuar programs which can have much looser supervisor/safety requirements).

i've never personaly viewed the staff in before/after school programs as teachers-some may hold the educational or legal standing but (for me) by virtue of the offerings i've had available they were either 'before/after school care' (and therefore the adults were care providers) or 'before/after school recreation' (and therefore the adults were recreation leaders).

The teachers are certified in the grade ranges where they're working. In fact, a lot of times, teachers in that school will work for the after-school program. I'm secondary ed, so I'd only be able to work in the middle school or high school. Only someone with elementary cert would be able to work k-5. And you can only work within your concentration, so I couldn't help with math or history.

I'm pretty sure it's federally funded. It's called the 21st Century after-school program. It's not day care. It's an extension of school.

 

[Robindianne]

Yes, in the summer, they were the summer camp counselors. During the school year they were after school counselors. All I said was that we called them counselors because that was, in fact, what they called themselves. This was/is a city run faciltiy, and all the employees are city employees. While I am sure that my son learned many things while he was there (and they had a "homework club" also where the counselors would help with homework) the counselors could in no way, shape or form be considered teachers.

I also think that it is silly to refer to somebody with the title for one profession for which they may be licensed/qualified, if they are not actually working in that capacity.

Agreed.

 

[MrsPete]

Kathie.....perhaps you do not understand that in my job I create LESSON PLANS as well as develop my projects and activities around age appropriate curriculum. Meaning I create activities geared specifically to target your 5 year olds reading skill or your 8 year old science lesson.

I don't question that before/after care workers do a great deal, but is creating lesson plans really the determining factor in whether one is a "teacher"? As a classroom teacher, I do that AND MORE.

In addition to creating lesson plans, I also create evaulations (written tests and other methods) to determine whether the children have reached the goals. I grade papers and projects at home. I make sure my students are learning everything on the state DPI's curriculum for my course, and I make sure my students are ready to pass the state end-of-course test. I provide special extras for the kids with special needs /IEPs /504 plans, and I provide extended curriculum for gifted kids who can go beyond the basic lessons. I provide after-school remediation (for free)for those who are falling behind. I complete mountains of paperwork for seemingly petty reasons, attend numerous meetings and trainings, and determine grades that'll be seen by colleges and scholarship committees. I write scholarship recommendations. I maintain an unbelievable number of grades, and I keep exruciatingly detailed records of attendance. I coordinate with guidance counselors, the school nurse, the social worker, and the testing coordiantor to make sure every child is getting what he or she needs. I am responsible for structure and discipline in the classroom. I maintain contact with parents, especially those who children are falling behind. I mentor younger teachers to help them set up rules and lessons that'll be effective in their own classrooms. I am required to sponsor extra-curricular activities and chaperone multiple school social and sports events on my own time.

Are we really doing the same job?

I agree that you're not a babysitter -- you're not in the same category as the teenager who comes around every couple weeks -- but, just as certainly, I don't think you're a teacher either. I think child-care provider or before/after school care provider is most accurate.

 

[suevee]

So should I call the grandmother a teacher also? Or is she a babysitter or childcare provider?

YES!!! Grandmothers are the best teachers!!! They teach with love, patience, and time. They can be the biggest influence on their grandchildren's lives. They have more vested interest in a grandchild's life than anyone else except the parents. I take care of my grandchildren and I am not a babysitter, I am an EXPLORER!! I have learned so much during my life that I am a much better teacher with my grandchildren than I was with my children. I listen better now. I don't rush so much now. And cleaning my home is not as important as it used to be, I'd much rather finger paint!!!

By the way, I did teach my grandchildren to read, count, simple addition and subtraction, colors, shapes, weather, and much more all before kindergarten. Using play and interaction these concepts were soaked up like sponges. My grandchildren love their phonics. Once they were in school I helped supervise homework, projects, and was their advocate when necessary.

 

[Pomlover2586]

OP here....this is the last post I'm gonna make BTW because I'm tired of debating this

Please understand that I do NOT consider myself a full fledged "teacher". This is merely the title my employer has given me. I DO feel that I am more then a babysitter because of my education and experience. However if a parent were to call me a babysitter with some respect and appreciation I WOULDN"T CARE I don't care what my Title is........as long as it's used with respect and appreciation.

All I'm trying to say is the lack of appreciation at my job from most parents does hurt because we work really hard to keep these kids happy, healthy, and entertained.

Hope that clears some stuff up- God Bless

 

[barkley]

I don't question that before/after care workers do a great deal, but is creating lesson plans really the determining factor in whether one is a "teacher"? As a classroom teacher, I do that AND MORE.

In addition to creating lesson plans, I also create evaulations (written tests and other methods) to determine whether the children have reached the goals. I grade papers and projects at home. I make sure my students are learning everything on the state DPI's curriculum for my course, and I make sure my students are ready to pass the state end-of-course test. I provide special extras for the kids with special needs /IEPs /504 plans, and I provide extended curriculum for gifted kids who can go beyond the basic lessons. I provide after-school remediation (for free)for those who are falling behind. I complete mountains of paperwork for seemingly petty reasons, attend numerous meetings and trainings, and determine grades that'll be seen by colleges and scholarship committees. I write scholarship recommendations. I maintain an unbelievable number of grades, and I keep exruciatingly detailed records of attendance. I coordinate with guidance counselors, the school nurse, the social worker, and the testing coordiantor to make sure every child is getting what he or she needs. I am responsible for structure and discipline in the classroom. I maintain contact with parents, especially those who children are falling behind. I mentor younger teachers to help them set up rules and lessons that'll be effective in their own classrooms. I am required to sponsor extra-curricular activities and chaperone multiple school social and sports events on my own time.

Are we really doing the same job?

I agree that you're not a babysitter -- you're not in the same category as the teenager who comes around every couple weeks -- but, just as certainly, I don't think you're a teacher either. I think child-care provider or before/after school care provider is most accurate.

i have to agree, and further-since the op appears to be from california she would not be permitted to be a "teacher' to elementary aged kids without a multiple subject k-12 teaching credential. the teaching designation provided to those who work in preschool, daycare or afterschool settings is a "cda credential" and limits the scope of "teaching" strictly to preschool aged infants and toddlers (so they might create activities and "lead" or supervise a 5 year old and an 8 year old their ece teaching designation precludes them from "teaching" them).

if the op is adamant that she is a "teacher" based on the educational and lic. standing she has met, i would strongly suggest she review the perameters of whom she is legaly permitted within her state to teach and in what type of setting. if it's strictly on what is provided to the children served, then i have to say that it goes both ways-there are individuals who have been in my children's lives that should have been referred to as "teacher"-and others who while professionaly holding that title provided nothing deserving of it.