I wish for peace and balance for the world the new year.

I need a teaching job before I can want better communication between Teachers/Parents/Administrators, better pay, and other items for a classroom. I have been waiting for six years for my first job and still waiting. Recent layoffs and budget reductions since the state of the economy is getting worse doesn't help. I noticed they will hire the recent graduate with no experience over a person with real world work experience. I have been in the classroom as a substitute teacher, but that doesn't matter to most administrators. I have worked with all kinds of curriculum and even did my student teaching when I could have opted out, but that doesn't matter to most of the administrators. I would be a first year teacher so I am going to be hired at the same rate as a recent graduate. I have kept up with my credit hours required by the state. I have kept up with technology and new strategies for teaching via the internet and workshops. I am up-to-date with Gift/Talented, Special Needs, and other areas of interest to admininstrators. Help! What else could I do to be hired by a school district?

As simplistic as it may sound, peace on earth. Less violence, less willingness by individuals to resort to violence and an increase in care and concern for others.

Chemistry & Physics Teacher
Head of Science
Ruamrudee International School
Bangkok Thailand

Please.....I have all the books and programs my children and I can swallow. I have manuals and workbooks filling the shelves. What I NEED is another warm body to hear the heart-rendering stories of my students and to help me with remediation and support. I need trained, competent PEOPLE to help me. One person cannot teach 30 students ALL this information by oneself. I need a walking, talking, caring, educated paraprofessional who can team with me to help bring out the best in my students!! ASAP

I never have enough books to use in my classroom. I take the classics, such as, THE PEARL, and read it out loud to the class. I hate to keep asking parents for money to purchase books for children. Although, it is a better investment than video-games.

I would like to see the leaders in our community mentor our students through on-line communities. I think we have so much to offer as teachers, administrators, and parents, but kids want to hear from celebrity icons. Or at least, someone they can respect and look up to, at least my students desire that in individuals.
It's one thing for a teacher or parent to say something, it means more if it comes from a Tony Dungy, or Peyton Manning. (we are Colt's fans).

What do you mean by increased access to technology?
This appears to be the highest percentage so far...
Is everyone getting paid as much as they need???
WOW!
What kind of access are you missing?
Thank,
Charlies Best Angel

I work for the teachers union but not on pedagogy. I am the health and safety director. I appreciate Edutopia's holistic approach and would like to see, in the new year, the building environment and ergonomics become part of the on-going conversation. We need to be more cognizant of children's (and staff) need of a safe and healthful environment to support their academic achievement. What does that mean? The building at a minimum should meet USGBC LEED standards and be operated and maintained (and not neglected to become a leaky, moldy, inhospitable environment). Kids and staff need day-lighting, good acoustics and decent air quality (including decent temperature and humidity) so that they can engage. And we need to think about ergonomics for kids - student furniture is flawed in this country - a "one size fits all" approach; we also need to understand that kids need to move in the course of the day - not be glued to their seats and stuck on the computer - opportunities to stand, fidget and change positions. Design of the curriculum and the setting would help immensely - there are good examples in other countries - we don't have to start from scratch

I hope that the education community will join us in a conversation about how we make a school physical environment that is designed to accommodate children not one that children have to "adapt" to. Remember, we as a species have changed very little since we appeared. The social, emotional and learning environment go hand in hand with the physical environment for creating a genuine learning space.

What I want most for the upcoming year is a teaching position. My previous position was eliminated due to insufficient student enrollment. It's very difficult finding a new position after the school year is underway, even with my diverse and successful professional experience and advanced degrees.

Dear Frustrated Stacy,

Have you applied at your local parochial schools? We are always looking for teachers with "world experience" and patience. No, we don't usually pay as well as public schools, but we aren't in the classroom for money. We are here to reach each child; and, with smaller class sizes, are quite able to do so. Try applying at a Catholic or Christian school. The rewards are great!