Sherry Said:

Gymnastic lesson prices?

We Answered:

$18 a day or $500 yearly membership

Bryan Said:

What do elementary school teachers have to do at the end of the school day?

We Answered:

I'm an elementary teacher and no our work day doesn't end when the kids go home (most people assume this, so don't worry.) Our contract (in my district) states that we have to remain on campus a minimum of 30 minutes after school's out. Most of us stay longer to grade papers, plan lessons, prep for the next day, etc. We usually do not "volunteer" for after school programs although we do have assigned duties that are handed out at the beginning of the year by the principal. Also, districts generally offer professional development classes after school, which helps when we update our credentials (according to NCLB.) Good luck in your journey! It's a rewarding career. :-)

Jamie Said:

Should I be getting paid for job duties done off the clock?

We Answered:

That depends.

Are you on an hourly or salaried wage? Do you clock in and out each day?

If so, then no, you should be getting paid for work you do off the clock. Do you do this work voluntarily or have they asked you to do this off the clock?

Start recording your time at home if you are performing mandatory work off the clock. Go to your supervisor and tell them that you do not have enough time during the day to get your lesson plans written on time. They are supposed to provide you with enough time for everything, so maybe you can work something out. Otherwise, they will have to pay overtime. Do they know you've been doing this?? You need to talk to your HR department and manager about this. Any work done for your job is supposed to be paid if you are hourly, non-exempt.

Francis Said:

what is the current state of the Peace Corps?

We Answered:

Jayne's mostly right. Peace Corps does have certain programs, but the reality is, if you're a decent candidate and are patient and willing to put up with the one-year process and are in good health, you'll be in.

Yes, there is an increasing number of candidates. Ditto for ALL jobs across the nation, really. A lot of recent graduates, as well as people disgusted with the state of the economy, look toward Peace Corps as an easy way to stave off unemployment for two years. But with that mindset a reality, the applicants are WAY up. Obviously, when that happens, it gets more competitive.

Peace Corps says to be more competitive, take French, Spanish or Portuguese. That wouldn't mean you'd wind up in a particular country, but it would increase your odds because it shows you're adaptable to languages.

If you want more information and haven't been to the Yahoo Peace Corps group yet, by all means check it out. It's been there 10 years and has a complete archive. Believe me, as a moderator on there, I've seen a lot of help doled out.

I do know a lot has changed in the last 20 years -- and even much since my acceptance, which was in '07. It was pretty much right after that that if people turned down invitations (you'll understand this if you proceed in the process) didn't get second ones.

You do sound like a strong candidate. It could be that your area recruiter has a heavy workload right now and is just getting to you.

Come by and visit the newsgroup, check Peace Corps journals for a list of blogs or drop me a note. I've subbed for my local recruiter so I have an idea of what I'm talking about!