Teachers...what do you recommend for my college-grad daughter who wants to teach in San Antonio or local burbs?

[LovingSAT]

My certification is in Special Education Secondary School and I took many classes towards my certification/degree.
When I say that it is not an easy feat I speak not only of working with the students but the paperwork and time involved.
I understand all teachers have a lot of work but the work involved in Special Education has increased exponentially over the years. You might want to check out the National Association of Special Education Teachers website. www.naset.org

As for Spanish, as far as ESL, my thought is that our students speak many languages, not just Spanish.

And on social media ensure that her privacy settings are in order and that there are no alcohol posts.

Another thing is don't over think it, check out a few programs and speak to advisors. She will know which one works for her.
Also, districts have certification officers; if in doubt give them a call.

[DandiDay]

Originally Posted by LovingSAT

My certification is in Special Education Secondary School and I took many classes towards my certification/degree.
When I say that it is not an easy feat I speak not only of working with the students but the paperwork and time involved.
I understand all teachers have a lot of work but the work involved in Special Education has increased exponentially over the years. You might want to check out the National Association of Special Education Teachers website. www.naset.org

As for Spanish, as far as ESL, my thought is that our students speak many languages, not just Spanish.

And on social media ensure that her privacy settings are in order and that there are no alcohol posts.

Another thing is don't over think it, check out a few programs and speak to advisors. She will know which one works for her.
Also, districts have certification officers; if in doubt give them a call.

Hi LovingSat,

Yes, I've heard about the paperwork...in every respect! From curriculum plan, to grading, to reports after working with the children needing extra work/time. My previous neighbor is a Physical Therapy specialist who travels from school to school (unsure if it was elementary, middle, or high school vs. all), assessing, spending PT time/work, and then checking up on their progress.

Every visit involves around an hour's worth of post-action paperwork!!! I can't believe the amount of time she spends every evening...at least 3 hours-5 hours daily, doing this paperwork! Not only that, but she's the one who puts in the requisition paperwork, or at least the letters to the appropriate agency or physician recommending special equipment for the physically-handicapped student....things like adapted desks, writing adjuncts and the like. So, add correspondence, the req. sheets, and follow-up phone calls to the list.
Is that the same with teachers who see special ed or special-needs students?

Do you believe that the average salaries have kept up commensurate with this increased paperwork accountability that a teacher must do after school has ended? Both for the average student as well as the special ed students?
Do you find that you accomplish at least part of the work "along the way" during the daytime - or do you still require additional time in the evening at home? About how many extra hours are we talking about?
Also, thank you for the clarification of the social media posts. College kids nowadays will find their antics can bit them in the arse later on, that's for sure!

thanks again, and please continue to let me know if you think of anything else - you've been a great help!
Thanks so much, ~Dandiday

[pobre]

Keep in mind that ESL-ELL does not involve a knowledge of a language other than English. It is a knowledge of second language acquisition, and accommodations that would help that language learner. In fact, if a student is in an ELL setting, the school/teacher is not permitted to use the native language, or translate to/from. I've had students whose native languages were Spanish, Urdu, Hindu, Vietnamese, Korean, etc., often in the same classroom.

I second what LovingSAT has stated about SpEd teachers...it is a LOT of work, more so than general education. The paperwork, meetings, and general documentation take up a good chunk of your time.

[LovingSAT]

Originally Posted by DandiDay

Hi LovingSat,

Yes, I've heard about the paperwork...in every respect! From curriculum plan, to grading, to reports after working with the children needing extra work/time. My previous neighbor is a Physical Therapy specialist who travels from school to school (unsure if it was elementary, middle, or high school vs. all), assessing, spending PT time/work, and then checking up on their progress.

Every visit involves around an hour's worth of post-action paperwork!!! I can't believe the amount of time she spends every evening...at least 3 hours-5 hours daily, doing this paperwork! Not only that, but she's the one who puts in the requisition paperwork, or at least the letters to the appropriate agency or physician recommending special equipment for the physically-handicapped student....things like adapted desks, writing adjuncts and the like. So, add correspondence, the req. sheets, and follow-up phone calls to the list.
Is that the same with teachers who see special ed or special-needs students?

Do you believe that the average salaries have kept up commensurate with this increased paperwork accountability that a teacher must do after school has ended? Both for the average student as well as the special ed students?
Do you find that you accomplish at least part of the work "along the way" during the daytime - or do you still require additional time in the evening at home? About how many extra hours are we talking about?
Also, thank you for the clarification of the social media posts. College kids nowadays will find their antics can bit them in the arse later on, that's for sure!

thanks again, and please continue to let me know if you think of anything else - you've been a great help!
Thanks so much, ~Dandiday

Do I believe that the salaries have kept up?
No, but I also love what I do and wouldn't trade teaching for anything.
I get some done along the way and I do quite a bit at home. I have not heard of any of my colleagues that have managed without putting in some time at home.
Might I suggest you peruse the various district web sites for the subjects she is interested in teaching as well as visiting some campuses or getting involved at a local campus as a community member, as a mentor, or as a volunteer wherever she is needed.

http://nisd.net/academics/sped/services

[pobre]

Originally Posted by DandiDay

Do you believe that the average salaries have kept up commensurate with this increased paperwork accountability that a teacher must do after school has ended? Both for the average student as well as the special ed students?
Do you find that you accomplish at least part of the work "along the way" during the daytime - or do you still require additional time in the evening at home? About how many extra hours are we talking about?
Also, thank you for the clarification of the social media posts. College kids nowadays will find their antics can bit them in the arse later on, that's for sure!

Yes and no. In San Antonio, they have come up over the last 10 years or so a great deal. But so have documentation/paperwork/accountability requirements.

Some days, you can get some things done during the day. Most of us take stuff home. Those teachers you see running out the door at contract time are probably taking home lots of work. I am an elementary teacher, and I work an additional 5-10 hours per week at home, in addition to being at school 7-4:30 or 5:00. I love my job, but it is exhausting.

[DandiDay]

Hello Pobre and LovingSAT,

Thanks again for your insight and advice. Just sent all of this to my DD. We'll see what she ultimately decides to do.

Lots of choices!!!

It sounds like you both love what you do, and are dedicated teachers! She echoes this passion, and I think would make an excellent teacher as well!

thank you SO MUCH again!!!

Best regards,

Dandiday