Job Discussion Forums

zencefil · Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 7

OK, I mean children under, say 12.

But first let me say I feel rude; I�ve been a lurker for a while now. Time to say hello. Merhaba! This forum is just so fun to read and it seems like you�re all having a good time at it. Encouraging for a newbie like myself!
But I notice most of you are teaching adults. I wonder if any of you are teaching young children or know about the preschool and elementary school system, private or public?
Really, I�m looking for an insider�s view around Istanbul (Asian side if I can be picky) on schools for kids.

There are a couple of reasons I need some info. I volunteer at a preschool now and since it�s been a pretty positive year for me so far, I may pursue something more serious for the fall. Turns out I�ve taught those little rascals a lot and had fun at it too. Not to mention I have a ton of material I've painfully acquired. The other reason is that my two kids are about to enter elementary school, so I�d love an opinion on the best for the money of out there.

There you are... any help, thoughts, opinions on the subject would be much appreciated!

By the way, I'm willing to meet up with anyone for coffee as well. I'm here in Asia near Bagdat Cad. Feel free to PM me!

Baba Alex · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 2411

Hoşgeldiniz,
I've never taught kids, just wanted to welcome you. I also live on the Asian side. But I don't drink coffee. I'll match your body weight in Efes one night though if you want!

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Just to second Baba's welcome.
I have a couple of friends who work with the little people. However you didn't mention your qualifications. I know some people who aren't qualified and the only teaching jobs they can get are with kindergarten(pay isn't much)

I know other qualified kindergarten teachers/ nannies and they have a good salary.

Have you asked if your current volunteer job can become paid?

btw

batukhan · Joined: 25 Mar 2006 Posts: 26

The fact that most people are teaching adults should tell you everything you need to know about teaching children in this country. By the way welcome to the forum and bon chance.

mongrelcat · Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 232

I teach kids.

There is a "respected" (make of those quotation marks what you will) foundation that runs many primary schools in Istanbul that's looking for teachers. Many teachers, I hear. Look in this thread:

A few questions about life as a teacher in Istanbul

yaramaz · Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 10:25 am Post subject:

I have a few friends working in posh pre schools here and they love it. Apparently the kids are a lot more pleasant to be with at that age and in that environment than they are in primary school.

Have you tried "Little Hands"? I've heard they are good.

zencefil · Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 7

Thanks all for your replies and welcomes!

A little more info on me...
I do have my TEFL which I got years ago back in the States only to have in my back pocket if I ever moved to Turkey. So, now, here I am. That taught nothing about teaching kids, but, it's something. I also have a B.A. from an American uni. I worked in the business world forever and the idea of switching careers to teaching was a dream I toyed with but that was as far as it went. Since the mortgage and car payments are behind us, I can deal with a major paycut. Plus, I believe not everyone can teach kids, but if you are up for it and it's in your heart, the rewards are great.

If you are generous enough to share more details and info (or pass on names of friends who are) just PM me. (mongrelcat, I read something about your sharing secret info via PM??).
Too many questions to list here.

About that Efes, I'm up for that, Baba Alex.
Do you guys do happy hour around the Kadikoy area? Sorry, there is just no way I can challenge anyone in drinking, those days are long gone. But some good meze and cold Efes sounds good to me! What do you say??

Baba Alex · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 2411