high school teacher

teacher

signaller

substitute teacher

instructional assistant

Orange County Public Schools

Being a technical support representative for two elementary schools was unnecessarily overwhelming. Way too much responsibility, not even training, and you have to deal with two different sets of bosses, technically 3, but you do not directly report to the System Administrator. Trying to juggle two buildings with outdated technology was day in day out a waste of time. Not to mention teachers and staff alike would play ignorant and never fill out tickets and then bombard your office, call your phone and try to press their ridiculousness and false sense of urgency upon you. Desktops are old and falling apart, the students treat the laptops like garbage, teachers and staff alike are over worked, over stressed and underpaid and they’ll take it out on you. However it all depends on your administration with how the teachers and staff will act.

At one of my schools the one set of administrators were fantastic to work with. Professional, punctual and all around made sure I had the resources I need. The other school, the principal there treats all of her staff terribly, and is an immature, entitled and self centered individual who only cares about her status and nothing more.

Needless to say working here taught me a lot about digital infrastructure, but the organization is non-existent, the pay is way too low, and the lack of professionalism across the board is abysmal considering this organization deals with the education of our youth.

**ESOL Paraprofessional – Daily Work Summary**

As an ESOL Paraprofessional, I support English Language Learners (ELL) throughout the school day by assisting teachers and helping students improve their English language skills. I work with individual students and small groups to reinforce lessons in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

My responsibilities include providing instructional support in the classroom, helping students understand assignments, monitoring academic progress, and encouraging active participation. I also assist with classroom management, prepare learning materials, and communicate with teachers regarding student needs and performance.

Throughout the day, I help create a positive and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable developing their language abilities and achieving academic success.


I'll start by saying I absolutely loved my colleagues at my work location. The team of educators I worked with were dedicated professionals who love teaching, love their students, and support one another enthusiastically.

The pay is abysmal. I have a master's degree and after 8 years was only making around $52,000. Stipends for coaching, club sponsorships, mentoring, teaching an extra period (and thus forfeiting a planning period) etc. are absolutely paltry and they take advantage of the fact that they know teachers are willing to do these things for students. 

Constant micromanagement of core classes from the district. The evaluation system will make you second guess everything you know about teaching and yourself. 

When it comes to negotiating an annual contract for pay + benefits + working conditions, the district negotiators are downright inhumane and heartless. They get paid six-figure salaries to sit in cushy offices in downtown Orlando while they make heartless determinations that teachers are worth nothing. I also recognize a lot of this has to due with ridiculous state laws, but this district could absolutely do better and chooses not to.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The leadership and communication was great. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Organizing time during the day to fulfill all job duties.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
At the particular school were I was employed, we worked as a team and had a family environment. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I began my day with check-ins for the primary level students, K-2. I made sure these students were on task and reviewed the behavior plans, or any goals we were working or that day/week, etc. Next, I moved to the intermediate level students, 3-6th. By 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., I used this time to prepare for any scheduled IEP meetings, parent conferences, BIPs, or MTSS meetings. After lunch, Monday through Thursday's, I held small groups where I taught SEL skills which were approximately 30 minutes in duration. On Friday's or designated days, I addressed any behavior calls sent to the office requiring behavior support for level 2 and level 3 behaviors.

Obviously working with the students is amazing and rewarding, you never lose that. That’s where the 3 stars come from, and you can get that in any school system. Just understand you have to look out for yourself. They run good teachers out of the Classroom everyday and then complain about a shortage. Nothing in place to stop bizarre power games between instructional positions and admin. If a higher up doesn’t like you personally, they will destroy your career. They will stress the importance of making data driven decisions in the classroom (I agree), then make your life terrible if they don’t like you, even if your student’s data is above average. My advice would be to keep your head down, smile, nod and say yes to those who haven’t been in a classroom in 30+ years, but do what you’re going to do anyway. If you go into this school system thinking they actually care about the kids, you’re going to be disappointed. There is corruption and politics around every corner. Keep your heart in your classroom with your kids and go through the motions for the rest. 

What started as just a part-time job has now turned into an 8-year journey, and I honestly can’t believe how fast the time has flown. Working for OCPS has been such a rewarding experience, and I’ve grown so much both personally and professionally over these years. I’ve had the chance to connect with amazing students, work alongside supportive colleagues, and contribute to shaping young minds in a positive way. I truly enjoy being part of this community and I’m proud to say I still love what I do.

That being said, I do wish teachers were compensated at a level that reflects the importance and impact of the work we do. Teaching is not just a job—it’s a calling, and it takes an incredible amount of time, energy, and dedication. A fair salary range, such as $75,000 to $85,000 per year, would allow teachers to feel valued, respected, and financially secure while continuing to give their all to students.

I have worked with OCPS for 7 years and substituted for 8 years.  The wages are low and there is constantly lots of work to be completed during the year.  It is nice to have the summers off.  But due to the low pay, I accepted to be paid during a 10-month period instead of a 12-month period.  So, in the summer this year with no pay, my $7000 checking account was totally drained and now I am not certain how I am going to make it.  With rent doubling the last few years and everything increasing in prices, this is the first time I will be living on my credit cards heavily.  I even had to borrow money from a friend to make ends meet until school begins next month.  I have enjoyed the people I worked with last year.  But I am seeking a second job or a higher paying job.  Also, add in disrespectful students receiving no consequences, I would not recommend this job to most people.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The benefits were good working for OCPS. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I didn't feel any stress while working for OCPS.  I was very comfortable and confident. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The working environment where I work, Sunridge Middle School in Winter Garden, Florida was lovely. The principal and the faculty and staff were great. They spoke with positive energy. It was a happy, caring environment and up beat. 

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Working with Autism &  ESE students was great. Trying my best to make a positive impact into their lives. Keeping them engage and being authentic with the students.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The people and work life balance.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I enjoy what I do. The stress that I experience is apart of the job, managing staff, meeting deadlines, ensuring the mission is being accomplished.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The culture is very diverse. Which I like. The experience working in such a diverse environment is very adventurous. It offers the opportunity to share and learn different ways of thinking and meeting objectives.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
It varies. The work day start between 6-7 a.m. Talking with staff. Monitoring staff performance. Reviewing plans. Attending meetings. Performing administrative duties.

As a teacher, you bring a lot of work home with you, such as lesson planning & grading. I taught intensive, so I had a lot of required, mandatory meetings for troubled students with learning disabilities & special needs. Poor work/life balance, but good benefits. Could be better pay for amount of time & effort spent outside of work hours dedicated to being successful with the role as a teacher. More unruly behavior from students than there should be in my opinion.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
High school teacher 6 salaries reported	$67,624 per year
Teacher 13 salaries reported	$65,920 per year
Signaller 13 salaries reported	$67,308 per year
Substitute teacher 9 salaries reported	$158 per day
Instructional assistant 9 salaries reported	$26,852 per year

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