What Kind of School Is Right for You?

1. Which advantages and disadvantages of different types of districts are most important to you?

• Small class sizes would be pretty nice. I think being able to afford each student the attention that they need would be important to me. I'm not worried about the pay - I could do many other things if it was money that I wanted. Chances for growth, leadership, and choice are important. The school having up to date technology would be nice. High standards are really important. I want to know that the other teachers and staff are committed to teaching. Diversity is important among students and staff. Some rural communities can be stuck in their ways and make reform challenging when needed. I come from a low income family, so I think I might enjoy the challenge of trying to work with students in lower economic classes.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of teaching in schools similar to the one you attended as a student? For example, if you grew up in a rural town, what would be the pros and cons of teaching in a similar setting?

• Advantages: Within your comfort zone. You'll have a very good idea of what to expect from personal experience and will be better equipped to face the corresponding challenges accordingly. If it's the same community, you'll already have ties and know people. In a similar community, you'll still know how to communicate well with the people in the area.
• Disadvantages: May be less challenging as a professional, thus lacking opportunity for personal and intellectual growth. If in another community, you could make false assumptions about what to expect and find a totally different experience.

3. Rank order your preferences in terms of the three types of teaching locations from most to least desirable. How do you think your rankings will change by the time you finish your teacher preparation program?

• Suburban, Rural, Urban
• I've attended suburban and rural schools, so they're familiar to me. The idea of many students in an urban setting and the many difficult challenges they often face are rather intimidating. I may change my mind after I finish school and have the knowledge and confidence to take on such a big challenge.