I need to decide WWYD ASAP

[zebra15]

Ok here is the deal....
Option 1. Start student teaching on MONDAY 1/4/10. This is UNPAID and goes til mid april. Leaving me with little to no cash and minimal food stamps and state health insurance. I just recieved some not so good health info yesterday about my stomach and I will be needing some procedures in the coming months. (means i will have miss days of ST) I have met my 'mentor teacher' and we are less than compatible. Once I am done with ST, I have only a few weeks left where I can sub teach before school lets out for summer then all my income stops unless again I find a job. Hopefully I will be able to find a teaching contract for the fall

Option 2. Cancel ST again, I cancelled for fall semester for lack of living funds. Continue with Sub teaching, try to get on the sub call list with at least one other district to increase my days of being called and also look for a FT job. As much as I hate call center jobs I can probably get one w/in a month. This would give me regular income, full benefits and my life back. DS and I could move out of the house we are sharing and hopefully get our own apt.

The problem is DS and I dont want to stay here and really want to move to the East Coast, The goal was to get my teaching cert. and leave but I'm not sure about ST right now. What bothers me the most is no income for all those weeks... But then again workign in a call center is bound to make me 100% nuts again...but it will give me the $$ needed to move from here quickly.

I dont know what to do and I really need to make a decision. I am down right frightened about no income and I dont think I can take on a 2nd job while student teaching. ST is difficult enough.

[kings5queens4]

Do you need to complete the student teaching before you get your teaching certificate?

Would this certificate be valid in the new place you want to move?

[zebra15]

Originally Posted by kings5queens4

Do you need to complete the student teaching before you get your teaching certificate?

Would this certificate be valid in the new place you want to move?

Yes and basically yes

[trini]

How many times will they let you cancel STing? I say, if at all possible, find a way to get the STing done. If you don't do it now, will there ever be a good time? And if you end up moving without doing it, will you reasonably go to another university and complete the program (which will likely have different requirements so you may be back to taking classes)?

I'm a teacher. Student teaching is A LOT of work and yes, it stinks that you have no income. But if you can make it through the next few months and walk away with your certification in hand, you will be so happy. Then, if you don't land a teaching job, at least you'll still have the subbing and, as a certified sub, you may pick up a long-term job, too.

Of course, I don't know what the health issue is and how many days you'll have to miss. Speak with your ST supervisor about it ASAP to see what the absence policy is or if there is a way to make up missed days.

As to the compatibility with your CT, you'll learn a lot from the experience no matter what. Sure, it's less than ideal, but there are no guarantees that a future placement will be any better.

[SunshineJ]

No real advice but something else to consider in the decision. If you cancel your ST this spring and do it instead in the fall, where will that leave you? What will the job prospect be at that time? Would it be better to get it out of the way now so you can apply for jobs and move over the summer?

[kings5queens4]

I think I vote for finishing the student teaching to attain your teachers certificate then... Spend the next X amount of months during and after that time period saving every penny you have to put towards your move. Location is important and if you are unhappy where you are, then I say life is too short to stay! Move where you will find happiness. But move with a certificate in hand to help you find a better job once you are there.

[zebra15]

I just wanted to come back and update this post. I decided to go forward and student teach. I met with my 'liasion' who said we really only need to teach 3 'classes' at the high school level so even though the actual teacher has a full load at 5-6 class periods I am only responsible for taking on 3 (4 if I'm up to it). We start out r e a l l y slow with a full week of obervation then week 2 is just doing one class period and by the end of week 3 it should be all 3. This is going to be just fine for the 12 weeks. . I like the person I'm partnered wtih from my university and I will be able to tolerate the high school teacher for those 12 weeks. I do need to get this done.

Thanks for all the support and insight.

[A&A]

Originally Posted by trini

How many times will they let you cancel STing? I say, if at all possible, find a way to get the STing done. If you don't do it now, will there ever be a good time? And if you end up moving without doing it, will you reasonably go to another university and complete the program (which will likely have different requirements so you may be back to taking classes)?

I'm a teacher. Student teaching is A LOT of work and yes, it stinks that you have no income. But if you can make it through the next few months and walk away with your certification in hand, you will be so happy. Then, if you don't land a teaching job, at least you'll still have the subbing and, as a certified sub, you may pick up a long-term job, too.

Of course, I don't know what the health issue is and how many days you'll have to miss. Speak with your ST supervisor about it ASAP to see what the absence policy is or if there is a way to make up missed days.

As to the compatibility with your CT, you'll learn a lot from the experience no matter what. Sure, it's less than ideal, but there are no guarantees that a future placement will be any better.

[Dandelionkid]

Yayyyy!! That is awesome. I am constantly amazed at the strength and endurance some mama`s display on this board. I`m so happy for you that you will have your education all done in a few weeks.Here`s to a limitless future

[Delicateflower]

I would work in the call center for the next six months, then do your student teaching, then move. You can't live on $0 income.