What would you do?

[mommy4ever]

As I mentioned in a previous post, I registered dd4 for K next year. During that time, I'll continue childcare part-time.

But once she starts grade 1, I don't know that I want to continue. It's provided for my family well, but it's been some really long hours.

I was just looking at the websites, and am debating about something.

I'm a french speaking/reading/writing person. I notice there is job opportunities for teachers aides. I could take a course via correspondance next year while she's in K, and potentially work p/t or f/t when she's in grade 1. I know there's a demand for it, I know there'd be opportunity maybe even in DD's school. I know they selection of teachers aides that speak french are minimal as they have english speaking only, so it could be an opportunity for sure. The thing is, from what I can tell it doesn't pay that great. But I'd be within a school board with a decent benefit package, retirement etc. I have only worked for an employer 4 years of my adult life. With 3 more kiddos needing braces, etc, this could be a huge bonus. Plus I should be able to have all the same days off as the kids. I'd have 2 in that school.

Would you consider it?

I'm thinking I need to call the school board and a couple principals and research what their expectations would be.

you know, if the house was paid off, I'd consider going to University for teaching. ..lol. But that isin't in the books until we're debt free, but I'm only 35, so there's no reason why I can't return in 5 years. Older, new teachers are loved, no maternity leaves to worry about..lol. Especially when your own kids are pretty much grown. SO that is still a possibility.

What should I ask? I want to sound intelligetn. I don't want to take a course and decide it's not for me. It won't be a huge income, but an income,with benifits, and I'd still be there for my kids, etc.

[auntie2many]

First off if it were me. I would do a little research on the salary that is provided and do some number crunching to see if this lower income is feasible for you and your family. Remember to include the dollars saved from such good benefits packages that you may be paying more for now while doing daycare.

Then ask what qualifications are needed. What room is there for advancement to other positions? What additional education maybe required for the higher paying positions. Anything else that you may want to know about the job.

[mommy4ever]

I'm self employed, so no benefits. I would be making roughly the same, but being out of the home.

From what I can tell, I dont' need any further education unless I want to specialize with special needs. (I don't want that).

[Katybird]

Would your hours be the same as your children so that you would not need child care while you work? Would the income that you receive balance out the cost of the courses you will need for the teachers aide position? If the answer to those questions is yes, then I think it sounds like a great position. The great benefits package is a definite plus also.

[mommy4ever]

The hours would be the same as the kids hours. I may not need any courses at all. If I do take a course, it would pay for itself after 1 month wage.(inexpensive course).

I decided to email the school board directly, since I"m not applying immediately but a year down the road.... I figure email is sufficient at this time. Take less time from their day was well.

[monkeywrangler71]

Check if there is a bilingual bonus. A lot of places will pay an extra premium above the base salary to people who can speak French & English, particularly if they are short on bilingual staff.

[Momto2Boyz]

I wouldn't talk to the principals, I would get some references from the principals or people you know in one of your children's schools and talk to the aides themselves. They are the ones who will be able to give you the real low down on how the job works, what it pays, how the benefits are...etc.

I would go directly to the source and talk to them. They would be the ones to tell you exactly how stressful the job is too!

[qtkitty]

Also look in your state at the teaching requirements for private schools. Private Schools have different requirements then public schools and are allowed a certain amount of teachers with out teaching credentials Ect.

There are a lot of schools out there that look for foreign language teachers. Because they are having a hard time finding people who want to teach quite frankly, because the school system has changed so much. A lot of areas have started programs where they help you get your degree as much as even pay for you to get it and then you get tenure with in a year or 2 of teaching, but it really depends on the need for teachers in that state.

So get in contact with the Local Education Board and ask them what the requirements are and what time frame they give you to get your teaching credentials Ect.

[FrugalMomof3]

Also look in your state at the teaching requirements for private schools. Private Schools have different requirements then public schools and are allowed a certain amount of teachers with out teaching credentials Ect.

I was thinking the same thing and not only that but a bi-lingual teacher sometimes earns more because of this.

[mommy4ever]

Hmm. I'm in canada, I've never heard of this. It's my hope to get in the school my girls are in to ensure my days off match theirs.

I will look at the private schools though too. See if there is a difference.

[shoiji]

Yea, I would research as much as possible. Also remember that you want to do something you enjoy. That way if the pay is not great atleast you will still be happy to go to work.

Here in the states I worked at a educational institution and the retirement benefits were really great. They actually matched 3% also for one plan.

This sounds like something you might really enjoy.