So, I’ve sent some resumes out for teaching openings for next fall, but no bites yet. I continue to hate my current part-time job, and would love to do something full-time now that relates to my career. The other night, E. and I were chatting with E.’s mom about a local residential treatment center for children in crisis. E. looked them up online, and it turns out they have a Special Ed Aid opening. Same money I’m making now, but 40 hours/week vs. 20. I’m hesitant to take such a taxing and difficult job, but it would be a professional challenge to me and help me build some skills working with tough kids that I don’t currently have. And it could be a great stepping stone to actually get into the schools here, which is proving to be as difficult as I thought it would. I recently met with the principal of the local elementary school (just a networking meeting) and as she put it, “you just need a little bit more on your resume.” She was thinking about me just getting any entry-level job in the local schools, but I have yet to see any openings at all.
So, I sent in my resume on Friday. Yesterday (Monday), while taking Mr. E. for a walk on the bike trail, my phone rang, and I just had this feeling it was job-related. I answered – and it was someone from the “tough kid” school asking for an interview. We set it up for next week. After getting off the phone, I was surprised just how excited I was to have an interview there – I’m not sure how much of it is just the fact that I have my first teaching-related interview, but nevertheless it feels good.
congrats on the interview! that always feels good…they like you and they want you!! and, even if it is hard and not exactly what you were hoping for, you can think of it as a stepping stone along the way to the right job. good luck!
i work at a tough kid residential home… all you need is a warm heart and patience. good luck!
Congrats, and good luck!!
[...] they started to get better. And now, A really seems to have a plan. I am so happy to see her taking action in effort to get a job that will help her get a teaching job. Fingers are crossed that this one [...]
how far are your from the nearest city? or large, old industrial town? that’s where there would likely be more teaching openings that you’d be in the running for. it’s tough to break into small town or affluent schools as a new teacher–there aren’t that many openings in the first place, and it’s where everyone (including the more experienced teachers) wants to teach. can you ask the principal you met with whether she knows of any (relatively) nearby districts that have a shortage of teachers?
also remember that it’s very early in the summer (is school even out yet?)–schools hire throughout the summer, and very few have it together enough to be advertising/interviewing while this school year is still in session.
and i know it is tough to balance the need to work with the desire for the right fit. but when you go to the interview, go with your gut. some people are fantastic at working with special needs kids, but many others (including myself) are not suited to that kind of work at all. if you feel too apprehensive and like this would be pushing at your limit, it is worth it to keep looking. remember that your first year teaching is challenging regardless–you want to make sure that you’re not getting in over your head.
Well, good for you for branching out. Schools in the area you are in are hard to get into …I would surmise. Sounds like you are doing all the right things! Excited for you about your interview! Good luck.
Somehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation
Anyway … nice blog to visit.
cheers, Identifiable.