NYC DOE - Do I just take whatever job is offered to me? (public school)

[newteachnyc]

Hi all,

I'm on the job hunt and can use your advice. I'm new to the
teaching game and have been searching vigorously for a
position with the NYC DOE in Engilsh. I do have teaching
experience outside of the DOE system although it's not full
time, and I need something more steady. I am well aware of
all the awful-ness that comes along with being a teacher
today. It does scare me tremendously, of course.

I've interviewed and I have at least one lead that I think
may turn into a job. It's far from ideal, as the principal
seemed a bit off, and this person also has a bit of a
(Google-able) reputation for not being teacher-centric. I've
scoured the data and the attrition rates for this school are
not awful, but they are well above any other school that
I've interviewed with or researched. From 2007 - 2011 the
school averaged a 20something percentage loss of teaching
staff. I've also noticed that their suspension rate is on
the high side, although administration states that
discipline is not an issue.

Point being, I've had friends in the DOE tell me to just
take whatever I can get, as in this educational climate,
beggars can't be choosers. I'm of course hesitant to jump
into a school that I know *for sure* is going to make my
life miserable. Beyond that, I have one other warm lead that
I'm waiting to pan out (that's slightly less awful, I
suppose).

If I get an offer at a school do I just take it? What are my
chances of escaping after I have the elusive file number?

Thanks for reading!

[ceecee09]

It's getting somewhat late in the hiring season to be choosy. I would take what you've been offered with the knowledge that you are only committed for a year, and if it is truly awful, you can always look for a new school next spring. The last thing you want is to wait too long and get shut out of a job entirely.

[WithDisp]

Take the job and prepare yourself for a lifetime of disappointments in your career- or hold out, and never find work.

Things could change, but I wouldn't hold my breath... not in NY at least.

[usamathman]

Do you have a Masters??? If so look into adjunct or community college work while you are looking for a job. Teaching public school was not a good experience for me. Some days I regret going into education. I say take the first job and go from there.