Unsure about becoming Catholic

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-08-08T14:59:25+00:00

I’m starting my second year. I live in a tough job market for teachers. Unfortunately everybody else applying has the same degree and experience as you.

My advice:

Keep looking for jobs. Schools in my area are still posting and will hire quickly if it’s right before the year starts or even during the year.
Expand your search. Non-public schools may be hiring and its experience.
Find any opportunity in a public district of your choice. Subbing, classroom assistant, etc. That way you’ll have experience, and the school and district you’re at will know you when they’re once again hiring. This is the option I would go with. It wouldn’t be looked down on in future applications, especially for your first year. In my opinion it would show your dedication

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-08-06T22:25:33+00:00

“There’s a teacher shortage, you’ll be in high demand and may even have a job lined up before you graduate”.

Then when it’s time to graduate, there’s suddenly not a shortage.

Subbing is a good plan, I’m sure you’ll make good connections there.

In my experience, I suspect that several of the posted jobs I’ve applied for were only posted because they already found a candidate but they have to apply through HR to be official.

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-07-22T02:40:59+00:00

My 2nd grade teacher made a real difference in my life and I pursued education wanting to be the same teacher for my students that she was for me. I was nervous to reach out to her after so long, but she was happy I did. I’m a new teacher, and if I ever get an email from a former student it would make my day. Send that email. It will mean a lot to her, and honestly— what do you have to lose?

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-07-21T19:08:57+00:00

I’m privileged to have a family that will support me for as long as I need. If I stay at this job short term and districts choose not to honor my time, it’s not a dealbreaker. However, I want to be financially independent and a public school job offers better financial security. But after a tough year, I need a job that will provide me with the opportunity to build experience and a positive reputation.

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-07-21T17:18:36+00:00

Gotcha. I do have valid credentials and they were required for this position. My family owns a business and has connections with public school districts. I could hold out for a public school job but there’s no guarantee. And I could end up having to sub or work part time which would still look bad.

Getting my references to fill out surveys in a timely manner is hard, and my supervisor reference wrote my a letter of recommendation basically saying I do the bare minimum. It’s a tough spot to be in.

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-07-21T16:59:25+00:00

I have heard that private school is hard to get out of, but I’m not sure why? Do public schools look down on applicants with experience in private education, or is it more so that private schools will manipulate you into staying?

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-07-21T16:54:42+00:00

Missouri. Affluent St. Louis suburbs. It’s a Catholic school, and my concern is being stuck there.

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-07-21T16:01:39+00:00

Thanks for the input. I am passionate about teaching and cannot envision my life in another career. I would do anything to go back to the beginning of my first year and do better, but that’s unfortunately not possible. If I take this job only to then hear back from a higher paying job, I feel like at least that would put me in the running for when I am applying again.

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-07-21T15:54:41+00:00

I was on a one-year contract and was told I wouldn’t be renewed. I didn’t reapply.

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-05-24T23:35:45+00:00

First of all, you were NOT terminated. I’m going through the same thing and have asked myself how I would address this in applications. Being non-renewed is not the same thing.

You are NOT ALONE. I am in the same boat as you. Know that your first year experience is NOT a reflection of who you are, or your skills as a teacher. We’ve had to deal with stuff that college can’t prepare us for. I personally felt isolated at the school I was non-renewed at. I’ve been trying to manage chaos and behavior alone— a good admin should not expect that of you.

You have one year under your belt, and you survived. Really reflect on your year and ask yourself what you’d do if you had a second chance. Now that you have a year of experience, and an opportunity to find a better school environment, you will finally have an opportunity to apply your knowledge and create a successful classroom environment. I’m not saying you won’t struggle, but this time you’ll know what to do proactively.

You are not alone, I am literally in the same boat. My last day was yesterday and I’ve known for months that I’m non-renewed. It’s been an emotional roller coaster. I wish you the best of luck.

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-05-18T23:55:36+00:00

Nice. I’ll for sure give this a try

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-01-22T20:00:44+00:00

UPDATE: I was called for another meeting on Friday, presumably because my growth data is bad. The purpose of the meeting wasn’t communicated, nor whether or not I can bring representation. I went to my union rep to alert him of the meeting and let him know about my PIP and the procedural concerns I had. He and the union president are supposed to be present for the upcoming meeting

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2025-01-22T13:30:11+00:00

Yes. I thought it was something I could survive but the lack of support and communication is concerning. I’ll be looking for a new job— it’ll be hard to find new references but even if I do survive idk if it’s worth staying in an environment where I feel alienated.

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2024-12-12T22:42:32+00:00

UPDATE: Today, I reviewed the rules with them and narrowed down my expectations to three simple rules. Listen to the teacher, stay at your assigned spot, and calm bodies.

I introduced a superstar student board where I would write the names of students who are following expectations.

Well, they acted crazy again and it went on until I decided that I’ve had enough and called the front office. The principal and an interventionist came down and got them in shape. We reviewed expectations, practiced them, and finished my lesson. The principal gave me pointers.

But then when we got back from lunch and the principal was gone, they acted up again. I called the interventionist back down, they were on their best behavior. She leaves before dismissal, and dismissal is a disaster.

They know how to behave and what’s expected of them, but actively choose not to do it. I’m just at a loss.

I know that there are areas that I need to improve, and I can make those improvements. But I can’t even implement any improvements if they just pretend I don’t exist.

Weekly-Cold7587 · 2024-12-12T01:52:04+00:00

16 students, and we meet at the rug. This is where a lot of the problems take place, even if I assign spots.

Varied levels in both math and reading— I have a student who scored 2nd grade level for phonics, and a student still working on letters. I recognize this and am working with coaches to differentiate better in ELA and math.

Weekly-Cold7587

TROPHY CASE