Position Question.. Please respond with your opinions!!!

[mualum07]

Hi, I am sort of new to this site. I have been reading the posts for a while now and decided it is finally time for me to join!

One of the reasons that I finally decided to join is because I have a question and I am hoping that I can get some opinions here.

I recently graduated in December. Since then, I have been substituting. I am currently looking to find a full time position for the '08-'09 school year. Here is where my question comes in. I am ultimately looking for a general education classroom setting. I have a dual degree in elementary education and special education.

So, my questions.. What do you think my chances are of getting a general education classroom since I also have a special education degree? I have clearly explained to administrators in my letters of interest and face-to- face meetings at job fairs why I want this position (just always wanted to have both to be able to fully teach a classroom of diverse learners.. to be able to teach an inclusive classroom). If I am offered special education positions, what should I do, in your opinion? I don't mind doing it for a year, but my goal has always been to be in a general classroom. I don't want to "get stuck" in a position, which I have heard can be the case most of the time.

Anyone have any knowledge or experience with this type of situation? I'd like to utilize both of my degrees and do what I want to do.. this is what I worked so hard for!

I just am afraid I will be at the point where it is either take a special education position or take nothing at all. Like I said, I'd be okay with it temporarily, but my goal has always been something else.

Hopefully this all makes sense. Please please please write back with comments for this newbie! :) Thanks and have a great WEDNESDAY!

[SiobhanMarie]

Perhaps there is a way that you can get into inclusion of special needs in mainstream education and that way you sort of have both worlds?

I would say, do how you feel. If you feel you could take on a special needs position, go for it. Even if you only take the job for a year, you will have 1 years experience on top of having made contacts for possible future positions - so I would accept.

However if you are given the chance, explain what you are looking for and be clear on what you expect. You never know who you'll meet! Goodluck :)

[irish223]

Unless you have a glut of open teaching positions in your area, I would express an interest in any and all opportunities. Although it's possible to get stuck in a position, I don't think it's as common as it used to be. Also, you can always take your time and look for just the right job next year. You will have the luxury of picking and choosing then, without the worry of having no paycheck.

One other thought... Since you're a new teacher, I'm guessing that you have little experience to compare regular ed and special ed positions. You may find that you actually like being a special ed teacher. There can be a lot of advantages!

[mualum07]

Yeah, I definitely have not ruled it out. I remind myself of that a lot. I guess what is meant to be.. will be? Haha, I'd like to think so at least! Thanks for the response back! :)

[SS Rocks!]

I'm not sure what area of PA you're from so what I'm about to say may or may not apply to you. I'm originally from southeastern PA and I have family members that work in elementary schools in the same area. I would recommend taking any opportunity you can get in an elementary school. At least where I was from, I've heard finding a teaching job in elementary wasn't easy. I have an acquaintance that has been subbing for a few years and hasn't been able to get a position.

I'm not trying to be negative, just realistic. Take anything you can get but keep looking for the position you really want. The experience and extra lines on your resume can't hurt.

I wish you the best of luck!

[mualum07]

Thanks.. that is very true! It IS quite competitive. I am definitely going to keep that in mind.

[greenfiremajick]

Hi, I am sort of new to this site. I have been reading the posts for a while now and decided it is finally time for me to join!

One of the reasons that I finally decided to join is because I have a question and I am hoping that I can get some opinions here.

I recently graduated in December. Since then, I have been substituting. I am currently looking to find a full time position for the '08-'09 school year. Here is where my question comes in. I am ultimately looking for a general education classroom setting. I have a dual degree in elementary education and special education.

So, my questions.. What do you think my chances are of getting a general education classroom since I also have a special education degree? I have clearly explained to administrators in my letters of interest and face-to- face meetings at job fairs why I want this position (just always wanted to have both to be able to fully teach a classroom of diverse learners.. to be able to teach an inclusive classroom). If I am offered special education positions, what should I do, in your opinion? I don't mind doing it for a year, but my goal has always been to be in a general classroom. I don't want to "get stuck" in a position, which I have heard can be the case most of the time.

Anyone have any knowledge or experience with this type of situation? I'd like to utilize both of my degrees and do what I want to do.. this is what I worked so hard for!

I just am afraid I will be at the point where it is either take a special education position or take nothing at all. Like I said, I'd be okay with it temporarily, but my goal has always been something else.

Hopefully this all makes sense. Please please please write back with comments for this newbie! :) Thanks and have a great WEDNESDAY!

It sounds like you already know which position is better for you...I'm getting the message that you want a gen ed position...So--if it were me, I would simply leave out the part about being sped cert'd or having a sped degree on my resume or in the interview...Then go for the gen ed jobs until you find what you want, or until you get too nervous and then go for the sped jobs....Also, I would look for a school that is big on doing inclusion. That way you could do both, but officially, be a gen ed teacher...

[Boxcar]

That is a great suggestion. Schools that promote inclusion or reverse inclusion might be the way to go.

[DarrenB]

What attracted you to sped in the first place? Was the reality of teaching students with special needs different from what you were expecting? I've worked with many different sped teachers and the overwhelming amount of paperwork was such a drag! How can they expect you to teach with all that bureaucratic red tape wrapping you up?

Anyways, I don't blame you for not wanting to jump into the sped arena, even though I've found those students are often times the most appreciative and rewarding group of students you can get. When they grow, it feels really good!

But, like greenfire said, if you don't want to be considered for sped, don't mention that you're qualified. Elementary teachers are plentiful. Sped teachers are not. Are you willing to turn down sped jobs while waiting for a reg ed job?

Let us know how this works out. Glad you've joined this group.

Darren