Should I stay or go?

Question

I currently work as a teaching assistant in the music department at a school. However, due to budget cuts, I have to go back to being part-time This is not a problem as I can find other hours if necessary else where.
The problem is, I do a lot of work and don't get paid nearly as well as some of the others. The children at school all respect me and I have started several musical groups such as choir and rock band. If I leave, I know full well these will not be supported by anyone else and the children will lose out. However, if I stay, I will get more work just put on me and paid the same.
If I do stay, I can get the groups fully going and then pass then on properly to one of the children to run. Yet if I do this, I will get more annoyed with the structure of the school as people in higher rank than me often make no secret of the fact that they don't value me or the work I do.

Answer 1

That's really heart breaking to hear. Great teachers being screwed while those other who aren't even appreciated are treated better. I mean if you stay you know that the children will appreciate all that you do. However you can't teach at your best when your annoyed and frustrated about how the school works. And who knows what will happen in the future of you being there, maybe the groups will fall apart due to some stupid School policy or something rediculous and then your work would be for nothing. I mean it's unfair that your having to do all that work at the same pay, and it's unfair for the kids to suffer due to the school. So it depends on what you truly feel is right. If you think it's worth saving the music groups so that the kids will benefit then you should stay. But if you get frustrated and annoyed at those you work with, it could very well affect your teaching. I would say you should wait it out for alittle bit and then see what happens but if it seems like nothing good will come your way, then you should give them your 2 weeks notice.

Answer 2

Very difficult question.

I'd stay and do additional work elsewhere. I'd also continue the work with the kids, as much as you can, but you must refuse any additional, non-paid work. What the administrators think of you is only of value in finding another job. If the kids like you, then that alone is your reward. Teaching has a lifetime impact. The satisfaction you will get 20 or 30 years from now when one of your students tells you how much they appreciated you will more than make up for all the bad things you have to put up with now. I'd give this job another year, and in the meantime be looking for another job where you can get to work full time and be respected for your work.

Answer 3

If your superiors don't value you, you should go. You might find that if you hand your notice in they may make you a better offer to stay. If you go and the kids miss out on stuff they once enjoyed, their parents will complain their heads off and hopefully force the school to do something about it - like get you back full time perhaps.

Either way, you shouldn't let them take advantage of you, as once they know they can, it will never get better - only worse. Go.

PS. The other teachers that don't value your work are probably just miffed because a) you must make them look real bad, and/or b) that they didn't think to do what you're doing first!

Answer 4

I know exactly how you feel. TAs are not respected members of the educational field, yet teachers almost cant funtion without us (at least in elementary). Is there not someone there whom you trust and could ask to help you with the programs so you dont get bogged down? Thats what I'd do. Either that or leave for a full time somewhere else and be a volunteer at the school just for those groups? Its ultimately up to you. Hope I've helped a little.

Answer 5

If you can afford it, it is better to stay, since you seem to really enjoy the work. Separation from the work would hurt you more and cannot even be compensated due to monetary considerations. Alternatively, if situation does permit, let the beneficiaries of your work VOLUNTARILY contribute to subsidize your cost, so that they do not feel the pinch, or try to view your efforts at a discounted value. The subject you teach is just great, and has tremendous intrinsic value, and a lasting one ! Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 6

I'd go. Who do you work for? Eventually it comes down to you. I've been in a position where I liked the job but wasn't treated well.... got sick of it. Sure the kids will miss out, but you will miss out on other experiences that will make your life complete and as a bonus you'll be treated better and paid more competitively. There.

Answer 7

in all due fairness can see your a genuine person as you want to hep the kids but if you have already planted the idea of a rock band the kids will carry it on.. i think you should leave as there treating less equal to anyone else and if it gets you down you really going to put your own happiness on the line? good luck in the future x

Answer 8

I will stay until i pass the groups properly to one of the children. i wouldn't worry if the higher-ups do not value my work as long as the children do.

Answer 9

stay. i love you to stay, CareBears have an really astounding azzes. do not comprehend if i'm a perv or not. yet i love CareBear butts. yet you also are a competent questioner and answerer, humorous and performance stunning avatar. even if you may teach to be a guy in the basement. or a lady in an workplace cubicle. Edit: "The an" is a suitable grammar, yet I wronged it.

Answer 10

it sounds like you should move on to eb a teacher at a school that does ioffer you what you deserve you sound like a great teacher. i say you start your own buisness where you teach music to young kids it will be a massive success especially the kids that all ready know you. it is important to be valued so you must move oin to where you are valued.