http://esboces.org

Eastern Suffolk BOCES

Teachers Assistant

June - August 2023 • Shoreham, NY

What I liked

Opportunity to be exposed to special education and teaching field. I loved being a floater who was filling in for classrooms with low staff, because this helped me improve my introductory work as a teacher, and it helped me shorten the time it took to warm up to new students and staff for myself.

What I wish was different

I wish I had more opportunity to do more direct teaching with the kids. I wanted to be able to gain experience in actually conducting lessons and studying how students demonstrate understanding or a lack there of.

Advice

In this field, expect nothin. Your employers want to see how adaptable you are to change, even if you spend everyday in the same classroom. Parent, student and staff needs are completely unpredictable, so a good employee here holds adaptable and responsive qualities.
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7th Grade Teacher

June - August 2018 • Westhampton Beach, NY

What I liked

I liked how I got the experience of working with children in a classroom setting.

What I wish was different

I wish the program was a little more organized

Advice

You never know until you try
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Per Diem Clerical

June - August 2019 • Commack, NY

What I liked

I liked that I was able to get better with social skills and I learned how to work harder and budget better.

What I wish was different

I wish I was able to work longer because I enjoy working hard.

Advice

Keep working for what you want. It will pay off when necessary.
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individual aide

July 2018 • Westhampton Beach, NY

What I liked

the experience, coworkers, students

What I wish was different

nothing

Advice

take risks in jobs you are nervous to start, look for jobs within your interests and take risks
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Special Education Aide

July 2017 • Bellport, NY

What I liked

Loved working with the children, learning about different disabilities, and making friends with the staff. Overall, this job is the most rewarding experience I've ever had. I especially love seeing how the children develop and learn over time. I work seasonally whenever I am home from school and I love coming home and seeing what they've learned since I've been away.

What I wish was different

Nothing, I LOVE my job!

Advice

The work is definitely difficult at times for each child's behavior can sometimes be unpredictable. They have good and bad days, but the good days outweigh the bad by so much and make everything worth it. When I describe what I do at work to most people, they ask why I would ever want to do that, but in reality the job is so much fun and so rewarding.
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Substitute Teacher

January 2018 • Sayville, NY

What I liked

I enjoyed working with young children everyday who were excited to learn.

What I wish was different

N/A

Advice

One piece of advice that I would offer would be to make sure you really enjoy working with young children before starting a position that is focused around K-12 academics. Many people believe that teaching children is an "easy profession" but in reality it is quite difficult and rewarding if you love what you are doing.
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Teaching Assistant / Substitute

July 2017 • Westhampton Beach, NY

What I liked

I loved working with a wide variety of children with different disabilities.

What I wish was different

I wish the program was longer!

Advice

Do it!
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Special Education Paraprofessional

July - August 2018 • Dix Hills, NY

What I liked

Classroom setting, friendly staff, and I learned a lot for future internships and jobs. Working with children with special needs opens your eyes and is one of the most rewarding jobs.

What I wish was different

-

Advice

Learn as much as you can while you are there and ask as many questions.
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