u/Cool-beans95

I currently work as a preschool teacher in the Bronx and now I’ve been applying to elementary school positions for the DOE. I’d like to work in K, 1, or 2.

The one thing I’m nervous about is being more stern with the students. How can I be a stern teacher without “yelling” at them as yelling has no effectiveness. I am pretty soft spoken, and I find that it’s physically hard to raise my voice. And when I think I am being stern, it’s not entirely effective.

I currently work at a private school in the Bronx as a teacher making $65,000 (with a masters degree). I’m hoping to get out of the school I am now as I have been actively applying/interviewing for DOE jobs. It’s hard paying for rent up in Westchester monthly while also spending 40+ on gas along with other expenses. It feels as though I get paid and have nothing left.

How much do you make as a DOE teacher? What are benefits like?

I’ve been looking at positions through the Google Doc that is sent to applicants over email from the DOE. It states the grade level and the contact information when applying.

So far, I applied to two general education jobs, and when I arrived at the interviews they told me that those jobs are now taken and are now looking for a special education teacher. I don’t hold a SPED certification but I do teach in a special education classroom (preschool).

I went to an interview yesterday and I really liked the area/school. I was in hopes of going forward with a K or 2nd grade position, but then learned to find out that they were both taken and are actually in need of a self-contained teacher. I left feeling confused. I have nothing against teaching special education, but I’ve taught it for two years and now feel ready to teach a full general education class. Is this common?

Side note: I work for a private school in the Bronx in an 8:1:2. No, I don’t hold a special education degree but since I have an early childhood degree, it’s considered okay.

I’ve been applying to general education jobs, but when I get to the interview, they tell me the general education job is filled and are looking for a special education teacher.

It states on my resume that I only have a general education certification, but I am a special education teacher at my current job (my jobs accepted my early childhood degree instead of special Ed). Is this common for a school to school to post looking for certain grade and then say they’re actually looking for special Ed. I leave the interview confused.

I’m in the process of interviews and just finished my second interview this month. I’m still waiting to hear back to perform demos and will continue to apply to schools.

How long did it take for to land your current teaching job? I know it’s a process and it’s a learning experience, but I keep overthinking on my answers during interviews.

Tomorrow I have an interview for a DOE school! I’ve been doing research on their school and they have good reviews. How do I answer potential interview questions?:

When asked, “why did you apply to this school?” Should I bring up their mission statement? How can I elaborate

What is a good answer for “how do you manage behaviors in your classroom?” And “what is your teaching style like?”

I recently had a virtual interview last week. They asked if I would like to do a demo lesson and I of course said yes.

I can’t help but think how can I improve my answers when answering interview questions.

For example, when asked, “how do you control behaviors in your class?”

I said, “First figuring out why the student is behaving that way. Is something going on at home or are they doing it for attention? It’s important for a teacher to listen to their students to figure out the root of the problem.” I then explained how I work in a special education classroom and gave an example of how my students will have an off day because something is out of their schedule or there is a change in the home. I explained how I implement visual schedules, behavior charts, transition cues, etc. I then explained that if I were to be placed in a general classroom, that I believed in “more rewards, less consequences” and the importance of praise and reward systems for students.

Was this a good answer? How can I improve?

I currently had an interview for a DOE school. They asked if they could get in touch with my supervisor or principal for a reference. I was honest with them and told them that my school does not know that I have been applying. They are a private school and not affiliated with the DOE.

Should I tell my supervisor that I am applying to ask if she could be a reference. I’ve had positive experiences at this school and have done well.

Hello! I recieved an offer from Linden Tree Elementary School. How is the school?

I’ve been emailing a lot of District 11 schools because my friend told me it is the best district within the Bronx. I haven’t had much of luck with hearing back, I know that most openings begin later in the summer.

I received an offer from District 12, PS 6 and they would like an interview. How is the school? Should I continue to be patient with other schools?

I do hot HIIT twice a week. Sometimes I’ll add another hot vinyasa or Bikram or a reformer Pilates class. I’ll add a run in during the week. I’ve done SolidCore which I enjoy and weight lifting.

I’ve been doing this since September and trying to stay consistent as much as a I can. Although I feel great, I can’t really tell if I’m seeing results. I try to eat healthy but of course I will indulge on sweets few times a week.

