Perspective

So, I have a student who barely comes to school. When he does come, he's either high or otherwise disengaged with the learning process. Come to find out, he has a horrible home life (absentee father, abusive mother) and bounces from relative to relative. He was also 'cut a deal' last year, and allowed to pass, even though he hardly did any school work last year. Well, this student approached me on Friday and basically called me out on my stuff. He told me that he can tell that I think less of him and that he really does want to pass my class. I shared parts of my story with him (grew up with a drug addicted mother, was a teen mom) and I think we've come to a new agreement. I definitely needed the perspective.

It Didn't Happen!

Come to find out, I wasn't the right candidate after all! Oh well! In hindsight, I would have been getting less money for more work. My next move has to be upward, not lateral.

halftime

Well, the first interview went well. I got called back for a second interview. Said school wants to see how I design lesson plans from scratch. As I'm definitely avant garde in that aspect, this shall be interesting... if it's meant to be it shall be.

Crossroads

So, I've applied to a teaching gig that I thought I wanted. However, my principal wants me to teach a different grade in the fall. Decisions, decisions. A part of me wants to see the application process due to completion. Another part of me would rather 'stick with the devil I know than the devil I don't know'. As much as I complain about the immaturity of 6th graders, perhaps teaching 8th grade will allow the type of deep, intellectual conversations that I love to occur more often than not. I want to be somewhere that values my independence and creativity. Speaking in the present, I am earning at least 50K a year, I work in my hometown, I have multiple periods off for grading, etc. I teach a reasonable load. I have the full support of parents and administration. I have all the resources I need to teach quality literature and writing skills. I have wonderful trustworthy and knowledgeable colleagues. I can easily have that where I am now... I just need to believe it (law of attraction/ positive expectations at work here).

Almost done...

Well, this has been a hell of a year! However, I do feel that change is on the borizon (soon come).