1 answer
Greta
Student
Fort Collins, Colorado
1
Question
Updated
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What are different work-study opportunities that might have to do with Elementary or Special Education?
I want to be an elementary school teacher and I want to become more involved with programs that might support that. I also am hoping to get a job during the school year.
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1 answer
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
194
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, I am not sure where you are at in your education. High school? Grade?
If you are at least in High School, preferably I would think as a Junior or Senior, your next step should be to visit as many elementary schools in your area, both public and private. Give the given school a call and make an appointment, telling them that you are interested in becoming an elementary education teacher.
Once there, I would suggest that you have a list of questions regarding teaching at that level that you can ask, and that would hopefully get you started.
If things work out, you may be able to talk to some of the teachers, and hopefully be allowed to visit a class.
You obviously have a good deal of interest in this educational area, and make sure that it comes through..
If that can happen, and you present yourself in a positive manner, you may be able to visit again. Then, if things look very positive, you may be invited to volunteer to work with the class, especially on days when the class will be outside of the school, on a field trip or some such thing.
But one must take this one step at a time, and have people build their confidence in you.
Therefore, I would visit as many schools as possible, and sooner or later things may all fall together.
And your interest in special education is a very worthwhile positive in the educational field.
The one problem I could foresee is your own educational schedule. Where to fit all of the above in. So that must be considered, and perhaps you will have to discuss this with the pertinent people at your own institution.
If you are at least in High School, preferably I would think as a Junior or Senior, your next step should be to visit as many elementary schools in your area, both public and private. Give the given school a call and make an appointment, telling them that you are interested in becoming an elementary education teacher.
Once there, I would suggest that you have a list of questions regarding teaching at that level that you can ask, and that would hopefully get you started.
If things work out, you may be able to talk to some of the teachers, and hopefully be allowed to visit a class.
You obviously have a good deal of interest in this educational area, and make sure that it comes through..
If that can happen, and you present yourself in a positive manner, you may be able to visit again. Then, if things look very positive, you may be invited to volunteer to work with the class, especially on days when the class will be outside of the school, on a field trip or some such thing.
But one must take this one step at a time, and have people build their confidence in you.
Therefore, I would visit as many schools as possible, and sooner or later things may all fall together.
And your interest in special education is a very worthwhile positive in the educational field.
The one problem I could foresee is your own educational schedule. Where to fit all of the above in. So that must be considered, and perhaps you will have to discuss this with the pertinent people at your own institution.