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Big companies hire people with teaching backgrounds to train adults and create coursework for them

@rahlyrah: Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry. I know how difficult it is to teach difficult student populations in an alternative setting. How long is your contract? I assume you have a single subject credential if you're teaching middle school, but I could be wrong. If holding out until the school year ends is possible, I would definitely suggest teaching elementary next year. I was in a middle school setting for two school years, and I really didn't like it. I couldn't be happier working with younger children in elementary settings; the atmosphere is more positive and lighthearted, there's more unity between educators, excitement amongst parents, and administrative support.

Otherwise, you could always work for a tutoring company, and make a nice hourly wage (SAT, ACT prep, or just specific subject matter) I've known an ex-teacher who freelanced from home, writing textbook content. Look into your local libraries, museums, and other kid-centric non profit orgs for job opportunities.

Best of luck, and feel free to wall me to vent. I can totally relate to your woes.

What's your subject area? Maybe something related to that?

I'm so sorry. Teaching is a consuming job, especially in your first year.

I don't know how they can suspend your license--where I live, that wouldn't be allowed!

If you want to remain in a classroom setting, perhaps a private school or different grade would be a better fit.

You can do work for educational publishing companies. Based on your credentials, you can make good money tutoring as well.

What about a virtual school? Florida is always looking for teachers. The state and district education departments also like to hire teachers.

What about assessment or content drafting or reviewing.

Do they suspend your license forever or temporarily? Do private school teachers have to be licensed in your state?
What do you want to do career wise?

@rahlyrah: I know that having an unsupportive administration sucks. I use to teach at an inner city charter school, and I always said I can fight with the kids or the administration, not both. The first year of teaching is super hard, overwhelming, full of work, little reward, and kind of sucks. That being said, just think if you really like teaching. If you do, than it is worth sticking it out. You can always look for a new job next school year. And, just think of the sweet little bundle of joy you have eagerly waiting for you to get home! I found my charter school job to become a little more manageable after I had my daughter, because she gave my life more purpose. Also, the beginning of the school year is so much harder, after you get a few grading periods under your belt, and you know the kids better, it does get a little better.

If you don't like teaching you could do online tutoring, teach at a community college (if you have your Master's Degree), teach SAT/ACT test prep (I love this!!! I wish I could just do it full time), or just sub until you find a job you do like.

Tutoring? Private tutors and teachers can make a lot & you would get super flexible hours. I have a friend who tutors elementary-aged kids for $40/hour, and another who teaches math and science to a home-schooled high shooler for even more! Kids in the hospital need private teachers as well!

@rahlyrah: Are you a union state or non-union state? That is absurd about your license. What a sick disservice to teachers. If you are union, I would ABSOLUTELY call your union. If you are non-union and a member of a professional organization, please call your professional organization.

Most states also have legal guidelines concerning teacher evaluations. If you have been deemed ineffective, then you should be receiving certain supports. I would request for your evaluator to come sit in your classroom and request a follow up conference immediately. Document everything, I would suggest via email. Does your campus or district have a mentoring program for first year teachers? If you aren't getting the support you need at your campus, I would look in higher places at the district level where you can receive support.

Maybe a non-profit that works in education? My sister has worked for several and they hire employees with teaching degrees.

@rahlyrah: honestly...if they only pull your license for a year...i would just quit and take the 1 year penalty--is that why you are looking for other jobs?

Especially because you are required to stay in that job for 3 years. It's not just sticking it out for THIS year, it's 2 more years after this year. I was a teacher in a low-income middle school for 5 years and my first year I had an all-day, self-contained ED class. It was much like you are describing. It was the hardest thing I've ever done and I only had to do it 1 semester (then my principal saw the light and started integrating the students into regular ed classes with aides)--and I did NOT have a newborn! I absolutely would not have kept that job for 3 years.

If you are looking at future jobs--I'm a school librarian and LOVE IT. It's not super easy finding a job, but when you do...best job ever. You still work with kids, but you don't grade homework and you don't take work home (well...rarely). And you still get holidays and summers off.

I have 2 different friends who had to go on anti-depressants to finish out the school year when they had horrible classes in horrible schools with no support. It's one thing to do that when you're single, but when you have a baby at home and you want to be mentally well to spend time with them--it isn't worth it.

my two cents!

@rahlyrah: in my old state (Texas) yes....but in my me state (nj) they will let ppl work as school librarians without an MLS. E check your state school librarian certificate requirements. Also, lots of,states (Texas was one) let you work as a librarian as you are completing your classes. I got hired when I had taken only 2 classes over the summer!