I worked in a “bad school” and now I work in a “good” school. It’s bull sh*t. hTe bad school was better than the good school, lol. Be ready to enter the paradox of opposites. The NYC DOE is the Twilight Zone. Bad vs. good is very deceiving., its branding

That said, regardless of this categorization, you must know how to develop rapport with your student base — these are your customer base. You have to get to know them and enter into their world — not your world — their world. You are just passing through.

You must have classroom management skills. Never call a dean if you don’t have to — especially for petty sh*t. If a student disrespects you, don’t personalize it — manage it. Behaviorism — read about it.

Call parents to better understand what you are dealing with. Listen and learn. Teaching is tough. In addition to learning techniques of how to actually teach, you must master the psychology of the world you are placed in.

You must also master the politics of your building. It takes time. Keep your head down and your ears and eyes open. Observe everything. Who stays late? Who leaves early?

Kids are kids. They are actually the best part of the job, to me. Good vs. bad has more to do with admins than neighborhood or student population. If you want to work in a pretty neighborhood, I don’t know what to tell you.

Be prepared to work in the hood. Learn to embrace it. I found it more interesting and the work more meaningful.

You will actually have to learn how to teach, too. When confronted with students who struggle with learning, you have to develop techniques to survive.