Where are the Computer Teaching Jobs

Today, I blog with a purpose.  With 21st century education being on top of the educational hit list, I find myself utterly shocked at the lack of postings for Computer Technology Teaching Positions.  Even the computer integrator positions have gone down drastically.  Did my months participating in etmooc make me blind?  There were so many other computer teachers, or like minded people that I  truly hoped and believed the postings would start in April as usual.  Go to Google and type in Computer Technology Teaching Positions, or better yet, try any of the famous searches I have done, "digital media" "social media" "adjunct professor" "computer educator" "computer integrator" "technology teacher" "computer teacher".  You will not find much if anything.

I got my master's in computer technology integration as I love computer technology of any kind, I truly do.  Ok, I have a special love for social and digital media as well as citizenship and digital storytelling, but you get the point.  I can and love to teach education, computer productivity applications and have a special passion for teaching blogging and web 2.0 which allow for communication, collaboration and creativity (the building blocks of the 21st century learner).

I am truly starting to think I should have gotten my master's in a content area such as science (as the positions I do see are always "core" subjects), and while I like science a lot, I'm not ready nor can I afford the classes needed for a new certification.  Hmm.. now in order to teach, I am considering leaving what I consider to be the most important subject "computer technology"??  Here in the state of New Hampshire, I think we are progressive yet as I have extended my search to include the state of Massachusetts with not much success.

Has computer education falling to the wayside?  Am I living in the wrong location?

I wonder how many will see this for I am not self promoting though I do think I am an amazing teacher, but as my master's classes fall to the wayside due to lack of enrollment, I look to other colleges and public education and am truly surprised at the lack of posts for positions for which I am qualified, here in NH, with a certification and master's in Computer technology integration and five years of experience I am left to wonder if I picked the wrong field, the wrong state, or the wrong country.  I hear technology is at the top of the educational food chain in some European countries, and I know it is obvious when I look at my community from etmooc. I guess I'm just a frustrated computer technology teacher displaced and needed to rant.  Ok, I miss teaching full time, I admit it, but how do I fix it?

I would geniunely love to hear comments on this one!!

Why do You Teach?

I believe this quote sums up how I feel.

As I get ready to rejoin the public education system.  It has not been without some fears or hesitations.  I am a strong believer in student relationships and connections.  I have found the more I foster these relationships and connections no matter how small, I and my subject matter come to life for my students.  Am I alone?  In my time in public education, I have found it is the small things that matter.  Small conversations, welcoming your class, a hand shake and a proper saluation.  Having solid procedures and a good management philosphy are the coor of a great class, to me, but always remember, Respect goes both ways.  We should respect our students as we would like them to respect us.  So why do I bring this up, because, 

1.  I'm nervous, interviews and such.
2.  What if I lost my touch?
3.  I feel I am connected and qualified enough to be able to say I do not feel I am so much the intervewed as the interviewer.  I have worked in three, yes three school districts and I know what I am looking for and what it takes to help make a teacher successful, a well supported open community of eductors and administators.  A great school philosophy and mentality and a love of authentic, 21st century learning... AND

4. I recently came across a great post, Young People Don't Be Afraid To Become a Teacher, and it was very potent.  I love that the author stands by her convictions that are the reasons why I know I am a teacher and need to teach:

We need great teachers in public schools.  Don't be shy until you try.

Teaching can bring incomparable joy, Nothing I have done has brought me as much joy.
I can honestly say that when teaching public school there was never a time when I didn't want to go to work, I enjoy spending hours online to jazz up a lesson and provide visual resources and paths other than me, and that the spark of a students interest is immeasurable to me.  My five years, like the author has made me grow and has brought me great joy.

It truly took my year off to pursue Higher Ed that has shown me, I am happiest in the classroom and yes, ages are important.  I love and miss middle and high school but I would have never found out how rewarding everyday was until teaching higher ed.  This was the year I found me, and I am a teacher.  I believe in relationships, cooperation, collaboration, connectivism and I love the varied challenges that stem from teaching teenager's.  I love being a guide and a mentor.  I am blessed I have had this change to reflect and figure out what type of teacher I am.  Sometimes we as teachers need to find our place and I am solid in knowing my place is with the confused and hormonal, call me crazy.  Many have.

Sadly enough, so yes, while many of the pitfalls noted in Randy Turner's post, Young People, dont become a teacher, are very very true.  Sometimes, you just don't fit.  Admistration and lack of discipline can be difficult at times, horrifying at others, I swear it is still worth it.  Administration can be appeased, look to the student and not the test and the test will improve. Difficult students are just that difficult, but why are they difficult, are you williing to take on the challenge of trying to crack this student, spark an interest, show them that someone cares?  

I won't lie, it doesn't always work and if you do not feel supported to remove a student or administer consequences then you are probably going to have a really bad quarter or year, BUT, you might make a connection and make the difficult student your "peer tutor" allowing them to get up and help (ok talk), it's possible.  

While teaching is not always cherry's and can be difficult and darn right exhausting, for those of us who thrive to make a difference, it is those one or two or fifty sparks and joys received from being an educator, the look on a a students face when they finally get it, sharing knowledge and preparing, contributing to a student's growth that is worth every underpaid or unappreciated moment.  So, I'll ask again, Why do you teach?  Love comments!!