Life Update

So... a lot has happened in the past two years since my old computer died. I'm still teaching, however I am currently taking courses to obtain my administrative license (expected Summer 2018). I am also expecting a baby boy due late April 2018 so needless to say I am going to be very busy this year! I hope to document my journey as a future academic dean/assistant principal/other awesome leadership role that's even better than my wildest expectations in this space soon.

Computer issues

Still here... lots to say about my new place of employ but not enough time to get into it. My old computer finally died this weekend... more to come soon.

Back at it again...

I had an interview last Wednesday, got an offer at 7:30 the next morning, took a few days to think it over, and accepted it! I go to fill out HR stuff on Monday. God is good!

Hopeful

So, I didn't get the job... BUT I have two interviews scheduled this week--yippee! Both jobs have pros and cons, I just have to figure out what I can live with and what are my deal breakers. In an ideal scenario, I work close to home (less than a half-hour away) in an environment that fosters a healthy work-life balance. I enjoy my job, and am compensated handsomely. I am recognized as a valuable resource and am given opportunities to advance my skill set as an instructional coach and workshop facilitator. This or something better!

The best...

The best interview that I have ever had was this past Friday. Oh, it seems perfect, or as close to perfect as we can get on Earth. I don't want to say much else for fear of jinxing it!! *fingers crossed*

Reflections on interview 1.2

Second interview for the same organization. It went well! I did a 10 minute workshop demonstration then answered some follow up questions. I couldn't find the right time to bring up salary negotiations but... if they offer me the job I suppose I can discuss it then. Back to waiting :)

This must be...

a test! I'm so tempted to apply for teaching positions, specifically in a private school or suburban setting, under the false belief that it will be 'better'. If I'm honest with myself, it's not the setting that needs changing--it's me. I desperately need to find a position that fosters my creativity and/or allows me to connect with others, human to human. I know that, as it currently stands, all schools have to answer to 'someone'--be it parents, community members, board members, city, state, and/or national officials. Right now, I'm done with answering to people, at least about things (standardized test scores, results of poverty, etc.) that I don't have answers for.

So I sit...

and wait. On the plus side, I've been inspired to write poetry lately.

Reflections on Interview #1

One thing I pride myself on is the ability to rock interviews. I can usually land interviews quickly, however they don't always lead to being hired. So, even though I've been unemployed for 2 weeks, it doesn't surprise me that I've already gone on one interview based on the 3 positions that I've applied to thus far. Each position is closely related to working with youth without being directly in the classroom. I really need the break from teaching! I am greatly impressed by the organization that I interviewed with yesterday. This particular organization is all about fostering young girls' self-esteem. The interviewee seemed really down to Earth and passionate about what she does and the hours work with my family's schedule. However, the salary range offered for the position is way below the poverty line. The only way it would work is if I found a part time job in addition to working for this organization full-time. As the popular meme goes "ain't nobody got time for that"! I will definitely keep them in my radar if a higher position within the company opens up. It's plain to me that this position isn't quite 'it'.

Incubation

Now that I've had time to process, it's time to write about it. As of mid-March, I am no longer a middle school ELA teacher. It wasn't my choice (and, as opponents of charter schools will tell you, being an 'at will' employee gives these organizations the right to hire and fire at any time) but I'm looking at this situation as a fresh start. I've been working since I was 15 years old, partly because I had my oldest daughter when I was 16 and partly because I felt like I had to prove something. 'Proving something' got me very far, including--graduating from a vocational high school on time with honors, graduating from Mount Holyoke College while working part-time and mothering full-time, and graduating from Simmons College for my Master's degree while commuting 1.5 hours each way. However, through all of the schooling and teaching, I never really sat down and asked myself--what truly makes me happy? I fell into teaching; I originally wanted to work with older children in a mentoring or counseling capacity. I still do, to some extent. I also like to: write, read, create collages, mix patterns, colors, and textures within my wardrobe, organize items, drink tea, take day trips, visit new restaurants, laugh, and watch TLC and HGTV. In other words, I let my job define me for too long. I am way more than what I do for a salary. This is my incubation period.

Spirit, I'm available...

This academic year has pulled me back to my roots/ foundations. Why is education important (especially for working class students of color)? What does a rigorous classroom/ school/ teacher look, sound, and feel like?

Finally...

Since I turned in my notice, I can officially say that I'll be working for a new school district in the Fall. To say I'm excited would be an understatement!

Check in

Oh man! A lot has been going on behind the scenes this year. In October, I presented at a Best Practices conference. I also presented at a Tech Ed conference with a colleague in February. In addition, I'll be working with a student teacher in March. I am definitely ready for the next step...

First Day

The first day of school went well. For the most part, the students are well behaved, however I have huge classes (30+) this year! Let's hope that there's enough funds to hire another teacher and/or some students transfer to a different school.

Dreams of Difference

*Sigh* To quote Lorraine Monroe, a gifted administrator & consultant, "when I think of the power of the crazy, creative maniacs who actually carried that first school where I taught and what a great school we could have created, I regret our timidity and lack of daring in not starting our own school." Heavy stuff.

Vague-ish update

It's hard writing here without giving away too many specifics... I'm neutral about this school year. This is my 8th year of teaching and I think I'm hitting that 'seasoned and hardened' stage. I know that I still have a lot to offer and yet... I know that I haven't found my 'ideal' situation yet. Is there even such a thing? Can I find it without relocating? Will this place/ position closely match my philosophy of teaching? I'm determined to find out. I know my next career move has to require that I step forward as a teacher-leader. I've been complacent for way too long. I currently have no interest in an administrative position. However, I would love to be a teacher-activist and I can see myself as a comfortable & knowledgeable presenter. So, I guess this year is all about taking those small steps to see those goals realized. Well, I do have an opportunity in October to present to a group of colleagues, so there's a start!

Summertime

It seems like I only post on here when there's change in the air... anyways, just a quick check in. More another time.

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.