Experience Different School Settings To Find Niche, Says Philadelphia Principal
Jeffrey Williams is the principal of Imhotep Institute Charter High School, located in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia. Imhotep has 538 students with approximately 19 students per classroom. Imhotep offer gifted courses as well as special education and adult education programs.
What is the most challenging aspect of teaching in the classroom environment?
"The hardest job at Imhotep Institute Charter High School, or in any school, is teaching. Teachers are on the frontline of pulling all of the state and federal mandates together and making sense out of them for the students sitting in front of them every day for most of the day. Their greatest challenge is probably not having enough time to plan and prepare before they step into the classroom. Even in a school where preparation time is contractually established, one period of prep time a day is not sufficient to plan for five classes the next day."
Are continuing education courses beneficial for teachers?
"Continuing education courses are required by law, but they are beneficial and also necessary in order for teachers to stay current with the latest mandates and testing requirements. Because the profession is constantly evolving, a teacher who has not received any professional development in three years does not have the tools or information needed to properly instruct students. Also, the more skills teachers have, the more valuable they are to their school. When hiring teachers, many principals favor teachers with diverse skills."
Do you feel a Master of Education would be helpful in your day-to-day career?
"Many teachers obtain a master's degree because they will move up to a higher pay scale. Although teachers initially may be motivated by the financial reward, they do become better teachers, leaders and employees. Schools are willing to pay more for a teacher with a master's degree because generally they bring a level of experience and knowledge with them that is greater than a teacher with only a bachelor's degree. In particular, many schools look to hire teachers with master's degrees in special education, educational administration and curriculum."
Do you have any advice for people wanting to enter the teaching profession?
"Because starting salaries can be lower than in other professions, prospective teachers and new teachers need to be willing to put in years of service to reach the higher pay scales. However, many excellent teachers end up leaving the profession earlier because the first teaching job they find is in a school or a grade not suited to them. That is why it is important for prospective and new teachers to spend as much time as possible in different school settings as volunteers. This is the only way to figure out where you will be most effective and satisfied as a teacher. If your first teaching job is not a good fit, keep looking for the placement where you will excel at your craft. Most schools, including Imhotep, will welcome you as a volunteer."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com/