so frustrated- new job in sept

so i took a job in forest hills for the fall as a 7th or 8th (haven't been told yet), special ed/math teacher. I know NOTHING about the position, don't even have a textbook, and have no way of preparing for sept. From what other NYCDOE teachers tell me, this is very normal...

was hoping somebody could shed some light on my situation and help me figure out if there is anything I could doing in the meantime to prepare for the fall.

I don't know what type of classes I will be teaching, don't know what grade, don't know anything really.

If anyone on here teaches in forest hills that would be helpful too, because maybe we are doing some of the same coursework since it's the same area?

so frustrated- new job in sept

I would thoroughly read through the nys curriculum for that level and be well versed in topics taught. I would also plan on how you will have your first few days. I would also prep for 7th because even if you teach 8th you will likely need to review what was learned in 7th.
curriculum is generally the same across ny so I'm sure you can find stuff!!! Good luck to you

so frustrated- new job in sept

You can totally contact the principal and ask for the coach or another contact person. Also, ask for log in information for the websites.

Re: so frustrated- new job in sept

This is def. the norm for NYC. Even though I have been in my school for a few years already, I still never know what I am going to teach come sept. I don't prep, except for first day activities. This might be babyish for 8th grade but I think it would be okay for 7th grade.

I do a math scavenger hunt where they go through newspapers and find various items. I also do a "math is everywhere" challenge. I give them a picture of something- example yankee stadium. Where can you find math?

Also, not sure if your school is using this but the DOE suggests school uses CMP3 math dash. Your school might pay for something different though. here is the website: http://www.mathdashboard.com/cmp3 You need a login though.

so frustrated- new job in sept

Welcome to the DOE where they tell you nothing.

so frustrated- new job in sept

I rarely know my exact schedule until we start back in September. This makes it impossible to prepare over the summer. Its frustrating but you get use to it.

I usually will make sure I have all of my first day activities prepared. I like having the kids fill out an information card, go through a syllabus and then try out an ice breaker. I also prepare a homework assignment that covers material that they worked on the previous year -- short maybe only 10 questions.

Are there any resources on your school's website? Could you contact one of the teachers in the department?

Re: so frustrated- new job in sept

I just want to say, that is so typical... when I was teaching, I would find out on the first day in Sept what subjects I would be teaching... then have to start the next day! No time to prepare or plan beforehand. Then I'd get observed the first week. Ugh. It stinks! I guess the first few days you don't teach much anyway, more just taking care of rules, books, etc. Good luck.