AboutBonnie Shimmin Expertise I can answer questions about teaching and learning in grades K-8, having taught all those grades. As a former principal I can discuss techniques and responsibilities in administration of public schools. I am especially familiar with California laws and educational history.
I have no personal knowledge or experience with home schooling or private schools.
Experience Public School Teacher in grades K-8: All grade levels - specializing in English and Social Sciences.
Specialist in Gifted and Talented Education.
Specialist in Categorical Program Evaluation.
Administrator (Principal or Assistant Principal) in elementary (K-6) and middle schools (6-8).
Organizations Retired Principals Association
UCLA Alumni Association
Publications "What if...?" In-frequently Asked Questions by Principals
"My Brain Makes Learning Fun: Gifted Students Speak Out" Vols 1 and 2
Yearly Categorical Program Evaluation Reports
Education/Credentials B.A. from UCLA in English with a minor in Social Sciences.
M.A. from California Polytechnic University in Education, specializing in Instructional Technology and Media
CA Elementary Credential - Life
CA Secondary Credential - Life (English & Social Sciences)
CA Administrative Credential
Question I'm an Egyptian teacher.recently i got my Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language certificate.Also, I got my working visa ready for the next five years in the statea.I went to San Jose looking for jobs and I got replies when i came back to Egypt.Do i need to go back to the US to get a job? and how hard would it be to get a job here in Egypt and then travel to the US to work? and do you know any school or institute that would need an Arabic teacher knowing that i have 4 years experience in teaching foreign language?
thanks
Answer Dear Walaa,
Usually school districts want to see people face-to-face when hiring a new teacher. When you were in San Jose, did you interview with any districts? If you did, you should definitely contact those districts to reiterate your interest in teaching for them.
I don't know of anyone who got a job while living in another country and was hired sight unseen, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It seems to me that your skill set is unique enough that you might be able to get a job without an in-person interview if some school really needed the service you could provide. Sometimes districts will do telephone interviews when distance is a great hardship. In order for this to happen, though, you must make sure your paperwork is flawless.
I'm not aware of a particular school that needs an Arabic as a Foreign Language teacher. Are you interested only in teaching in the San Jose area? If that is not an issue, I would do some research about cities in the U.S. that need your expertise. I'm very sorry not to be of more help to you.
