Working in U.S. Schools
Teaching in the United States often is an adjustment and a challenge. To be successful, you must have patience and persistence. You must adapt and adjust to an entirely new education system. It likely will be the most challenging — and rewarding — experience of your career.
The role and character of U.S. schools
In the United States, public education is available to all children. Schools play a central role in the community, with school-sponsored clubs, teams and events often occupying parents', students' and teachers' time well after classroom hours. U.S. schools are diverse, with students from many different socio-economic levels, races, ethnic groups and religions.
School organization
There are three main types of schools in the United States: elementary, middle and high schools. Elementary schools (primary) educate students in kindergarten through fifth grade (ages 5 through 11). Middle schools (secondary) educate students in sixth through eighth grades (ages 12 through 14). High schools educate students in ninth through 12th grades (ages 15 through 18). VIF educators teach a wide range of subjects:
- Elementary education
- Elementary education, bilingual in Spanish
- Foreign languages (French, Spanish, German and Latin)
- English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Math
- Science
- Special education
- English/Language Arts
- Social studies/History
- Art
- Music
School day / school year
The school day differs, depending on the school system. However, many schools run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Teachers usually arrive at school about 30 minutes before school begins and often leave 30 minutes after school ends. Teachers occasionally stay after school for parent-teacher conferences or faculty meetings.
In most elementary schools, teachers teach the same group of students for the entire day. In middle and high schools, students change classes during the day. Teachers usually teach about 5 and 1/2 hours a day. They usually have a planning period and are assigned a lunch period. Most schools begin in late August and end the following June.
Class size
Class sizes vary according to subject, school, school district and grade level. Elementary school teachers usually have about 20 students. Middle and high school teachers usually have between 25 and 30 students.
School oversight
Responsibility for overseeing public education lies with each state. Generally, school rules and practices differ by state. Each state's public education system is divided into administrative units called school districts. These districts can encompass a city or a county. Each school district has a board of education that establishes policies. Funding for schools comes mostly from state and local resources.
A principal leads each school. Principals are responsible for instructional leadership, hiring teachers, creating and maintaining budgets and maintaining school facilities. Principals and teachers administer state tests to measure student learning, and they are held accountable for how well students do on these tests.
Classroom management
Instructional planning, discipline and student management are crucial for teacher success. All schools have school-wide rules for students.
Teachers can ensure a well-managed class by understanding the needs of their students, practicing good organizational skills, giving appropriate assignments and communicating with parents regularly.
Principals, assistant principals and guidance counselors are available to assist with problems in classroom management.
Parents
In the United States, many parents are very involved in their children's education. Teachers must communicate regularly and effectively with parents to maintain good relationships and promote student success. Several times a year, teachers meet with parents in face-to-face conferences to discuss student learning and progress.