teacher

high school teacher

elementary school teacher

office specialist

special education teacher

San Jose Unified School District

I worked in the Special Education Department where the people were great to work with but the management from the principal on up were hard to work with to say the very least.  I was a former principal at a very well funded and respected district not far from SJUSD and I could not believe how bad things were in terms of the management of this district.

They have an evaluation system that is for the birds.  It does not allow for any personalization or understanding of the teacher being evaluated or for the principal doing the evaluation.  SJUSD will claim that is what it's designed to do but it went far overboard with it.  I was being evaluated by two people who had no idea how or what I taught and then demanded that I teach using a canned curriculum that had no application or use to my students.  The principal wanted to observe me teaching in a classroom setting.  I taught post-secondary students transitioning out of the public school system.

Our program used an outside bus transportation service.  The drivers were super nice and professional.  The problem was that they set the times of drop off and pick up.  The staff and parents made numerous complaints but the management refused to support us and we had a very short instructional window of time.  Our program was constantly moved and shifted in time due to this company but management refused to get involved.

These are just a few of the issues that made a wonderful program so difficult to teach.  My fellow colleagues, save one that was placed at the program by HR without the proper credentials were a joy to work with and I still keep in touch with them to this day.

Working for San Jose Unified School District for the past 30 years has been extremely rewarding. I have been able to have the freedom to create new programs and move in new directions because of the trusting and supportive management team. I have been surrounded with incredibly talented and skilled colleagues and collaboration was always encouraged. I sometimes compared my experience in SJUSD as almost like a "Think Tank," where new ideas and innovations were always appreciated. This allowed me to develop programs and to share these programs throughout the District. I loved that although my days were scheduled, there was always the possibility of the "unexpected" happening, and it usually did because working with people is not always predictable. This allowed me to develop skills that included flexibility and creativity, and, a lot of thinking "on my feet.' I did not retire in June from SJUSD because I was "burned out," but, rather, I left still loving my job as much as always. I just felt that it was time to turn my focus to my other great passions, working with animals, and working with people who could share their expertise and years of animal experience with me.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Good colleagues at SJUSD. Unfortunately, the support from the district was nonexistent. Many behavior problems as well that were not dealt with, not enough support. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
See the previous answer. Lack of Support. We were also poorly funded as well. To get any supplies we had to go through a lengthy process, when other school districts had much easier planning and organization, especially for teachers new to the district.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
The working environment was ok. The culture was poor, with low moral and low pay, especially compared to neighboring districts.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Starting at 745am and finishing the day a little after 3pm. The lunch was short. Every other day I had no prep, which was not good.

With many parent, staff and teacher complaint to District Office they still kept that Administrator. Petitions were made and still nothing. I was employed for over 10 years with SJUSD in the same location, with the same team members and we were like a family and worked cohesively together with no problems we were a true team and went through the same Administrative changes and never had a problem nor did the location have a problem with them. They were all welcomed with open arms. But, when the last one came in, Wow! what a difference, immediately felt the negativity, the phoniness.

A typical day started at 8 a.m. and ended at 3:00 p.m..

I learned that some subjects didn't interest me as much as others, as I was expected to cover every subject.

Having one group for the entire day was different than my training for a single subject credential, designed to cover one subject for an hour before kids continue into another subject.

I was a fish out of water with my co-workers due to training and, frankly, due to being another culture. I was getting educated on social issues, matters beyond the structure of a standard lesson.

The hardest part was being on the outside of a group despite truly caring for them.

The most difficult part of the job is the need work to in a fast-paced
environment to meet all State and Federal Special Education legal requirement deadlines while needing to respond to crisis situations at the school sites immediately. The most enjoyable part of the job is being in the position to create new, innovative programs to meet the changing needs of the student population.

Cleaning cafeteria areas,preparing lunch meals. Learn to make certain types of sandwiches. Safety was always first in any job you perform inside kitchen & cafeteria areas. My manager was very busy but always found time to sit & talk with us during our break times. Co-workers, we were a team as far as getting our jobs done in a timely matter. 
On occasion I had to do some stocking of can food boxes in the store room,which became heavy at times. Not so much of the job but having fun & a good sense of humor at times with the co-workers & manager.

I had the privilage to work as a IA in special education. Let me tell you how amazing the children are. The children showed me how important it is to get up every morning thanking GOD for being fortunate. The children have special needs, they get up every moring without complaning. Yet, some of us are considered "Normal" yet we complain about the simple things in life. The children are amazing they taught me new ways to look at life. Just being grateful for the little things in life. It has been one of the best jobs I have had the privilage to work in.

Lack of training, lack of support, cliquey colleagues who likes to gossip. On top of that, the DO and principal would constantly come to my classroom to observe my lessons unannounced.  Then, later in the day they would email an essay of negativity of me how I’m doing.   The district excepts teachers to follow a literal script what of what to say and teach the students.  No flexibility at all.  There have been weeks where I have gotten observed 4 days in a week.  It was stressful.  I wanted to quit within a month, but didn’t want my credential suspended so I pushed through.  

Provide administrative support to principal and teaching staff, maintain budget and run reports, liaison between community, district office and principal, order office supplies and equipment, daily tasks include ensuring coverage of classroom substitutes, monitor monthly timesheets, track department purchases, input facility work requests, distribute and track site keys, process purchase orders, approve invoices for payment, handle registration, travel and hotel arrangements for conferences

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Teacher 11 salaries reported	$85,745 per year
High school teacher 18 salaries reported	$108,996 per year
Elementary school teacher 6 salaries reported	$109,581 per year
Office specialist 5 salaries reported	$24.22 per hour
Special education teacher 6 salaries reported	$107,461 per year

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