Happy New School Year

For some of you the 2011-12 school year begins this week.  For many others it is only a few weeks away. Since the last school year has ended the education landscape has changed significantly. Here are some of the changes you may soon be seeing.

On the economic front, the downgrade of the US government obligations to AA will have implications for public schools. It may make it more expensive for municipalities to float a bond issue.  Some districts may reduce or even curtail capital projects, like adding classrooms or constructing a new building.

For those of you just starting your teaching career, you may find that you will have to contribute more to a pension or health benefits program.  For many of you, there will no longer be the protections afforded by job tenure.  In states like Wisconsin, collective bargaining rights for teachers and other public employees have been gutted.

Many of you may still be seeking employment.  Whether you are a recent graduate or are a career- changer, the job market remains poor and the competition for teaching vacancies will be intense. There is a strong possibility you may have to settle for an aide’s position or that of substitute teacher.  You may need to consider relocating to another city or state. Hopefully these circumstances will not last indefinitely.

If you drive to work, you probably know that the price of gasoline is higher than it was last fall. If you travel on toll roads, there is a chance that the tolls will be increased. (They are discussing this for the bridges and tunnels around New York City)

The federal government is in the process of investigating fraudulent practices of for- profit universities. Some of you may be stuck with hefty college loans to repay to such institutions.   Here is a suggestion for those of you who are seeking an advanced degree or additional certifications- stick with traditional colleges and universities (state colleges are less expensive). If you feel that you need to take courses on-line, you will find that the traditional colleges are offering such courses.  Look for asynchronous courses that will allow you do your course work at your convenience. This takes a great deal of motivation and organization skill on your part, but it will be worth it down the road.

Men and women choose teaching as profession because they have a passion and a desire to work with children. The obstacles before you are formidable, but perseverance, passion and creativity will help you to succeed.

Best wishes a successful school year.

Teacher Job Quest 2011- The Game Has Changed

In 2008, the U.S.  Department of Education estimated that there would be a teacher shortage due to an increase in retirements of baby boomers as well as those who became frustrated with the profession for any variety of reasons. Apparently this has not been the case. Due to the poor economy, a great number of veteran teachers have delayed or postponed retirement because of the uncertainty of their pensions and benefits and the uncertainty of the financial markets where their retirement funds are invested. To make matter worse, many states and municipalities in a effort  to develop more austere budgets, have  cut school spending and have laid off teachers, even those  with considerable experience.

There is yet another side to this dilemma that is exacerbating the problem. Colleges of education throughout the country are still churning out teacher candidates every semester with virtually little hope for them to secure employment.  A recent article in the Miami Herald (Florida) spoke about the plight of Broward College. The school recently converted from a two year to a four year institution and began to institute a teacher preparation program.  Several of the recent graduates were able to land teacher positions but were laid shortly thereafter due to a lack of funds. It is my view that this situation may become more critical down the road as a number of potentially great teachers get frustrated with the system and move to other career options. This phenomenon can even be seen in the increase in applications for the Teach for America program. In 2010, there were over 46,000 applications and only about 10% of the applicants were selected to participate in the program. Many graduates, both recent and those out of school for a while are also clogging the substitute teacher roles. Many are desperate and want to find any work in the field. Neil Shnider, executive director of the American Associate for Advancement in Education has observed for  several years that the jobs ( for teachers( are “ just not there.”)

Some of you will no doubt  be successful in landing a teaching position for the fall. You need to be flexible as what what state, grade or subject. Look at private and parochial schools as well as public schools. Do not forget to take a look at the US Department of Defense schools at overseas military bases.(http://www.dodea.edu/offices/hr/onlineapplication/default.htm)

If you truly have it in your heart to become a teacher, you will find your way into the classroom. Good luck!

An apology

Dear fellow educators and bloggers. I am currently dealing with a family emergency and have been unable to post for a few weeks. I hope to back in the groove soon. Thanks for your support and patience.

Jeff Margolis