Should I take 6th Grade Position?

[Rob]

Hello Everyone,
I wanted to get some opinions on a job decision I am currently facing. I may be offered a 6th grade teaching position, (Science and L.A.). My certification is elementary K-6, so I am eligiable to accept this job. My problem is I have always said that I didn't want to teach 6th grade and up. I was able to be a sub in the actual position two days ago. I liked the kids, although they were a bit talkative. I didn't like having to change classrooms three different times, and teaching the same subject three times in a row. I found it to be very boring. I also found that having to change rooms so often is tiring and stressful. To say the least, I just am not entirely interested in the job.
I graduated from college this past May and have come very close to getting jobs in two other occassions. I think that I should just sub for the rest of this year and try again next year. I already have a full time job where I make good money and have benefits. So, I don't really need to get a job because of money issues. What should I do, everyone is telling me that I am crazy if I don't takes this job. However, I know what I want and this is not it. Any advice would be appreciated. Oh, by the way, what I want is anything 1-5, I love that age, curriculum and everything else that goes along with it.

Thank you,
Rob

 

[Miss C]

6th grade

All I can say is follow your heart. If you feel deep down that you're not going to be happy with this position, don't take it. The kids will sense your discomfort and will take advantage of it. However, I will say on the other hand that you should really think it through before making a final decision (which, by the way, it seems like you're doing). I started teaching 6th grade this year kind of because of necessity (LOOOOONG story!) and I was really anxious about the switch from 4th, but I have found that I LOVE this age and have even said recently that I would consider teaching high school, which is something that would have never entered my mind in the past. Anyway, some food for thought! You're asking good questions and I hope you are able to reach a definitive decision soon! )

 

[GoodApple]

I agree...

Follow your heart. I moved from 3rd to 6th and I LOVE it but I wouldn't have done it if I had reservations.

Don't listen to everyone else; do what you feel is best for you. Good luck!

 

[Dr. Rand]

Go for it

I have been teaching 6th grade for 28 years, and I still love it. I have seen just about everything come and go, but the kids are the same. They are talkative, because they are interested in everything. This is a pivotal age - and you could make a difference in their lives, and help them become life long learners. The other grades I have taught (third, fourth, fifth and seventh) children are not as "teachable" and willing as these 11 and 12 year olds. I have been blessed by seeing these children come back to me, as adults, with their children, and thank me. What other job can give you that kind of satisfaction?

 

[Rob]

Thank you

Hi everyone,
Your feedback was very much appreciated. I did end up deciding that I would take the position. I was asked to substitute for an entire day in the actual position. The principal was going to observe me. Well... I did a great job and the principal told me that I would make a wonderful scoence teacher. However, the job also entailed LA. I was really good in that as well. The peoblem was, I am a young college graduate and the other teachers on the team was someone in the postion with a lot of experience in LA or a reading specialists degree. Yup, you guessed it, I have neither. Needless to say, I didn't get the job. But...it was a great experience because I had the opportunity to teach sixth grade, even if it was only for a day! Also, something that did not dawn on me until reading some great advice from the wonderful teachers who wrote back to my original comment, I truly took the time reflect on my own teaching style before I made the decision of taking the job. I realized that this was a great thing because I truly had the kids in mind. I didn't want to take on a position that I could potentially harm the education's of young students. So...my advice is: before you say yes or no, think it over and do what you think is best. Thank you to all those kind people that posted to my questions.

Rob

 

[littlepig17]

3rd to 6th

GoodApple, how long have you been teaching 6th now? I will start 6th in August and I used to teach 3rd. I'm excited, but nervous because I already knew the teachers at my old school from subbing for them. I will not know anyone at this new school-except for the principal because she interviewed me :-). Any advice on behavior techniques and routines? I will be teaching Math/Science/AR. Thanks!!