And I'm conflicted. I remember when I first starting working on my education degree, I read somewhere that the jobs considered "best" in education were the ones with the least contact with students. I didn't understand how that could be, when I wanted to work with students.
Three years of teaching in - one in middle, two in high school, and I think I understand. The job I will interview for is still in teaching, but it's totally different - it's an facilitator job for kids remediating standards for graduation - for a computer based program. So, no lesson planning, no lecturing or discussion with students.
Didn't help my mindset that my students were so much fun today....it's the end of the year and things are winding down so we are getting ready for finals. I was chatting with them, and several told me they hoped I taught 12th grade so they would be in my class again.
[ June 04, 2012, 06:38 PM: Message edited by: Belle ]
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I hit enter too soon.
The things I need to get away from would probably be different if I taught in a different school. But students who are at-risk, who have terrible home lives, who don't read well, who have no parental support...these kids are tough to teach. I am tired, and already feeling a little burned out after only three years in. But it's tough to know I will be one more good teacher (at least I hope I'm considered good) who gave up on teaching the inner city, high poverty kids.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by Belle: But it's tough to know I will be one more good teacher (at least I hope I'm considered good) who gave up on teaching the inner city, high poverty kids.
It is. But you do have to do what is best for you, and for your family. *hug*
Good luck.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
My mother is retiring this year after teaching 30 years with the very at-risk students you've mentioned. She would says she's often been tired, but I know she would also say it's the most fulfilling thing she's ever done. So, there is light in that tunnel.
That being said, break a leg at your job interview. Preferably not the leg of your potential employer.
I could go into a diatribe about how working with high risk students can lead to burnout similar to being a caretaker for an Alzheimer's patient, but that might seem kinda depressing. And this thread should have a good note. So, I'll just repeat all the best wishes. Best of luck! Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
To continue on my brusque and pushy declarations in the other thread, you need to consider all this not as a decision between one job and another, but rather as an understanding that your present position will lead to career burnout. You are attempting to find a new position in order to permit you the opportunity to remain an educator, where otherwise the relationship between you and this career would remain on a terminal path.
Posted by Dan_Frank (Member # 8488) on :
Samp Rimary: Stridently making unexplained assertions of fact since August of 2005.
In seriousness, though, I'm glad you're doing what you think will be best for your peace of mind, Belle. I think that's a lot better than burning yourself out, even for the sake of a noble cause. Posted by Destineer (Member # 821) on :
Ha, good one, Dan.
Posted by AchillesHeel (Member # 11736) on :
All in all, good luck on your interview Belle.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Best of luck!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Another opening, this time at my current school but different department and a much better situation. Still holding hope the interivew Monday goes well, though. It's my first choice by far.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
Let us know how things go. Posted by Raymond Arnold (Member # 11712) on :
A friend of mine was teaching last year in an inner city school, and couldn't deal with a full class. She ended up having herself "demoted" to a tutor (can't remember the title, but basically dealing with individual special needs kids), which gave her a level of stress she could manage and let her keep interacting with the kids the way she originally wanted - one on one, without dealing with a lot of the other work that goes into being a full fledged teacher.
Not sure if that's an option for you, but it seems to be working well for her.
Posted by Sala (Member # 8980) on :
I have taught for 27 years at six different schools in three different states. I have taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade (currently fifth). I've been in a tutor-type position (oh, they do come up with some great names for these positions: SIA, EIP, etc.) I've taught technology (computer lab), and library (media center). I've been a teacher coach (Instructional Facilitator in one place, Instructional Specialist in another.)
My point for listing all of these things? I've been teaching 27 years and I don't feel burned out, and one reason that I attribute that to is the movement from place to place and position to position. When one position stops meeting my needs (which then leads to my not meeting the needs of my students as well), then I move into another where I get renewed and am then able to meet my students' needs better. I've taught in inner city schools (parking lot for the playground, homeless sleeping under the trailer classroom, needles and drug paraphernalia all around), rural two-classrooms per grade schools, and a few inbetween. My movement has actually not been a detriment to me but has been an advantage in some of the jobs I've gotten because of the experience and different perspective I could bring to a position.
