teaching something you hardly know???

[emeline]

Hi!

This week, I applied to be a substitute in my district. I am in the process of getting my license to teach French 6-12 and I want to get some experience substituting while I am looking for a more permanent position. So, yesterday, the principal of the high school calls me and says that they are interested in my application to be a substitute but that there will be an opening for a Latin teacher in January and they wanted to know if I would be interested, given my background with languages - I am French, I speak Spanish pretty fluently and know some Italian. The problem is that I only studied Latin from 7th to 9th grade and I honestly don't remember anything at all. So, I told her that I didn't know enough Latin to teach it and I turned her offer down.

I told my story to one of my friends whose teaching science in middle school and I was really surprised when he told me that I should reconsider the position. He said that it would be a much better experience than substituting and that the school wouldn't have a lot of expectations from me because I am a new teacher and i don't have experience. And he also said that after accepting this offer, I would probably be offered a French position very soon.

I still don't think that it is a good idea. I chose to be a teacher because I want to be able to help the students with the things I know. I want to be knowledgeable on my subject so I can really make a difference.

I would like to know what you think and what you would have done. And also do you think that I reduced my chances of being offered a French teaching position in this district because I refused this Latin job?

I wish they had offered me French, or Spanish, or Italian.....

[Boxcar]

Is this a beginning level course in Latin? Generally, you don't have to speak fluently to teach a Level I language course. No, it isn't ideal. However, there is something to be said about learning along with your students... It really is up to you and your personal preferences.

[Adrienne]

I think you did the right thing. There are certain things I think anyone can teach as long as they at least have a textbook - I'll have to teach Louisiana History next semester, something I haven't even thought about since I took it myself in 8th grade, lol. But as a History teacher I feel ok about it. It's one of those fairly straight-forward, from the book classes. Things like math, chemistry, and foreign language, though - where it's not just discussion and reading but really understanding formulas or grammar rules of a foreign language - that kind of thing I wouldn't even dream of teaching unless I was really confident with the subject.

[emeline]

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer.
After thinking about it more, i realized that it wouldn't be honest to the students and to the administration for me to accept this position. I agree with you, Adrienne, there are certain things that you can't teach without a strong background. I hope that they'll find a good latin teacher and that a position to teach French/Spanish/Italian - or all 3 of them!!

[Xyla]

This is really a long-term sub position. They do not have a teacher who knows more Latin than your self available. This way you have an entry point to a paying job and they are able to offer Latin to their interested students. It's a big challenge and could be a lot of fun.
The best.
Xyla

[lynn bambusch]

I think you should have taken the job. It is a chance to show the district what you can do. You do have a background and languages and I think, since you had Latin years ago, you would be shocked at how quickly it might come back. They don't expect a lot from you, if they had anyone better, they would have offered it to them. They were looking for someone who would step up to the challenge and I'm sorry, turning it down made you appear timid and unsure of yourself. It's fair to feel that way, but maybe not so good to show it to potential employers.
Sorry, just my opinion. I agree with Xyla, it could be a fun challenge.

[muinteoir]

You know yourself what is best for you. From my outsider point of view, I do think you've made a good decision however.

My first year teaching, I took a job a job that required me to teach chemistry. I majored in biology, I knew some chemistry, but not enough to really teach it well. It was not a good year for anyone.

It's hard enough being a new teacher when you are teaching content you are comfortable with, but to try to learn content, classroom management, develop your teaching style... all at thr same time?

Let's just say it was a character building experience for me. And a complete disaster for the students in my charge:(

[lynn bambusch]

Sorry if my other post sounded snarky. I do understand not being comfortable with a subject. I did a long term subbing job in math and was literally one page ahead of the students for the first two weeks. Everyone knows what they can and can't do. I have been teaching for many years and probably have forgotten the insecurity that can be part of being a new teacher. I have learned a great deal by jumping into situations and trying to swim. My style certainly is not for everyone.
Sorry if I offended.