OK, I had a job interview today - my first one since being laid off [please hold the applause]. It was for a part time math tutoring job. It would be 20 hours/week tutoring students who failed the standardized test last year in math. They understand I am looking for a full time teaching position and am willing to allow me time off for interviews, etc.I've also been contacted by a couple of school districts regarding my substitute teaching application; although, they won't be calling me to substitute until I go to orientation - which is October 20th for one district and November 16th for the other - suggesting that they are not in dire need of substitute teachers.
I won't be able to do both (tutor and substitute); although the math tutoring job pays more; so, even though it's part time, I would still make about the same each week - assuming I was able to get a substitute job all 5 days of every week (which is not necessarily a valid assumption).
So, on one hand, the tutoring job would be more stable and potentially paying more in the long run.
On the other hand, I would only be at one school where as with substituting, I would be going to multiple schools bringing with it more potential networking contacts.
On the other hand, I do better in a situation where I am working with the same kids each day and getting to know them on a personal basis. With substitute teaching, it would always be first impressions.
On the other hand, substitute teaching would expose me to a variety of different subjects and teaching situations.
On the other hand, me thinks math tutoring would look better on a resume (since I'm seeking a position as a math teacher) than the more general substitute teaching.
On the other hand, the math tutoring job is a 30 mile commute and could take an hour or so in rush hour traffic where as the schools in the districts I would be substituting in would more than likely be a shorter commute.
On the other hand, with the math tutoring position, I would be working with 4 kids at a time - allowing me to work with them on more personal basis, verses 20-30 students in a typical classroom when substitute teaching.
On the other hand, there is a possibility that I could land a long term substitute teaching position (e.g. when a teacher goes on maternity leave or some other long term absence) - possible, but probability is totally unknown.
Gosh, how many hands do I have anyway? I'm sure I'll think of more pro's and con's throughout the weekend.
Anyway, they are interviewing multiple candidates for 5 math tutoring positions; so, the math tutoring job is not a shoe-in. But, I think I scored some good points during the interview with some of my answers.
So, my beloved readers - any thoughts? If I'm offered the math tutoring job - should I take it? A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. They said they'd let me know by Tuesday of next week.
8 comments:
Take the tutoring job. It'll look better on a resume, may eventually work itself into a full-time job, and represents work in your chosen field. Besides, I did the substitute thing for a while. Don't be fooled. It's a thankless baby-sitting job...and the kids today are FAR more disrespectful than what we were like at their age. If you want to preserve any shred of self-esteem, take the tutoring job.
Abe, here are my two cents worth:
1. I have heard that any job is better than no job. :)And, if you think you migh enjoy the tutoring, go for it.
2. If it were me, I would be inclined to take the tutoring position. If you are looking to be a full-time math teacher, having specific math experience versus substituting any and all subjects would probably take you farther on your path. Although. substituting experience would also show that you can manage classes, that you are flexible, and that you can work with the masses.
3. While I did land a full-time math teaching position years ago because someone had gone on maternity leave, I do not know that that will happen every time you want or need it to.
4. With the tutoring position, you will get to work with smaller groups of students. This might give you a really good feel whether teaching math is your forte or not. Substituting, while getting you out into the community and potentially networking, is more paid baby-sitting, than anything. Very few substitutes that I have seen actually do any teaching of meaning.
5. With your tutoring position, you will be able to continue interviewing for full-time work. And, who knows, maybe the tutoring will lead you to someone who knows someone who can help you get into a full-time position.
6. And, plus with your new Cube to drive around in, why wouldn't you want a longer commute? :) (Said with love by someone who would NEVER drive a Cube! LOL)
Good luck in the decision making. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You deserve something good in your life. I hope all works out for you!
Happy night. :)
I would take the tutoring... Not just anyone can tutor math. It definitely would look better on a resume.
If the subbing is anything like here, you won't have to worry about not having "consistent work." Every day I am scheduled as available, I always get calls. Also, the orientation I went to was packed with roughly 100 interested subs.
"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
There.
I posted about masturbation. ;)
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As far as the job goes: I say go with what you would enjoy the most.
Abe,
I think it all 'adds up' to the tutoring opportunity, if you are offered the job. Having the part-time aspect to cultivate other opportunities as well as having time for personal priorities would be attractive to me. Whatever you decide, I hope it brings you satisfaction and new learning in life.
Take the tutoring job! You are a one-on-one person. You work well on an individual basis, and you'll be happier knowing you're really making an impact and actually teaching.
Go for it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFenPMoNkXA
it's all about networking: for the subs job, and then do a really good job at it, so that when the next math job opens up, you'll be a "known" person against all those other unknown resumes
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