You don't need to feel that you're abandoning the "tough, needy" kids. You need to keep yourself fresh. It may be that you find yourself back in a similar position in another few years, with different and more experiences to bring back with you to better help your students. Or not, as it may be. You can love your students, but you need to love yourself a bit more or you won't be able to help the kids.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Thanks for sharing your perspective on it, Sala. It helps.
Still excited about Monday. Got my hair cut so I look and feel a bit more professional.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Had another principal at a different school contact me to say she would probably have openings and wanted to talk to me about coming there.
It's in the same county where I live, semi-rural, middle class, very different from where I have been working. I feel good - it's nice having someone say they have heard good things about you and want to interview you.
Still have the interview tomorrow. Very nervous and excited - really want this one. Preparing a portfolio to take with me with highlights and information the principal may want to know.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by Belle: I feel good - it's nice having someone say they have heard good things about you and want to interview you.
I'm sure it's well-deserved.
Good luck tomorrow!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Well I don't know how that went. I think I may not be qualified for it. It's a lot more involved than I thought.
On the other hand, many things he said in the interview made me feel that all this was a formality and he was ready to hand me keys. Of course, he didn't offer it becuase he had someone waiting to interview when I left, but he talked to me for over an hour and 15 minutes. He said that the interview was very positive and asked me what days this summer I could work. But, he fell short of offering it to me and I don't know if he said the same or similar things to everyone he interviewed.
Guess I'll find out eventually.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
Well, that's all better than him screaming and kicking you out? Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Good luck, Belle. And I hope you hear back soon.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
*fingers crossed*
Posted by Dan_Frank (Member # 8488) on :
That sounds awesome, Belle!
Speaking as someone who has been on both sides of the hiring/interviewing process many times, your lack of qualification probably matters a lot less than one might think.
Unless the "qualification" in question involves some sort of immutable state/local law or concrete HR policy totally above the interviewer's food chain... the way you handle yourself in the interview is usually going to rank a lot higher than your qualifications on paper.
So, stay optimistic, and keep us posted!
Posted by Sala (Member # 8980) on :
I agree with Dan_Frank. I've been on numerous interview committees for teaching positions. Unless it's some requirement (which can often be waived or given a year to accomplish), I've found it comes down to personality in the interview that matters. The confident (but not brazen), prepared, able-to-answer-the-questions not only with the buzz words but with anecdotes or data to back them up, people are the ones the interview committee are interested in. If it comes down to two people, sometimes the qualifications matter, but even then it comes down to perceptions of how the personality of the interviewee will mesh with the personality of the school.
I hope you get whichever position you want most, and that you get to have a wonderful teaching experience wherever you end up.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
The same county called me today - I saw the number and freaked, thinking it might be an offer. It wasn't - it was the board of ed. I called them back (I couldn't answer, I was in a faculty meeting) and the receptionist didn't know who had called me. After talking to her for a minute, she said it was probably the guy who was calling and trying to set up interviews for another position that they have open. She gave that man's voice mail, so if it was indeed about the position, hopefully he'll call back tomorrow.
So, it may be I get interviewed twice by them for two different positions. That has to be a good sign...that the same board of education is calling me twice....
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Sounds like a good sign to me.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
Hoping all goes well, Belle. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Argh!!! I really cannot take another day off, but I just got an email that a different county wants to interview me on Monday.
I'm also playing phone tag with someone from a yet another board of ed who wants to set up an interview.
Posted by Sala (Member # 8980) on :
Oh! I'm so pleased that you're getting so many calls. I hope that the one you want most is the one that gets offered to you (if not all of them, and then you get to have a nice problem of deciding!)
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Thanks Sala, that would be nice! Yet another interview for next Wednesday scheduled, but after school so I don't have to miss. So two more interviews next week, and the one I was on Monday....three possibilities coming up. Hopefully one will shake loose and I will get an offer out of it!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Interview tomorrow, and another on Wednesday.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
Best wishes. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Good luck!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Went well, typical screening - they asked me three questions and they were the same three questions they asked everyone. One of the panel seemed very interested he asked for a resume and asked some additional questions. Who knows?
I do feel better about everything though - it seems as if I am getting calls and I have interviews lined up, which is more than I can say for many people who are looking for jobs.
Posted by Dan_Frank (Member # 8488) on :
Yeah it sounds like you're doing great, Belle. Forget likelihood of getting hired, doing as many interviews as you are, the more likely you'll get to be really discriminating and pick the job that sounds like the best fit to you, not just the job that offers to hire you.
