Job Responsibilities
I teach English at the high school level, grades 9 - 12. I
research, prepare lessons, meet with students and sometimes
their parents outside of class, mark papers, meet with
colleagues and administrators, attend professional organization
meetings, advise a number of extra curricular activities,
supervise hallways when it's my turn, teach!
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Job Requirements
This is a university prep school, so many of the teachers have
advanced degrees or are currently working on them. The quality
of our classes is exceptional -- students are motivated and
there are rarely more than 22 in a class. Students do not choose
their teachers -- they take classes with all of them during
their stay at the school. The classes are wonderful to teach
with little time spent on discipline. Most students come to
class prepared and ready to learn. The workload is heavy, but it
is for all good teachers wherever they teach. We actually have
20 fewer teaching days than in the public schools, so more
vacation time (and that's nice!).
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Uppers
Teaching uppers? What could be better than teaching English?! I get to talk
about literature and ideas all day long and work with kids who are excited and
motivated. It's fun! There's absolutely nothing I would rather be doing! And, oh
yes, there are July and August!
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Downers
The worst part is the marking load. There's no real way around
it. After 20 years of teaching, I still haven't figured out how
to do less, so I just accept it. It's ok though, summer's always
on the way!
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Lifestyle
It's a great lifestyle. I may have to get up early and work into the evening and
on the weekends, but I have 2 weeks off for winter break, 1 - 2 weeks off for
spring break, and at least 8 weeks off every summer. Can't beat it! There is
great camaraderie at my school and we have many social events to which our
spouses are also invited. We even have a skating and Santa party for the kids and
grandkids! We're encouraged to pursue professional growth activities, even if
that involves travel. Dress code is unofficially rather conservative, but that's
ok. The kids all wear uniforms. It's basically a non-issue. The expectations are
high for students and teachers, but the best place I've ever worked and I plan to
stay here till I retire.
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Compensation
My base salary is excellent (about $60,000) with another $2,000
for being Head of English Department. We have a pension plan to
which the employer contributes, along with extended Blue Cross,
life insurance and long term illness. Other benefits include my
own office with phone and laptop, and easily obtainable supplies.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Teaching is a GREAT field if you're motivated and have the
stamina. It takes a lot out of you, but I can't imagine another
field that also gives as much. Every year I get a new bunch of
students and it all starts again. Summer vacation is the "pause
that refreshes" every year and I have had time and money to
travel and take courses and basically live the way I want. It
allows me to be creative and know that I'm actually making a
difference. I highly recommend it!
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