Between leaving for work at 6 am and taking care of my dog, it’s hard to workout every single day. Can I see results working out 2-3 times a week? Or should I raise the amount of days. I’m really just trying to build some strength and become defined. Not trying to lose weight as I’m okay with the weight I’m at now.

I recieved an offer email last night from a school that required me to use SignUp Genius to attend a screening interview. I responded back to the email stating that I would love to learn more about the school, but when I tried to sign up for a slot, all slots were taken.

Does this mean I am no longer considered? Should I do a follow up email next week?

I’m 30 years old and I am not sure if I have outgrown some of friends or just finding joy in hanging out by myself.

I’m a teacher and some days can be quite tiring. I’ve been finding that I prefer to just have my weekends lowkey: doing yoga, reading, walks with my dog, and going out to dinner with my boyfriend. I feel like I’ve become super boring now lol.

Although I like my alone time, I’ve been not really wanting to hangout with my friends. My friends want to do a college reunion and honestly, I feel really old and I just don’t feel like going. Is this part of going into your thirties? Anybody else feel this way?

I recieved an offer email last night from a school that required me to use SignUp Genius to attend a screening interview. I responded back to the email stating that I would love to learn more about the school, but when I tried to sign up for a slot, all slots were taken.

Does this mean I am no longer considered? Should I do a follow up email next week?

What are good district 11 schools in the Bronx?

I sent emails to P.S. 76 and P.S. 153, and no responses.

Should I continue emailing as many schools as possible even if they do not have any job openings on the DOE website? I live in Westchester and ideally would want to find a good school that is close to the Westchester boarder.

I am 30 years old and find that I have a hard time speaking up in front of people who I think are highly intelligent or more knowledgeable than I am.

I struggled throughout my schooling growing up and although I got accepted into out of state schools, I ended up going to a community college which then led me into a state school. I always compared myself to my friends who went to Ivy leagues, receiving awards, or went of to medical school. I never thought I was smart enough to achieve prestigious careers.

I ended up going to graduate school and I am now a teacher. I enjoy teaching and I am finally learning the joy of different subject and I am always curious, teaching myself new things.

Despite of this, I still find it quite hard to speak up as I’m afraid I am going to sound stupid. I feel almost ashamed that I could never achieve highly academically.

For example, I was observing a teacher years ago who had years of experience. His students respected him and he had a way with children and taught his class well. He asked if I wanted to read to his class one day and I said no as I was afraid he would judge me.

How can I get over this fear and become more confident within myself?

Hello! I am looking to take a flight out of Westchester to Charleston and wanted to see those who have flown Breeze, what your experience was like.

A few years ago I tried flying to Charleston and Breeze canceled the night before. I am unsure if I should give them another try. It really saves me the trip and money flying out of Westchester as compared to LaGuardia.

My boyfriend and I are currently looking for a vacation in the states. We try to go somewhere once a year and we’ve already been to Charleston, Boston, Bar Harbor, Portland (MN), and Nashville.

This year, we really wanted a resort (Turks and Caicos) or Costa Rica, but it’s very expensive and we usually go away for a full week. I’m not too keen on cruises.

What would you consider a vacation in the states that is relaxing but also can be adventurous. With great food, of course.

Not exactly sure where to begin and I’m quite embarrassed to write this post. But, over the summer I went to Mexico with my friends. We did some scuba diva and swimming in the ocean and it was an amazing experience. I was somewhat scared to swim, so I wore a life jacket the entire time. I’ve only swam in a pool and although I’m able to float by myself, I find I keep having to hold on the ledge of the pool, to prevent myself from sinking.

Why do I keep sinking? And how can I become stronger?

I have a 2014 Kia Sorento. It’s an oldie, but it still gets me to work and back, knock on wood. But for probably four years, I find that I always bring my car to the mechanic to get the AC fixed. They tell me that there is a leak, that they cannot detect and then put Freon into my car that only lasts about a month. They said to bring it back when the Freon is done so that they can see where the leak is.

I now have a different mechanic to look at my car next week. Years ago, they told me that it needs two new parts. But one of the parts they need to order and that it would take weeks to get there. They told me it would cost $1,300 and at the time I did not want to spend the money. But now, I will be taking the L and going to spend the money. My commute is 45 minutes and driving in 85+ weather is dreadful. I am hoping to get a new car by the end of this year but saving as much money as I can for a good down payment.