That's awesome! Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Did not get an offer but got what amounts to the second best thing.
At the end of the interview today, the guy says "I don't doubt that you are interviewing elsewhere and talking to other principals, am I right?" When I said yes, he said "I cannot make an offer for about two weeks, based on our posting deadlines and policies. I would really appreciate it if, should you get another offer during that time, that you call me first before you accept it."
I said I would. I feel pretty good - that's a pretty good sign, I would think! *fingers crossed*
Posted by Dan_Frank (Member # 8488) on :
Yeah, that sounds like a great sign!
That's awesome! Posted by CT (Member # 8342) on :
Yay!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
That is an AWESOME sign, Belle! Posted by odouls268 (Member # 2145) on :
I agree with rivka.
The fact that you FEEL that way means that you're still a compassionate person.
And the fact that you're forging ahead and doing what is best for YOU and your family in spite of the pain it's causing you speaks volumes about your character.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
Sounds promising!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I started cleaning out my room today. It's a leap of faith - I don't have a job officially yet, but I feel really strongly about this last interview and I have so many other things in the pipeline. I haven't officially resigned and nothing I'm doing so far looks like anything different from the normal end-of-the-year cleanout process we all go through. I'm just boxing up personal items and getting them ready to take home.
It's really easy that my room is going to be used for summer school, so I can just say I'm putting everything up so nothing happens to it while I'm gone and other people are in my room.
Now, I have to pray that I don't have to haul it all back up to the school in the fall!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by Belle: I started cleaning out my room today. It's a leap of faith
It's a good thing to do. And not such a leap. Posted by Sala (Member # 8980) on :
I'm hoping for you . . . .
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I was a hiring manager for a few years, and I think you have every right to be sure of an offer when the posting expires. Unless someones daughter needs a job or something like that, I think you will be OK.
You could always call him and tell him that someone else said the same thing to you, and that you hope to hear from him sooner. That way you see how much that deadline/expiration date really matters....don;t lie and say you got an actual offer, just that a number of schools have expressed a serious interest, which is the truth.
Good luck!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
So got a rejection letter in the mail today from the first interview. That's not all that disappointing, as I want the other job more, but still a reminder that just because you interview for something, doesn't mean you have it!
It was a nice letter, for all that it was most likely a form letter. And, it puts this principal one step above most others that have interviewed me in the past who simply never respond to you when you don't get the job.
On to the next one...still in the waiting period for the other one.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
A negative response is better than no response. Good luck on the one(s) you're still waiting on.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I was let go from my current position. The principal cut every teacher who was up for tenure, so I know it wasn't personal. Still stings. Won't lie, got my feelings hurt. She was very curt and abrupt and not at all pleasant or understanding. I heard she was that way with everyone, nothing personal. Still, seems like a teacher who has worked hard for you all year deserves more than "This is a letter from the board. Sign here that you've received it. If you have questions, call the human resources department."
I am praying the guy who said he didn't want me to take another job, wants to hire me and will call me.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Ouch.
Hope you hear from him soon!
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
((( Belle )))
Posted by Sala (Member # 8980) on :
Here's hoping that things turn around quickly for you. I'm glad you were proactive and had already applied and even gotten some interviews. I can't imagine if this had come at you without you having done that. Is it possible that the position could re-open to you in the fall? When I was first starting out in teaching, teachers were "riffed" every summer. We collected unemployment, and then were rehired in the fall, until tenured. It was just procedure. Maybe it's "just procedure" here?
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I have not updated this thread with every little up and down because there have been so many. For those that are interested here is a quick recap:
Have worked my last day at my old school. Sad for friends I will miss.
The board meeting for the ESL job got moved to Monday, so that is when I could definitely hear about that job. Still a good, hopeful possibility
Have an interview tomorrow at a middle school for an English teaching position. Longer drive than I would like, but a good, small school
Have an interview on Monday for a computer/technology teaching job at a high school close to home, in the county where I live. Good opportunity, kinda excited about it
An English job just opened in my county. The principal is out of town this week, but she has already indicated to me that she is interested in me for the position and wants to interview me. I'll talk to her when she gets back (assuming I don't hear positive news about the ESL job Monday
So, lots of stuff going on. Still hopeful for the ESL position, and could hear as early as Monday afternoon. But I refuse to count on anything as certain, so on to more interviews!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Good luck, and thanks for the update!
