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goldfinch1313 OP t1_ix8b2ro wrote

Reply to comment by Satanic_Doge in Teaching in Newark by goldfinch1313

I was not planning on working at a Charter school. I’m a big Union guy myself. I saw the salary schedule, and as you mentioned raises don’t start until like year 7-8. With the shortages, theoretically one could negotiate there starting step, but you never know how well that goes. I definitely have better offers from other districts.

Your point about the kids is really what draws me. In most of the schools I have been in, the kids are wildly unmotivated for any tasks. I have been chalking this up to Covid, but if Newark students can be motivated, mine should be too. I think that is a big reason why I want to leave my current district, it’s very unrewarding.

I’m graduating with secondary Social Studies and Special Ed and I love it, so there’s no turning back now! Thank you for your advice!

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Satanic_Doge t1_ix8jpqv wrote

What presents as lack of motivation could be anything from lack of ability to not seeing value or a point in what we're trying to have them do. In Newark in particular, you must first convince the kids that you care about them if you want them to work for you. If they don't think you care, then they won't perform.

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goldfinch1313 OP t1_ix8kg2f wrote

100%, but it’s pervasive throughout our district. I know in our classroom we’ve tried a ton to get kids to buy in, but they just won’t. I think not seeing the point is a big part of it. Lack of direction and experience, and being able to do very little and pass. Why bother doing the work when you really don’t have to. I don’t really blame them, it’s just tough for us

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