5 Things You Should Know Before You Accept That Teaching Job

In order to teach effectively, you need a whole lot of information. You may have been in the classroom for years and understand how to teach well, but there’s always something new

The “questions to ask before accepting a teaching job” is an article that discusses 5 things you should know before you accept that teaching job.

I’m looking for a teaching job: The importance of finding the right option

This is Lauren Reilly.

As children, when we play with our stuffed animals or friends at school, we imagine that all schools are the same. A teacher stands in front of a classroom with 20 seats for students who must sit up straight and pay attention to every word. We think of whiteboards with fancy pens and engaging lessons that will captivate every student. But when we are in college and realize that the game of pretend can now become a reality, we need to more thoroughly analyze the decision to become a teacher.

In education, we read about teacher turnover because they fail to meet the two-year Teach for America commitment, or about charter school teachers leaving after just one year of service. When we read about these organizations and schools, we have mixed feelings: confusion, bewilderment, surprise, even sadness. Do you wonder how someone can leave the profession so quickly – some even in the middle of the year?

It is important for prospective teachers to remember that when you accept a teaching job, it is not only important that you choose them, but also that they choose you. Not all schools are the same, and we do our students and ourselves a disservice by not doing thorough research before accepting a position at a particular school. When we work in education, the stakes are higher than in banking or traditional consulting. The relative well-being of the child may be at stake. When a teacher leaves, either at the end of the school year or, worse, in the middle of it, children wonder: Did I do that? Or who should I talk to now?

It may be tempting to take on the first job that comes along, but we need to exercise due diligence. Taking care of our education and career in the long run means that before accepting a job, we should consider the following

5 things you need to know before taking a teaching job

1. A realistic view on professional tasks

What are your responsibilities outside of teaching? Ask questions about teacher-led activities, expectations for lesson planning, team commitments, preparation, lunch responsibilities, etc. This will help you get a clearer picture of what your daily routine will look like.

2. What is the adult culture

How does professional development take place in the school? How do directors or deans interact with faculty? Do teachers spend time together outside of the work week? School can be a lonely place if you don’t have a best friend or a group of peers to support you.

3. How is the school climate?

Talk to a current teacher or spend a day at the school observing the work. When you attend an interview or even a demonstration class, you don’t see a typical school day. When we conduct interviews, we take great care to use the right buzzwords and not filler words like um or as if. They are not intended to control school culture, student behavior, adult interactions, etc.

4. What is a public image

Find information about the school and take the information with a grain of salt. Many applicants will say they did their research by reading the school’s website or other online reviews. While these records can give you a good idea of the school, they do not tell the whole story. It is important to use several sources before making a decision, but at least be aware of the published opinions.

5. What is the general situation like for you

Make a list of the advantages and disadvantages. Every school you apply to has something you like and something you don’t. You may like the program, but you will have to eat lunch two days a week. Or teachers have their own Mac, but are also responsible for taking over a class or two when another teacher is absent.

It is important to be self-reflective and understand what you like and don’t like about school. With a list like this, if the pros outweigh the cons, you’re usually good to go. However, this is not the case with teaching. Some disadvantages should definitely influence your decision. Whatever the scam is, it will be different for every teacher.

Summary

I am not writing this article to scare people away from Teach for Americas, Success Academies, or traditional DOE schools. I write this in the hope that new teachers will make an informed decision when choosing their first school. By encouraging new teachers to get to know each other through the selection process, we will build a generation of teachers who are resilient and unwaveringly committed to supporting learning and preparing all students for college and professional life.

Lauren Reilly is the Director of Training at Practice Makes Perfect, a nationally recognized summer school operator. She is a graduate of TFA, is a certified teacher in New York City, and was recently recognized as a White House Champion of Change for her work on summer internships.

Teaching is a job that can be very rewarding, but it also comes with its own challenges. Here are 5 things you should know before you accept that teaching job. Reference: what happens after you accept a teaching job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know before accepting teaching?

A: Teaching is a profession that requires experience and skill. As such, it can be difficult to find an appropriate teacher for your needs. One of the best ways to get started with teaching is by seeking out opportunities in which you can volunteer or intern at schools or organizations where you will not be paid for services rendered.

What are 5 skills needed to be a teacher?

A: In order to be a teacher, you would need to have many skills. You must know how to teach others and work with children of all different ages. Additionally, teachers are required by law in some jurisdictions to do specific tasks such as providing instruction on topics like mathematics or science.