Posted by Sala (Member # 8980) on :
That's great that you're getting so many interviews. There aren't many positions open in my neck of the woods so I'm glad they're opening up for you in yours.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Good for you! I have a phone interview on Monday for a LPN managerial position at the best assisted living facility in my county.
Here's to us both getting the jobs!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Good luck, Kwea!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Thanks! I just applied for the LPN position, and they called me and asked me to interview from the Assistant Director of LPN's for their assisted living and memory care unit, which is a big deal.
Sorry Belle, didn't mean to hijack your thread. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Hijack away! We'll make it a job-seekers thread! Good luck to you.
I am depressed today. The board met for the job I really wanted but no call or offer. He must have found someone else for the position.
I had another interview today but I wasn't really excited for it.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Bummer, Belle.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
So the guy that said "Dont' take another job?"
Yeah, he hired someone else. He called, almost apologetic. It was someone internal. To make it not as terrible as it could be, her job is now open and he said he passed my resume over to the principal and recommended me. So, it's not over...but they will have to hold that posting open for two weeks and I have several other options right now, so I kinda hope it doesn't take that long, but at least I know that is one more possibility.
I'm bummed. I wanted that job and he seemed so confident he was going to offer it to me. Of course you can never control what happens when someone internal wants to transfer to the position either.....
I'm still excited about one position I interviewed for last week. I really liked that principal and it felt like a good connection between us.
Emotional ups and downs, yay!
Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
Haha, I hate the get-myself-hired process, even though i've only gone through it like, once ever. It's like a full time job you don't get paid for, sometimes.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Ugh.
Good luck, Belle. Hope you land a great one, and soon!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
No word back from the principal I thought there was a connection with and she said if I didn't hear from her by Friday then she wished me well, but wasn't calling me back for a 2nd interview. Bummer.
I'm officially now convinced I'm a terrible judge for when interviews go well! When I think it's right, then nothing happens.
I have an interview tomorrow at a local high school and on Tuesday at the jr. high located right next door to it. I'm running out of options, so I'm beginning to get panicky.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I got offers from 2 of 3 interviews on Friday, and I think the third one went well, but it is a big company and there is at least one more interview before an offer is made to anyone.
I think I am taking the hospice job, while I wait to hear from the big one. Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
quote:Originally posted by Belle: I'm officially now convinced I'm a terrible judge for when interviews go well! When I think it's right, then nothing happens.
How to know if an interview went great if you think you didn't do well:
- you didn't do well
How to know if an interview went great if you think you did well:
- god only knows. maybe you could divine using chicken bones thrown in a pot or something or flip a coin your guess is as good as anyone's
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Yeah, Samp's right. Unless you get a job offer, it's hard to know what the story really was with most interviews.
Good luck!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Kwea that's awesome that you have multiple offers! Hope you choose the job that works out best for you.
Good luck!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I took the PRN job with Hospice of Marion County. It pays well, and if more flexible than the other one.
I am still interviewing with the ALF for the Director of Assisted Living position. I did well at the interview with the Executive Director, but it is a large company, and they have many layers of requirements.
I've only been a LPN for about 3 years, so I'd be surprised if they hired me, but all the ED could talk about was they needed people with management experience, and I DO have that, so we will see. ALF's are less clinical in nature, and basically if it looks like a resident isn't doing well you send them out for evaluation....."when in doubt, send them out" so to speak. My lack of years experience in nursing is less important in that setting than in most.
Belle....I hope you hear from someone soon! Just because you don't get an offer doesn't mean you didn't do well. It could be someone else did just as well, but lived closer or knew someones grandma. Honest....I know, I use to be a hiring manager.
I am sure you will make it work, one way or another. I just hope you find a position that you enjoy.
Posted by Sala (Member # 8980) on :
I sat in on eight interviews for a pre-k and a fourth grade teacher. (There were six of us on the interview panel.) Things that were said by various members of the panel afterwards about the candidates include: * the chewing gum in her mouth drove me nuts * it was hard not to look at her cleavage * I couldn't get over her bad grammar * she never once mentioned the [learning] standards * she doesn't quite have the right certification (or we'll need to check into whether it's the right one or not)
* she's so vibrant * she showed effort by looking at our website to learn about us * she studied the pre-k requirements before coming * she was very well spoken
There are lots of different things that attracted and didn't attract the panel to and from various candidates.
