Busy Day

[columella]

Today's stops...
Largo High
Countryside High
USF (Tampa)
YMCA office in Countryside
YMCA in Clearwater

I am TIRED!  Not a bad day though - today I went to the Orientation for my Master's program!  I am really excited about it all - enough that I am actually thinking about applying for another job.  There is a current opening on Florida Virtual School for an AP U.S. History teacher.  It would be the same pay - but more flexible hours.  I have not previously been interested in anything like this being that I like being with the students.  BUT (notice the big but :P) more flexible hours could allow me to get my Masters done more quickly which could make a world of difference.  Also, even though it is the same pay - it would be for teacher one subject instead of 6!  I don't know how many students and it is likely to be a similar amount, but there would be a LOT less preparation to teach 160 one subject than to teach them 6 different ones.

I feel kind of selfish even considering applying.  But increasingly I am wondering if I should....

Comments

[redsquirrel.livejournal.com]

I know how much you love your students but (that word again...) a flexible schedule is a HUGE help when you are in school. I think it would not only let you finish more quickly but it would make handling your coursework less stressful. And applying is not the same thing as taking the job, you know. It's exploring your options.

Just my $.02 worth.

[grumpycarrie.livejournal.com]

Go for it! I've been selfish the last couple of years and have been fortunate not to work while finishing my bachelors. Sometimes we need to do what is best for us.

[peacockharpy.livejournal.com]

A master's degree requires lots and lots of reading and writing. Not the kind of stuff you can cram in at the last minute. (Ask me how I know!) The flexible hours (at the same pay, no less!) might be worth it.

My only questions are:

Could you go back to teaching "live" at LHS (or another public school, if you wanted) once you were finished with the Master's program?
Do you want to give up yearbook/newspaper?

I have a friend who has taught high school virtually before (you've met her -- Shelbey) and I think she's also taught a college course that way. She could give you an idea of what it's like.

[columella.livejournal.com]

I could always try to get back into the district - I am sure it would depend on things at the time. And there would be no guarantee of getting back into LHS. I am thinking I might be able to pull of a leave of absence for a couple of years rather than outright leaving which would at least make it easier to go back (but I am not positive on if that would work.)

And I would definitely miss yearbook :( And would give up the reputation I have built up at LHS...with the trade off of achieving my Master's which would definitely be a good thing in the long run..

I would love to talk to Shelby and see what she has to say about the experience. That would definitely help!

[flummoxicated.livejournal.com]

There's nothing wrong with being "selfish" if by that you mean doing what's best for YOU!

[beeber2.livejournal.com]

It's definitely worth checking into!

[raphaela.livejournal.com]

By the way, in large part, thanks to your advice and encouragement, I am halfway through with my certification process. Thank you!

[columella.livejournal.com]

Go you! I know you will be an AWESOME teacher!

[flaming-mo.livejournal.com]

Do it, do it, DO IT!!!!