Wow! Need some job advice.

[Cindy B]

Today I turned in my notice that I would not be returning to my middle school. I also gave a letter addressed to the substitute coordinator stating that I am now available to any of the 19 schools in our district.

While at the administration building, I noticed that they needed before and after school teachers. I am most interested in after school instead of before school, because I need to get my own kids off to school.

Well, I called that coordinator and had a phone interview. They asked me if I could come in for a "quick interview". I did that (this school is down the street from me).

I have two options:
The hours are 3:20-6:05 M-F and three 1/2 elementary days

1) Head Teacher after school- (NOT AT MY KIDS SCHOOL-but less than 10 minutes away)
Supervisory, direct curriculum, etc. Address staff issues, parents, etc.

2) Non head Teacher at my childrens school. About $3 less per hour, but verbally promised to a higher wage after probationary period. My kids school is 2 walkable blocks to my house.

The coordinator (who would be my boss) stated that since I have two children one would be totally free after school, and one would be 50% off. I have a 5th grader, and a 3rd grader. This program stops at 5th grade.

If I went with the head teacher position she also stated she would write my contract that I would allow 15 minutes travel time to get to my kids school to pick them up prior to six.- so hours would be 15 minutes earlier to compensate.

So, my children are cared for in a safe environment. It is school hours so I am off summer. The spring break, summer and thankgiving breaks are optional to work.

What do you think?

The head teacher pay is about what substitute teacher make in this district. (much better than my previous pay).

However, this poses a problem with substituting. I am recently certified so I dont have any networking at schools. I would have to change the letter I just gave to the district sub teacher and tell her that I can only do middle school (3) high school (3) or the elementary that I am working after care in (1). Would that shoot myself in the foot or not?

 

[Byrd]

nO, i THINK THAT YOU WOULD STILL GET PLENTY OF SUB JOBS. aT MY SCHOOL TEACHERS HAVE TO CALL THEIR OWN SUB FROM AN APPROVED LIST. i HAVE TO GO TO AN IN SERVICE TOMORROW. i CALLED 28 PEOPLE before I found a sub for my second graders.
I am sorry that I had the caps lock on and just realized it.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[lewdyan1]

I don't know where you live or how big your schools are, but here they are always desparate for subs! I could work everyday if I wanted, but then why sub, just teach. I don't think you should have a problem.

 

[lewdyan1]

One other thought. By working after school, is that time you could possibly be with your kids at home? By subbing, you would be working the same hours that they are in school, and that would leave more time for you to spend with them, rather than have them in after school care. Just a thought.

 

[KirstenB]

Cindy I only sub at 2 schools. I work anywhere from 3-5 days a week, once we're well into fall. Don't get called much in Sept/Oct, but after that, I stay busy. Also, each spring, I've wound up committing to a long-term assignment through the end of the school year. I've only done this for 2 years, but once they know you'll generally say "yes", it seems like you go to the top of the call list. This year I can't sub, because we're expecting our 2nd dd in 5 days. I'll really miss it---I love the kids.

 

[Cindy B]

I thought it over and decided that the after school one wasn't for me.

This is my first year out on a limb substituting only. I'm scared of the prospect of no work September/October and then more and more assignments will come. I know that subs are used steadily from say November on. I have 19 schools in my district, and there are smaller districts in the same county that may need people as well.

I then looked at my daughters gymnastics and my sons honors band schedule and I could not swing it.

I'll politely decline tomorrow.

 

[lewdyan1]

I wouldn't even worry too much about Sept./Oct. I worked three days this week and am already scheduled the whole next week. Even if teachers aren't taking off (which they still do), there is always staffings, testing, workshops...

Good luck it sounds like a great decision!