We found one we really, really liked. We submitted her name. Then the central office told us that we couldn't have her because she had experience and a masters degree and our funding would only allow a new teacher straight out of college. So we had to start interviewing again.
You may have been having absolutely wonderful interviews. There may be lots of other factors at play that have absolutely nothing to do with you.
I'm still hoping that you'll find success.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
One thing in yesterday's interview that disturbed me is one of the panel asked me if I had graduated from the school where I was interviewing. I said no, but it bothers me. They probably have inerviewed someone who HAS graduated from there, and principals always like to hire people from the school. It gives a nice sense of community involvement and looks good when you can say that you have faculty who are also alums.
But, at the end of the interview one administrator asked me if a certain principal had been at my last school when I worked there. I said "Yes sir, she hired me." He then put his pen down and told the principal "I'm done. That's all I needed to hear."
I am hoping that means that that he likes that principal and it's a good endorsement for me. But, I have given up trying to predict outcomes. I will say, I've had a lot more interviews than I did the last two times I've looked for jobs.
Unfortunately, jobs are getting filled, and not by me. There are a lot fewer jobs on the teaching job board than there were a week ago. But, all I can do is keep trying. I have three certifications and have interviewed so far this year in all three. I cannot imagine how people only certified in one subject have felt. A friend of mine in the same situation as I am has not had a single interview, though she's been looking and applying for two months.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Ugh. I'm frustrated, angry, and bit humiliated.
The job interview was running behind, so the person who was being interviewed after me arrived before I was called back.
And, when the interview committee came they hugged him, and encouraged him and told him they'd see him soon. Then, while they were getting ready, he regaled me with stories of how he used to work there, and then transferred to another school in the district and now was "coming home." I got the chance to listen to him discuss with the janitor the logistics of him moving back into his old room.
My interview was a waste of time, they had already decided to bring this guy back. They were interviewing me and the others just to check a box because they're required to interview, even when accepting a transfer.
I hate being used to check boxes. I put effort into interviews - I print multiple copies of my resume, I print artifacts for a portfolio that I leave with the principal, I take time out of my day and time with my kids and I spend gas driving over there. And for all that, they had already decided who they wanted.
I am not amused.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
That's AWFUL, Belle. And he showed a truly remarkable lack of tact. They all did, really.
Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
Haha, OW.
Posted by scholarette (Member # 11540) on :
The company I got a job with was looking for unique things. They didn't want anyone from out of town or recently relocated. They didn't want someone with experience but they didn't want someone with no experience. So, I got the job but I imagine a lot of people didn't get the job and wondered what they did wrong when they didn't actually do anything wrong.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I don't know. I think this one today completely broke my spirit. I have been crying off and on for hours since I got home. It's just so demoralizing to be sitting in an interview and realizing that no matter what you say, you can't get the job.
I know it's stress, and just part of the whole job hunt thing. Some depression and frustration and feelings of inadequacy are to be expected. I'm just done with the whole process of working teachers up until they will get tenure then cutting them and finding new ones - repeat every three years. I don't want to do this every three years.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
I just got a rejection on Friday (which, surprisingly, didn't bother me much—I guess I'd already decided I wasn't getting the job) and a rejection on Monday which really ruined my day. In the last fourteen months, I've applied to six jobs, interviewed for five (one posting was cancelled before they interviewed anyone), and gotten rejected from all of them.
I guess it's good to know that my resume and cover letters are good enough to get me an interview, but it's frustrating to be rejected over and over.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Jon Boy, I know exactly how you feel. I've had 8 interviews. That's a lot - and everyone I've talked to has been shocked I've had so many - most of my friends who are job hunting have had none, or at most 1 or 2.
But I don't know what that says - that my resume and cover letters are good, but when they see me in person they see something they don't like?
I'm going to change my interview suit. Maybe what I've been wearing is sending the wrong message? Maybe I'm overdressed? One of the teachers in the committee today was wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I can't do that, but maybe I can go a little more casual. I'm not sure. I'm beginning to second-guess everything now.
Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
DON'T GIVE UP HOPE
All I have is when I was a teen and my father had brought forth the expected pronouncement on high; THOU SHALT BE PRODUCTIVE and it was agreed that trying out not hanging drywall for your dad's business is an important learning thing or whatever, and I was really anxious to really get out there and get a job as a server at these really cool places I could bike to and I just remember being all dressed up and had practiced interviewing a lot and hmm wait it is becoming profoundly obvious that they are only ever going to hire lithe-bodied young girls here, this interview is merely a formality to avoid appearances of what's going to end up totally obvious anyway sheesh lets just go through the motions and then go home explicably dejected and crushed about not being a lithe young girl.
Go to next place next day, quickly count gender percentages, tally up 100% cute skinny white girls, literally throw application in trash and just walk home without even bothering, play video games instead
Posted by Sala (Member # 8980) on :
Belle and Jon, I'm so sorry for the experiences you are having. Belle, that was totally unforgiveable what happened at that one interview. I don't know what to say except to offer my continued hopes for you.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
The good news is that I've been employed the entire time this search has been going on, so it's not like my situation is dire (not yet, anyway). But I'm in a student job right now, so when I graduate (hopefully this year), I'll be out of work. I'm just hoping to find a full-time job before then.
Posted by Dante (Member # 1106) on :
I empathize, guys. Last year I sent in about 35 applications, got two interviews, and had one tentative job offer (which I turned down in favor of a one-year teaching fellowship). This year I did about 50 applications, got two interviews, and had one job offer.
On the plus side, it's a really cool job that I was happy to take. But I know that that whole process can be pretty rough. Best of luck!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Quick, not-really-any-news update:
Today I applied for a job and counted for fun (and because I'm bored and it's over 100 and with heat advisories not worth going outside).
I've now applied for 51 teaching jobs. I've had 10 interviews total. The last one was a really tough one to read - the principal seemed to like me and asked good questions, but was didn't say much to encourage me when we parted. I have talked to people who know her well and recounted the interview and they were shocked - saying that the fact that she talked to me about her grandkids and discussed scheduling for the classes next year was me was practically a job offer because she's not the type for any small talk or to talk about anything personal with anyone. *shrug* Who knows?
I'm actually doing well, with interviews - I get called in one out of every five applications - really good ratio there. But I haven't been able to produce the interview that gets someone to pull the trigger and hire me. I don't know what I'm doing wrong or if it's all stuff out of my control. I can't do anything else but keep trying and hoping the right opportunity comes along.
HOpe everybody else is doing well.
Posted by AchillesHeel (Member # 11736) on :
I just had a meeting with a vague premise, it quickly turned into a ponzi scheme.
Yay for working in a convenience store.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Good luck, Belle!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
So the tough principal to read - called me and offered me the job! I could not be more excited. It's a very, very small school - I will be the only English teacher in the middle school so I will teach all three middle school grades (6,7,8). But, the school is in the same system as my kids, so we have the same schedule, finally! And, it's very close to home - only about 25 minutes away from the main traffic flow, so an easy, un-stressful drive each day.
And, it's only July 2nd, so even though I have a lot of planning to do for three classes, I have time to plan and prepare.
Posted by Stone_Wolf_ (Member # 8299) on :
Congrats!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Belle, hurray! Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Congratulations, Belle!
Posted by Sala (Member # 8980) on :
Hip, hip, horray! It sounds absolutely wonderful! I'm so happy for you. Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
Congratulations, Belle!
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Congratulations!
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
Congratulations Belle!!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Good for you, Belle! I am glad it worked out for you!!!
Posted by Jake (Member # 206) on :
Yay! Belle, I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!
Posted by Uprooted (Member # 8353) on :
I haven't been on Hatrack a whole lot and just read this entire thread with all its ups and downs at once. Belle, congratulations! And I'm so glad you had already decided you wanted to move on and started looking before the axe dropped at your old job.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Thank you Uprooted and everyone else who wished me well! It was quite a journey, and it was very, very stressful but I think it's a good result.
It's going to be a huge change from very large, urban schools to a small, rural school. One thing I've been blessed with the last few years is working with other outstanding English teachers, and the support of those teachers has meant a lot. At this school, I am the only English teacher so I will not have that built in network. That will take getting used to, but in the end I'll become a much better teacher, I'm sure.
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