Posted by derek on May 18, 1999 at 00:58:20:
In Reply to: Teaching strings in public schools posted by Ellen on May 17, 1999 at 11:05:49:
I am currently teaching strings in an urban setting. I have one high school, one middle school and three elementaries. I have found in the years I have done this that with this schedule I am not able to give one area my full attention.
This is making me look for a job with less schools and a more homogonous (sp?) student age. It takes a very special person to teach high school kids first hour, elementary students for two hours after that and then spend the rest of the
day with middle schoolers. Mentally it is challenging. And I feel as though I am short-changing everyone because I can't thouroughly do anything for any one group. So I am currently looking at a district that sees the orchestra teacher
as valuable as the band and choir teachers.
Keep in mind when hiring that no one wants to run around from school to school. (Though, honestly I will miss the 4th & 5th graders, I will not miss the traveling). Also Parental support is ESSENTIAL. The last High school booster meeting
I had, ONE parent showed up. I, and no other teacher, can do this job alone.
Good luck on your search. I hope your district gets someone and then treasures there commitment and stamina.
Derek