Trying to find a job ad whose qualifications I meet and whose description sounds enticing is a daunting task. Upon graduation I will have a degree in both English and Elementary Education. Going onto sites such as Monster and Simply Hired and typing in the search box "elementary teacher in Boston, Ma" yielded over 150 results. My strategy was to start at the top of my list and work my way down trying to find an available position that I was qualified for and interested in. What I found with the first few was that I was either qualified OR it sounded like a job I would want. The two biggest dead ends I came to were the fact that I will not have my Master's degree and I do not speak Spanish (both of which would be helpful in many cases). One thing I found interesting and challenging was that none of the ads give any kind of ballpark figure regarding salary. In the real world this would play a part in my choosing job, although I believe I am not the kind of person who would weigh only this factor.
The job that I decided to apply for is as an Elementary teacher at the Edward W. Brooke Charter School. They write, "The Edward W. Brooke Charter School is a public school, located in Boston, founded in 2002, serving 450 students in grades K-8, and with over 1,500 students on our waiting list. Our students are 98% black and Latino, 78% qualify for free and reduced lunch, and their MCAS performance has ranked them consistently among the highest ranking schools in the city and the state." What interested me in this particular school is their dedication to excellence in education along with their vision to help their largely (98%) Black and Latino student body have the opportunity to attend a high-ranking preparatory high school, and even attend acclaimed 4 year colleges. This school's passion for education transcends the elementary school years and aim to build strong and educated individuals, amongst a demographic that is often overlooked and underestimated. Looking at this job ad and at the school's website has really ignited my desire to teach. I grew up in a middle class, mostly white community and I am adamant about stepping outside of that "comfort zone" when I become a teacher. I want to work in diverse/challenging communities, various states/regions, and possibly even outside of the country.
With my degree I would be qualified for this job, but more importantly this is a job I would WANT and would LOVE. The challenge of closing the "achievement gap" is one I would be qualified and motivated to meet. I watched this amazing video on their website and it made me wish that I already had my degree so I could apply today.
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