Should I take a teaching job in an impoverished area?

Question

I am an alternatively certified teacher in Texas. At every job interview I have been to, there have been approx. 20 other teachers, many more experienced than myself. I finally have an offer, but it is at a very impoverished school (5th grade) with a high rate of behavior problems. I am not sure if I should take it, but job competition is stiff and I am thankful to have an offer so close to school starting. Would you take it???

Answer 1

i doubt if 5th or 6th graders would bring in guns. look at the students, could you take one or three in a back alley? what is the school security? metal detectors?

if you think you're fit and up to an occasional "scuffle" go for it. you could always take up martial arts as a hobby. martial arts is beneficial in all parts of life.

little maggots around chicago have no control and a lot of schools here have metal detectors at the doors now. you have the degree, might as well use it. worse thing that can happen is you get hit a couple times, then you can quit.

Answer 2

yea... since it seems to be your only job offer, just make sure you are confident enought to control a class with behavioural problems otherwise the kids will abuse you (with bad behaviour because they can get away with it) be loud , assertive and stick to your rules 100% (dont make unreasonable rules) you should be fine + it'll make your future jobs seem like a peice of cake.

Answer 3

It is really your choice. Not knowing you, it's difficult to say whether or not it would be a good fit. If you don't take it, what are your options? Can you substitute with an alternative certification? You are correct that you are interviewing against certified educators and educators that are experienced. You are correct; I am teaching in Colorado and am certified special education with a MA. There were 20-30 applicants applying for each job. As long as you are realistic about what to expect, I would take the chance. I would recommended getting your regular certification if you do end up liking teaching, however, so as not to be outsourced by the next educator with alternative certification.

If you take the position, ensure that you have a structured plan of how to manage behaviors and really research classroom management techniques. I am trying to be as realistic as possible. I know the benefits and difficulties of working with students with at -risk populations.

Truthfully, you may not get another offer in teaching for this school year, so really think about what you want and what you are able to deal with for the upcoming school year. It may be the greatest experience of your life because it will be embedded with struggles and rewards. Best of luck.

Answer 4

Teaching students of poverty can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.  It is tough and can challenge you but if you set the expectations and procedures are consistent with follow these, you should be fine.  I encourage you to take the challenge.  I have worked as an administrator in the "wealthy" and impoverished and I will tell you that you will experience more personal rewards with the impoverished. No, you won't have as much parent involvement but you are obviously wanting to teach for a reason and it isn't the pay!  I would recommend that Ron Clark's book about teaching in New York and check out the the book by Martin Haberman "STAR Teachers" that discuss teaching students at risk.  I can tell you to keep the expectation, rules, encourage the students to vote on what they want as class rules and consequences.  You can navigate them to the ones you think are most important and then discuss the consequence that within the school's guidelines.  Try hard to get to parents.  Don't be afraid of them because just because they are poor doesn't mean that they don't care about their children's future.  Discipline/behavior can be a problem at any school so be sure that you have a reward system in place.  Build relationships with your students and you will get much farther than just handing out discipline.  Once you send the student to the office, you are telling the student and class that you can't control the class.  Find out the interest of the students and figure out how to incorporate the curriculum goals with those activities.  Plan on engaging activities and set up hand on activities but only after you have established the guidelines for completing the activities.  Students who can't follow should be expected to completed activities independently.  Never go unprepared and always prepare emergency activities that you can pull in that are fun and engaging just in case your lesson bottoms out.  It will and does happen to every teacher no matter what.

I wish the best for a successful future.  Please feel free to email me if you need suggestion and strategies.  You might also want to look at the website

www.learnnc.org

for sample lesson plans and activities from NC.  All these plans are reviewed before they are posted.  Remember, always over plan....  you'll be great if you truly believe that you are doing what you are lead to do.

Answer 5

You should definitely do it.  I teach at a school where a majority of the students come from extreme poverty conditions.  Yes, it is hard sometimes because you do not have the support from the parents because they might work two jobs or you are dealing with behavior problems.   However, the rewards are great.  They truly appreciate you being there and caring.  I love my job and my wonderful students.  I am truly blessed.  Can you image if you were a parent of a student from your possible new school and a wonderful teacher didn't want to take the job because of the area? Doesn't that hurt a bit. The parents try their best  and they send their best (children ) to school everyday.  Remember that and things will go great for you.  Good luck!!!

Answer 6

If you feel you have strong classroom management, go for it. It could be a hugely rewarding experience. Just be confidant and authentic.

Answer 7

Go for it!  Read Ruby Payne's book, "A Framework for Understanding Poverty".  It will help you understand the culture and background of your students.  I teach in a Title 1 district with over 90% of students are on free lunch.....I love my school and my kids!  You won't regret it!!

Answer 8

take it, you cna atleast work there till you find soemthing better, best of luck!!

Answer 9

Heck yes I would. Plus if you have any student loans teaching in a impoverished area can automatically take your student loans away. I'm almost done with my BA in Physical Education and I'm scared to death I'm not going to find a job.....If your smart, which obviously you are, take it.

Answer 10

take it. With the right attitude you can really change some lives.

You will probably find yourself more in control of your classroom with less negative contributions from upset parents who disagree with you...I hear it's nice.

Answer 11

yes you should

Answer 12

yes take it

it will change your world

if  you go in withthe right attitude,

plus its experience.

Answer 13

Having a job is better than not having one !!! you can always take it and keep looking for a better one. It's better for your CV to spend a year doing something than doing nothing, plus you will gain experience from your colleagues. if this is your 1st job, it may not be what you dream of, but this is the 1st step to get you going.

if you are worried about the location and the behavior problems in the area and you can afford it by not taking the job, then make sure you keep yourself busy doing something useful that would add to your CV. you can alway learn something to improve your chances for your next interview

Good luck.

Answer 14

you gotta start somewhere.

consider it experience

consider it a challenge

and keep your sights on where to go next after this

but yes do it it's yours-part of what will mold you into a good seasoned teacher.

youll actually love it I bet

Answer 15

I have worked for many years in an inner city school setting.  Most of the kids I work with have behavioral issues.  It is challenging and stressful but I would not work anywhere else.  Will you have support from your administration?  What is the general attitude at the school?  Do you want to make a difference in a child's life?  Can you build rapport and be consistent and fair in your classroom management?  Some questions to ask yourself.  Are you willing to try and do your best?  Keep in mind that if you can make a year in this environment you probably will be able to teach anywhere else.

I would try.  I would take the job.  Will you?

Answer 16

I would. Who knows, you could make a tremendous difference in kids lives in these areas, give them a postive influence to stay off of drugs and booze, and that's worth much more than any gold.

Go with your heart, but I say go for it.

Answer 17

Yes, I would take it. It is very difficult to get a teaching job right now.

However, you will probably HATE it. You are in for the worst possible time. Your lack of experience, combined with the awful behavior of the students, is a recipe for a VERY BAD year. Unless there is some sort of miracle intervention, you are in for the worst year of your life. Just try not to beat yourself up over it too much, and keep looking for a better job.