The school where I am finishing up student teaching sent out letters to student teachers called "letter of intent" meaning they intend to hire you for next fall when there is a position available. They are doing this since we are a fall graduating class and they don't want to lose their good student teachers.
I did NOT receive a letter, yet 2 other student teachers at my school did. The assistant principal came to observe me before the letters went out for only 10 minutes and I was quite nervous. I can't believe that I possibly didn't get a letter based on a 10 minute observation. I'm always nervous when people watch me teach and don't know how to overcome that.
However, this is an inner city school and it is tough. I don't really fit well in the inner city, so maybe the AP saw that too. I much more comfortable with more middle class schools. But still I was quite hurt that I wasn't given an offer when I have done a good job student teaching and have very good evaluations from my cooperating teacher and university supervisor.
There could be a lot of factors at work here and you just aren't aware of them. I doubt that the decision was based upon your 10 minute observation. Hiring is often a mystery...you know someone, or someone the principal knows recommends you, and so on. Oftentimes it's politics.
If you are not comfortable in an inner city school, then consider it a blessing in disguise. Another school is in your future. You have good evals from your cooperating teacher and college, so try not to worry or feel hurt. It's just how it goes.
Good luck in the teaching field! Good teachers are always in demand.
I can understand that you were hurt. However, it is a good thing for you, in a way, as you do not really feel comfortable with this sort of school. Also, as was pointed out on this thread, politics enter the picture all too often when it's time to hire teachers.
I've had a number of interviews over the 20+ years I've been in public education. There were many jobs I didn't get. In some ways, that was something for me to be grateful for, because after thinking it over, there were some schools I would not have wanted to work at, even if they DID end up offering me a job. I also realized that I wasn't meant to have that job, but a different one.
The right job will come along for you, especially since you have good evaluations from your student teaching experience.
I've been on multiple interviews before becoming a parent/sub and it was tough to get the "Sorry, but you're not what we're looking for." response but you learn from this and realize later on--maybe this wasn't going to be a good fit and they saw this.
Another thing, you say that you get nervous when people watch you teach and don't know how to overcome this---are you sure you're cut out for teaching? You'll be watched by parents, kids, other teachers, paras, aides, etc......this profession is all about how you teach when you're being observed.
It used to phase me when the principal would come in the room---now I see it as they're doing their job and not really focusing on you--they're making sure the kids aren't acting up
Its more when someone is sitting there watching me that I get nervous. I am totally comfortable talking to parents, teaching in front of students. I would hope that how you relate to students would be more important than getting nervous when a principal comes in. Now I've had observations in previous placements where I haven't been nervous cause it was the mentor teacher and university supervisor who I knew very well that were observing me. At my student teaching school, the assistant principal has barely said 2 words to me the entire semester, and I am quite intimidated by her.
I certainly understand your hurt feelings and can empathize with you, but I agree with other posters who have said, "Consider it a blessing."
You say that you are much more comfortable with "middle class schools," so I would go with your intuition. Once, I wanted a job so badly (I had just graduated with my degree, too) that I accepted the job even though I had the feeling that it was a tough school. I should have listened to those feelings because I found out later that I was the 5th teacher that class had (it was the end of Oct.)! I stayed at that school for 3 years, but that was enough. I found a wonderful school that was perfect for me and you will, too
Another thing, you say that you get nervous when people watch you teach and don't know how to overcome this---are you sure you're cut out for teaching? You'll be watched by parents, kids, other teachers, paras, aides, etc......this profession is all about how you teach when you're being observed.
I don't agree with this at all. The profession is NOT about how you teach when you're being observed. It's about how you teach STUDENTS. It is completely normal to be nervous when you are being observed, especially early in your career. There is so much pressure on student teachers. You are constantly being evaluated.
I know I would also feel bad at not getting a letter, but please try to think of it as positive.
When I first finished school, I just knew I would be hired at the school where my children went, where I had subbed for three years, and was well liked--some teachers also felt that I would be hired there. The administration changed to someone who did not know me, but I did get an interview. I wasn't hired and was so disappointed!
However, I got a job in another school, and cannot be happier! I know I am right where I am supposed to be. I am so glad I didn't go to the other place--seriously.
The right place will work out for you. It would be a shame for you to go to the wrong place when the right one comes along.
11-20-2009, 03:00 PM
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