private and public schools

The end of the semester is getting near and I am getting anxious! I only have four more meetings in my C&I class and a lifetime of teaching ahead of me. DO I know everything? No. Am I synthesizing all the information? Sort of.

Today was a pleasant teaching day, and I figured that the best days are the ones where I am overprepared. That's just the name of the game. I had my full notes, did my homework, had the power point slides in tip top shape with pictures and all kinds of neat stuff, and the kids were loving it.

As for the job hunt, I am not being very agressive, but I am starting to look at local schools on the west side. Of course, it would be great to get a job at my site, but I am not going to assume that I would even be hired. I had an informational interview at a local Jesuit school, and here's what I think.

First of all, every single classroom was in top shape. New desks, carpeted floors, student work everywhere, document cameras in each classroom, LCD projectors mounted on the ceilings, screens that with the push of a button, pop back into the ceiling, happy students, happy teachers, just a dream. The grounds were immaculate, fresh flowers were planted everywhere, the mulch was fresh and there weren't any three day old banana peels on the floors.

Of course, this is also a very, very wealthy school. Tuition is upwards of 14K, with all kinds of other expenses. That is actually one of the more reasonably priced high schools in the city - my daughter's pre-k is 9K, so for a high school, that's not really bad.

Also, the teachers are fantastic. The one I met with was so positive, students were coming to her classroom for one on one time and essay work, and she would say, "excuse me, let me just talk to her for a second...mary, how are your parents, come over here and sit down. Highlight all the verbs in your essay and put them in present tense. " etcetc.

I looked at their pay scale and it was a little more, ie: I would make about 48,500 if I worked there. Not bad. SFUSD would pay about 46. However, you don't need to worry about the pressure of no supplies, negative teachers, old crap all over the office, dusty OEDs that no one ever looks at, etc.

The teacher told me that they take care of the school because the kids deserve it. I know that is also a marketing comment, however, she really meant it, and I agree.

Treat them with respect, and the kids will respect you. I do believe that.