A school about 20 mins from me called the other day to ask if I'd be interested in tutoring (they got my number because my girlfriend gave it to another school, who passed it along to this school). When I returned the call to say I'm interested, all they require is a criminal record check ... and I'm hired. There's no interview to see if I'm a complete bonehead, or illiterate myself. I just pick up the results of the record check, and show up at the school on Monday. Don't you think that's odd ??? I mean, if I want to be Walmart's next check out chick, I have to QUALIFY in some way. Apparently the qualifications to tutor other people's children are low. :roll:
Maybe your reputation as a (good teacher) home schooling Mom is what had you refered to be a tutor. Will you be tutoring at the school or at the child's home? If it were at the school, any volunteer has to have a criminal record check (and then Policy 701 training). In the home, I would think it would be up to the individual parents to check you out. It is strange that they would go by word of mouth and not want to meet you first (a type of interview so to speak). Here in our small community I think they realize that home schooled children are above the level of a public schooled child of the same age - that point really hit home this week when Andrew was sent home with work that I taught him last year! Kathe, if you're using the provincial curriculum guidelines as a basis for what you should be teaching at what grade levels, don't be surprised that your children are actually working at least one grade level above where they would be in public school (what I mean is, if your daughter is in grade three and you're using the guidelines as a means of having some idea what needs to be taught, in reality she would only learn much of that information in grade four if she were in public school - I just found this out this week - although teachers would never admit that to you). It's not a wonder that we have problems again this year with behavior - Andrew is bored silly and is not challenged enough - children who are bored get into trouble... it's a shame that our education system doesn't allow or do some kind of testing he could have done prior to re-entering the public school system this year to see about placing him in another grade level where he would be challenged. Oh well, we just plug away. (Congratulations on the tutoring job) Brenda
Kathe~ This does seem odd. However, let me share a story: Last year, when my husband was offered the position of assistant basketball coach at the local high school, he didn't even get the paperwork until after he had started. Along with the paperwork, were the two clearances that we had to apply for (child abuse and criminal history, I believe). Anyway, I know he was 1/2 way through the season before they came back and he turned them in! I said to him "it's a good thing you're not a child-abuser-------you could have really hurt those kids by now!" That's the system! LOL Heidi
Brenda ... Sorry to hear of your troubles ... again. I hope you can find your way so Andrew won't have to go back, if that's what is best for you all. I think I only was called because they happened to get the number from the other school ... and the other school only had the number given to them by my friend. They know nothing about me. That's what I find odd, really. In my home school, I don't use the Province's curriculum documents as a guide. Supposedly, I'm tutoring in literacy at the school and I was told everything I'd need would be provided for me. I'll likely feel an immense amount of pity for the children I tutor, because it may well become evident how much help they don't get, and what potential they'd have if they received quality education. Thanks for your good wishes. I'm looking forward to it ... although I'm sure it will only be a very temporary position. Heidi ... That's amazing that he worked half the season without turning in the papers !!!
Kathe, Brace yourself for a surprise you may not be expecting (I'm not an advocate for public school, I think you all might understand why - I'm sorry), but at the same time what a blessing it is that you are being given the opportunity to help other children... Brenda
I agree. That's why I know I'll feel pity for the kids ... and worse ... more contempt for "the system." Public school stopped being about the kids a long time ago. In my opinion, teachers these days are like pawns on a government chess board. They have to work within the system, whether they like it or not. It's an extremely flawed system, too.
