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Archive for August, 2008

finally!!!

August 21st, 2008 at 09:16 pm

Got a call this morning that they would like to offer an entirely self-contained class teaching English to me. I've jumped ship! Woo hoo! I have yet to resign as I want to see the paperwork needed for my hire before I bring down the hatchet. It's great news and I'm happy. Rather nervous about resigning, but I'm a habitual conflict avoider. Thanks to all for your wonderful thoughts and prayers. I couldn't have made it through without you!

crazy stuff

August 21st, 2008 at 02:00 am

Soooo...here's the shake down.

I was called for an interview at a CPS high school. Was offered the job on the spot. I asked for a day to think it over. That was granted. So, I called the other school and left a message stating that I had been offered another position, but would not like to miss out on the opportunity for a position at their school. No return call. I called the school again after two and spoke with the AP. Was told I did not make it to the second round of interviews. I was like ??? Basically, they gave me the run around. This lady could have told me that on Monday. They start school next Wednesday, so I just think they flat out lied about it all. First, they were supposed to call me last Friday. No call. Then when I called Monday, was told they would call Tuesday. No call. Upon the advice of a co-worker, I asked why I did not get the position so I would know for future reference. The woman would not give me a straight answer. So be it.

In reference to the second position at the high school, I had decided not to take it because it would entail some co-teaching, which I hate. I called the AP and let her know I was declining the position on this basis. She asked if she were able to maneuver the schedule so that I was teaching full inclusion would I take the position. I said yes. Perhaps this will all work out after all. Oddly enough, my grandfather went to the school for high school. It's funny. My first school was a school my paternal grandmother attended and now this. Sigh. Crazy stuff, I tell ya.

I do feel a sense of guilt in leaving this late, but alas, stuff happens. I'm not happy where I'm at. I'm rather tired of the whole job thing. When I was in college, I never realized it would be this bad or hard. I thought I was living a dream becoming a teacher and if I were dedicated enough, everything would be all right.

The interview experience with the other school has left me nauseated. This other school has been a tad refreshing. Who knows how it'll shake out.

no phone call

August 19th, 2008 at 09:39 pm

Need I say more? Should I count it as a blessing? I mean, really, they told me they'd call by last Friday and here I am now still waiting for a call after being told they were interviewing another candidate today and would call today. I REALLY wanted to get out of here!!! Sigh. I'm going to drink a glass of wine tonight and wallow.

I guess there's still hope

August 18th, 2008 at 08:30 pm

I called the school this morning and was told that they are interviewing another candidate tomorrow and will let me know then whether I have the position or not. It's all very stressful, but I guess that means there may still be hope that I'll get hired.

In other news, got some cleaning done over the weekend. For all of those who read my blog and remember my vow to use natural cleaning products, Saturday was the first time I cleaned my bathroom using baking soda and lemons. I would make a paste with baking soda and water and would then add some lemon. Scub a dub, rinse, wipe and very very sparkly. Yay! I got the idea from this British TV show called "How Clean is your House." I am a happy camper indeed.

ugh...

August 16th, 2008 at 01:56 am

Was supposed to receive a call together with a yay or nay about the position. I received no such call. Very disheartening. Shall be going to the air and water show in addition to cleaning the house to a shine to recooperate. Will call the school Monday just to check in and confirm (probably a nay, I assume).

good news

August 13th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

I interviewed for a FABULOUS position at a LOVELY school today. I really feel like I could spend a good chunk of my career there. They said they'd let me know by Friday. Here's to hoping all goes well! I felt the interview went very well, but you never know. Sigh. I can taste the freedom...

pounding the pavement

August 8th, 2008 at 02:25 pm

I have been rather fierce the past two days in pounding the pavement for a job. When dropping off one of my resumes, the woman looked at me incredulously (as in, really, you want to teach emotionally disturbed children?) I have had two phone calls for interviews, so all looks good. I just need to make sure it's a school where I feel I can be comfortable and do my job to the best of my ability. After teaching at three different schools, I need to find one where I can set-up camp. I pray pray pray that I find something good. There are lots of administrators and schools out there that are not functioning well.

and the job drama continues

August 6th, 2008 at 11:08 am

So, I had this conversation with my boss at the end of the year last year that somehow gave me the impression that things were settled and that I could make it through another year. Yesterday proved to me that I was wrong.

We were offered a stipend for doing some planning work and apparently, since I'm a special ed teacher, were weren't eligible for this? I e-mailed about it and was told it would be O.K., but then I got an e-mail saying my boss would like to discuss the stipend with me. When I spoke with him, he reopened some wounds from last year. I think this means that I can't make it through another year. The good news is I still have time to find another job. We technically have yet to report until next week AND we have two weeks until the students start.

I was hired the day before school started two years ago. Perhaps my replacement will start the day before school starts this year. I pray God grants me an out. I decided not to take the other position offered to me at another school because I could feel it was a bad situation and I don't want to go from the fire to the frying pan. Or the frying pan to the fire. Or whatever. Am I being unethical in doing this? My contract began again August 1st. I guess I shouldn't really worry about it, but I'm a good person with a conscience and I do like to do right by people.

Damn. Why'd I choose this profession again? And now I've got a masters degree in it. What was I thinking?

scary weather in the midwest

August 5th, 2008 at 02:13 pm



Yesterday was off the chain crazy. A storm blew through Chi-town with multiple funnel cloud sightings spanning the entire suburban and metropolitan area. We hovered in our stairwell for over a half an hour. Then, hours later, we had another storm, this time with torrential rains and the loudest thunder/scariest lightning combination. The lightning went straight from the clouds to the ground and judging from the thunder, it was hitting things in our vacinity. What an amazing night! We were up until after 1AM with that mess!