Interviewed for primary, offered 5th g
Hi! so I’m in an ACP and recently got an interview with a top school in my area. I have intended to work k-2 since I first considered the career switch for a long list of reasons. It’s where my heart is and what I have planned on, particularly after working with middle schoolers in à volunteer capacity this year.
The initial interview went well, I spent a day on campus observing and meeting other admin, was invited to do a mock lesson of my choice (I prepped a first grade reading lesson). I showed up for my appointment and was told “Change of plans! How do you feel about fifth grade ELAR and SS?”
The answer anytime other than in a room of admin in an interview situation would be hell no. In that situation, I said it was surprising but I’m open to it. They did lay out all the reasons they feel this would be a great fit for both sides. I’m feeling incredibly down because grade aside, you could not for a more dream situation as a brand new teacher in terms of school, support, strong teams, everything. But I have no knowledge of the standards and no desire to work in this age group. I also don’t have any other offers or interviews right now though it‘s absolutely certain there will be more openings by month’s end. No guarantees for equally good school situation or for desired grade level.
What would you do? What would you consider? There is such a vast difference between first and fifth graders and so many things come with fifth graders I have no desire to deal with (social strata, puberty - the smell after recess, gag, state testing, transition to middle school) but maybe I‘m making too much out of grade level when the school support should be more important.