Debbie Said:

What is a good creative way to decorate a elementary school poster board. My topic is Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf?

We Answered:

cut out loads of green, brown, light-blue, red and yellow leaves and put them around everything?

Sharon Said:

Does anyone have any clever quotes for an Elementary school bulletin board?

We Answered:

“Kids shouldn't be afraid of physical education. We need to push kids to want to do physical education on their own.” - Steve Thyfault

“Athletics are great. But physical education is for every youngster -- to help them learn about themselves, learn about their bodies, learn ways to become physically active but not necessarily to compete,” - George Graham

“We call it P. E. S. T. — Physical Education Spanish Time.” - Susan Parker

“Her physical-education teacher in junior high was always impressed with her running talent.” - Karen Anderson

“It doesn't look like you need physical education teachers to be highly qualified. Or health or home economics.” - Nate Mackinnon

“Districts started cutting art, music and physical education over 15 years ago, in an effort to save money, not in an effort to increase performance.” - Rob Weil

“I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.” - Oscar Wilde

“Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.” - Jalal ad-Din Rumi

“Man usually avoids attributing cleverness to somebody else unless it is an enemy.” - Albert Einstein

“The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited breath.” - W. C. Fields

“Those who are clever, who have a Brain, never understand anything.” - Winnie the Pooh

“I have nothing to declare except my genius.” - Oscar Wilde

“I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.” - Oscar Wilde

“I like men who have a future and women who have a past” - Oscar Wilde

Steven Said:

What are the pros and cons of boarding schools?

We Answered:

pros: if you have friends you can use them as an advantage often. hang out with them all you want when ever you want. it's a huge sleepover which is really cool.

cons: you will not see relatives or parents often unless they work there.

regular:
pros: you will come home to see parents often

cons: you will come home to see parents often

lol!
peace?

Tommy Said:

Are city school boards, responsible for elementary to high schools, the same boards for colleges/universities?

We Answered:

I am not aware of anyplace where the same board or department is in charge of colleges and universities as primary and secondary schools. In most states, there is a board of regents or chancellors that governs state-run colleges and unversities and accredits private colleges and universities, and each institution has its own board of trustees for its own governance. There would not be anything at the city level - in an area with many colleges and universities there might be some type of consortium that allows students to transfer credit easily or sharing of resources such as transportation, dining halls, etc., but it would not fill the same role as a school board or board of regents. If I were you, I would start by going to the state government webite of the state you are interested in and searching for colleges and universities - that should direct you to the appropriate entity.

George Said:

how can I check out the other elementary schools in my neighborhood?

We Answered:

If you would like to check out other elementary schools in your neighborhood or community, all you have to do is call the principal and make an appointment to visit and ask your questions. When you call, tell the person to whom you speak about your concerns and the purpose of your visit.

You may also want to check out any charter schools in your neighborhood, however, do so with caution. I have taught at two charter high schools who were new. At one, the motives of the woman for whom I worked were motivated by greed and personal gain. Although her school was closed down by the state, it wasn't before she bought homes and new cars for her family. At the other, the woman who runs the school teaches students to use the "race card" and has no problem belittling her teachers. Needless to say, I don't work for her anymore!

If you do consider a charter school, select one that's well established!! Good luck in your search! Annie

Maria Said:

What is a day in the life of an Elementary School Teacher like?

We Answered:

1. We are not required to do extracurricular activities, but it certainly provides a sense of fulfillment (and looks good to administration).
2. Teachers are required to allow their students' families to participate in PTO fundraising events. We're generally required to attend fundraising events (like fall festivals) unless we've got a good excuse.
3. We're not required to put on events, but again, it looks good to administration and provides the community a chance to see what's going on in school.
4. That depends on the school. At my school, we're not required to sign our students up for scheduled library time, but a good teacher makes sure students have the opportunity to access library books on a regular basis. I have to take my students to lunch and stay with them during the lunch period. It's only considered a break in that I can eat lunch with other teachers.
5. I have 45 minutes of planning each day. It's never enough. I rarely, if ever, actually plan during this time. It's basically my time to pee, check school email, clean up from the morning, and get ready for the afternoon. SOMETIMES I get a chance to grade papers. This is also the time that various required meetings are scheduled. My actual planning is usually done on Sunday evenings. I plan for the week and make adjustments throughout the week as needed.

I share an assistant with 4 other teachers. I use her during my Reading class. Depending on what grade you teach and where you teach, your assistant situation will differ. The younger grades (K-2) usually have their own assistants or only share with one other teacher. Sometimes the upper grades (5,6) will have to share an assistant, which makes it virtually impossible for them to use the assistant with students. They often just use assistants for clerical work.

Most schools require each teacher to have some sort of duty- monitoring students in the morning before they go to class, assisting with buses in the morning and afternoon, or helping with car riders. At my school we only have this duty once a week, and it generally lasts for 10-15 minutes. We're also all on some sort of committee that usually meets once a month after school. It's not difficult, and it's not too time-consuming, but a lot of times it feels like a waste of time.

The part of my job that I dislike the most would have to be paperwork. It's hard to remember all of the little (but somehow important) things I have to turn in to someone. Being organized is not my strong suit, so without a calendar and constant access to my school email, I'd be screwed.

Overall though, it's really not that bad. If you like working with kids and you like teaching (and in the process learning yourself), then elementary teaching is a great career.