Can I handle five preps?

You're going to hate me for saying this, but teaching math is one of the easiest academic subjects to teach that I know of and I spent my entire life teaching all the way from middle school to university. In Math, making tests and problem sheets is easy because all you have to do is change the numbers on a test and presto!, you've got a new test. Aside from word problems, most of your tests require little use of English grammar or syntax. I had been teaching chemistry and physics for years and a year came when they needed a math teacher at the last minute and assigned me to teach algebra. After a few weeks I went to the chairman of the math department and told him I was worried because I didn't think I was doing enough. All I did was explain a particular aspect of algebra, do examples on the board, ask for questions, and assign homework. the next day we'd go over the homework and I'd assign more problems. Compared to physics, which was math with concepts, or chemistry,which was theory, and concepts and math (and therefore harder) math was easy. For years I taught honors physics, honors chemistry, general chemistry, and algebra. Four separate and different preps. At first it was tough, but after a while it became fun. Each class was different so I was never bored; (I can't say the same about the kids). If you're a beginning teacher it's going to be tough.....not because of the prep time, although that will be pretty bad your first year, but because of all the other things you're going to have to learn, like budgeting your time, dealing with all the paperwork thrown at you by the administration, and other things like study halls and home rooms. the most important thing will be discipline. I don't understand why the administration of schools doesn't realize that giving beginning teachers all the classes that the experienced teachers feel they've earned the seniority not to teach, is the surest way to drive them out of the profession. If you survive your first three years there's a good chance you'll make it. It will get easier. Good luck!!!

I was given the same as a new teacher. I was even assigned classes in subjects I have no experience in, and I wasn't even given texbooks! I didn't know I couldn't do it, so i did it. I agree with the other poster. Don't let your fear get in the way. Just do your best. It will be a hard year (semester?) but once you've gotten through it, you will know you can do anything! Just try to get as much done ahead of time as possible. THat is the key.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Unless you have something else available,I would take the offer and give it a try.You will never know if you can do it unless you try. It is important you follow the directions you are given to prepare the students for the SAT and be sure you are prepared before each session. Good Luck!