Advice needed: Teaching in a Title I position vs. special education?

[*****]

Hi, I wondered if anyone has had experience teaching in Title I Reading and Math?  There is a part-time position available nearby. I have taught in special education for several years before homeschooling. I have been out of the public schools for 20 years now and am pondering about whether to take on a part-time position.  

 

I am curious to know what you liked or did not like about teaching in Title I?

 

It sounds like they use a specific program and test kids often. So a lot of testing involved.

 

I am trained in Barton. The one thing I like seeing in those that I tutor is the progress without being uptight about testing.

 

If you taught in both types of classes, which did you prefer and why?  

 

Any other helpful hints, or things I should consider would be appreciated.  Thank you!

[bettyandbob]

I haven't taught in both, I taught sp ed. I've been at title 1 schools and in regular schools. Obviously, the lower student teacher ratio in title 1 is nice. However, over the years I think the success of a school and the satisfaction of its teachers is highly dependent on its administration. Do you know people who work there? What is the turnover rate among staff? Do people like working for the principal? Those are the things I've considered in looking at particular positions.

[Alessandra]

In the category of other, though you may already know this.

 

A few years ago, Title I changed how it used census data, so districts that did not previously receive funds now get $$. Some incredibly affluent districts in my area have been awarded Title I funds for the past two years, on a year by year basis. The funds are used for kids who need support, regardless of income.

 

My concern in your case would be the program and the testing. I am not sure about the requirements of the Title I funding, but the programs I am familiar with sound friendlier -- extra teacher in an existing classroom, after school library club, that sort of thing.

 

If the school were using a computer based program like Achieve 3000, which evaluates constantly, I'd run.

 

Btw, I am not a teacher, but I am involved in my local district.

Edited August 25, 2016 by Alessandra