Trying to make a decision

[lucybelle]

Long story short some crazy ass mess is going down at my school right now that might leave it unaccredited and without grades 7-9. I don't want to teach babies anymore. It was fun for a year, but I like teaching older kids. I wouldn't want to work there if I had only 6th and under.

So I started looking for jobs. I found a position open in a school that I actually applied to before moving to Costa Rica. I almost got the position but at the last minute an incumbent applied and they gave it to him instead.

Well that same position is the one that's open. And I'm thinking of applying for it. The school is much closer to my apartment (walking distance) and they pay more than double what I make now. Plus, they would handle my residency which, currently 8 months in, still has no end in sight.

BUT it's for chemistry. I've never taught chemistry. I know I know it well enough to teach it, although I would definitely need to brush up. The thing is, I'm going into my third year teaching and I have yet to teach the same class twice. You guys know-- it's EXHAUSTING coming up with constant new lesson plans. I feel like both these years were my first year teaching because it was so much work! I just want to start relaxing a little. Just tweaking my old plans to make them better. Not making up worksheets, constantly looking for labs, etc.

I still haven't signed my contract for next year, but I did tell the principal I plan on staying. But that was before this whole (FUBAR) situation arrived.

Thoughts? Should I apply and see what happens? I'm just so sick of starting from scratch every. single. year.

[Linguist92021]

I guess the question is what would you dislike more? Teaching 6th grade and younger, or chemistry for the first time?
Make a list with pros and cons, then see what you think, sleep on it a few times, then see how you feel and you will know the answer.

But applying never hurts.

[thirdgradebuzz]

For double pay and walking distance, I'd take the new job even if it meant new lesson plans.

[lucybelle]

Originally Posted by Linguist92021

I guess the question is what would you dislike more? Teaching 6th grade and younger, or chemistry for the first time?

Wow didn't even think of it that way. Thanks for pointing that out!

[lucybelle]

Originally Posted by thirdgradebuzz

For double pay and walking distance, I'd take the new job even if it meant new lesson plans.

I guess I should say right now I make very little. But it's enough for me and my novio to live happily. The money I would make at the new school would still be considered quite little in the USA. I just don't want to give the impression I'll be making 6 figures a year!

[thirdgradebuzz]

Originally Posted by lucybelle

I guess I should say right now I make very little. But it's enough for me and my novio to live happily. The money I would make at the new school would still be considered quite little in the USA. I just don't want to give the impression I'll be making 6 figures a year!

If you were going to be making six figures teaching, a lot of us might start applying to jobs in Costa Rica.

If you are living happily now, then money is not as much of a factor. If you aren't putting much away into savings, though, I'd still go with the new job and double pay, since like Linguist said you'd be guaranteed to get older kids.

[MikeTeachesMath]

I think I would apply for the job even if your current school keeps 7 - 9.

Chemistry is a fun subject. I love it. You have so many opportunities to get the kids engaged in the material. Plus, you'll have 2x the pay, you'll be closer to home, and you'll have your residency handled.

Sounds like a no-brainer to me .

[lucybelle]

Thanks for the input guys!

I guess some other things that might matter are the school I currently work for is sooooo chill. I basically teach whatever I want. I take my kids outside alllll the time. We take out time with the material and have lots of fun with it. It's awesome. I know I'll have to go back to the real world eventually, but I don't wanna! jeje

Also, I'm a biology person. Some of you might know you either love biology or love chemistry. I love biology. High school chemistry is fun. University chemistry destroyed my life So I definitely wouldn't be able to answer any hard questions about chemistry, like I currently can with biology.

I don't know.. sheesh. I did just re-vamp my CV though. It's ready to go as soon as I want it to be.

[MikeTeachesMath]

FWIW, I loathe biology. AP Bio made my life miserable, so yeah, I'm a little biased .

[ChemTeachBHS]

As a chemistry teacher I am totally biased but if I had to make the choice of moving to HS bio or down to the middle school I'd take the bio position.