My 4th grader is in her first year of a program for gifted children. It is a competitive program, at a school outside our district, and acceptance was based on advanced language, reading, writing, and "liberal arts" ability. I thought my daughter's gifts -- all of which match the description above -- would be nurtured here. But I have been dismayed to realize that all her teacher cares about is that her desk is messy and her handwriting isn't neat enough. My child has sensory issues that do in fact make it harder for her to keep her things organized. But how can I talk to the teacher about focusing more on her gifts -- which is supposed to be the mission of this program? (Sorry, this is long.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 10, 2009 - 38 answers

We are talking small beans here, but it's my beans, so please hear me out... I'm an ESL teacher/tutor with 3 undergrad degrees, certification through Oxford and 5 years experience. I have been offered a job in Shanghai. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 28, 2009 - 3 answers

Due to the economic crisis, the small business I’m a partner in very likely won’t last through the end of the year. After a lot of soul-searching, I’m not sure I want to continue in my current industry and am looking at a possible career change at the age of 35 – becoming a high school English teacher. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 30, 2009 - 11 answers

What's the easiest path to becoming a teacher? Can you help me decide on an online teacher certification program? Any anecdotes or perspective on online education would be particularly helpful. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 1, 2008 - 7 answers

I have several general (and some specific) questions about teaching high school in the U.S. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 17, 2008 - 16 answers

I'm attracted to one of my university instructors (and we're approximately the same age, in case it matters). Is there an appropriate way to ask her out? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 6, 2008 - 31 answers