Heartattack19 Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Long time lurker needing some expert soxtalk opinions! I have been out out college since 2003 with a degree in Mathematics and have been looking for a career change. I recently had my final interview with Teach for America, i am attempting to be a Chicago Public High School teacher. I wanted to know what opinions or advice anyone on the board has had. It seems like a great program, especially for someone like myself who wants to do something "more" with my life. just wondering, any advice or experiences would be great and most appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 I was accepted but never took the appointment. They told me I could not be guaranteed my first choice, and I needed to stay in this geography. The negative that some principals have is the two years and they are gone mentality. You really are not doing anything different than any other first year teacher. You are paid the same and have the same responsibilities. The difference is the support that TFA offers to you. They also have a nice alternative certification program if you did not take education courses and student teach. Also, with such a tough current job market for teachers, they may offer a better path to actually getting a job. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heartattack19 Posted October 28, 2009 Author Share Posted October 28, 2009 Thanks Tex! I have the same concern, i have to stay in Chicago (mortgage.....etc...). There is a need for Math and Science teachers, which is encouraging for me. I am looking for the program that gives the best support system, whether it be teach for america or chicago teaching fellows. It is a very tough job, and a competative program, but i feel i have a step up with my background and the fact i have been in the "real world" for a while.(whatever that means!) If anyone else has experience or opinions, i would love to hear them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 Math and Science is the key area right now, which is why I am in ELA Have you spoken to any principals? Eventually, if you are "on your own" you will need to contact and interview with them. Start with any you have a connection with. Ask them what they would do. You just involved them in your success. Powerful help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmags Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 they denied me so I hope their program burns to the ground in a fiery blaze. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted October 29, 2009 Share Posted October 29, 2009 QUOTE (bmags @ Oct 29, 2009 -> 06:51 AM) they denied me so I hope their program burns to the ground in a fiery blaze. I feel that way about a few sororities that wouldn't let me join. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heartattack19 Posted October 30, 2009 Author Share Posted October 30, 2009 Guys, thanks for your help! Tex, what is ELA? I should hear next week, pretty excited about a new beginning! I am sorry you were turned down for the program.... I am a little nervous about teaching, but think it will be a good fit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 QUOTE (Heartattack19 @ Oct 30, 2009 -> 10:58 AM) Guys, thanks for your help! Tex, what is ELA? I should hear next week, pretty excited about a new beginning! I am sorry you were turned down for the program.... I am a little nervous about teaching, but think it will be a good fit! English Language Arts, use to be just plain old English class. The new title is meant, I believe, to better describe reading, writing, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heartattack19 Posted November 11, 2009 Author Share Posted November 11, 2009 well, Teach for America did not accept me....I liked thier mission, felt i was a good fit, and with the need for Math and Science teachers, i thought i would at least get a chance. While i am disappointed, on to the next challenge. Tex, congrats on the History teacher job! I am going to try the Chicago teaching fellows next...lts see if something hits! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmags Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 QUOTE (Heartattack19 @ Nov 11, 2009 -> 04:37 PM) well, Teach for America did not accept me....I liked thier mission, felt i was a good fit, and with the need for Math and Science teachers, i thought i would at least get a chance. While i am disappointed, on to the next challenge. Tex, congrats on the History teacher job! I am going to try the Chicago teaching fellows next...lts see if something hits! Exactly. f*** them. Sorry though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Chappas Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 (edited) QUOTE (Heartattack19 @ Nov 11, 2009 -> 09:37 AM) well, Teach for America did not accept me....I liked thier mission, felt i was a good fit, and with the need for Math and Science teachers, i thought i would at least get a chance. While i am disappointed, on to the next challenge. Tex, congrats on the History teacher job! I am going to try the Chicago teaching fellows next...lts see if something hits! I was not accepted by a CPS Alternative program about 5 years ago for Math and Science through UIC and I am not certain what they are actually looking for as my career and references were spot on to what they was required. (Math degree from UIC) I have little faith it anything related to the CPS as I am not sure teaching ability is what they are looking for. Edited November 11, 2009 by Jenks Heat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heartattack19 Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 Jenks Heat, what do you do now if i may ask. I too have a math degree (from Loyola) and trying to figure out what to do as the company i am with now is rapidly going down the tubes......Thanks for your help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted November 13, 2009 Share Posted November 13, 2009 From what I've seen in Texas, getting into the alternative cert program basically requires a Bachelors and a pulse. It was getting hired that is tough. If there is a teacher shortage, it ain't around here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chisoxfn Posted November 14, 2009 Share Posted November 14, 2009 QUOTE (Tex @ Nov 13, 2009 -> 03:43 PM) From what I've seen in Texas, getting into the alternative cert program basically requires a Bachelors and a pulse. It was getting hired that is tough. If there is a teacher shortage, it ain't around here. Nor in Cali.....probably the hardest job to find out there in California is a teaching job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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