UGH!

It is wonderful being wanted for two different schools. One would even think there is some choice involved. What sucks is the problem with the paperwork needed to attain the job. Apparently, when I went through my highly qualified status in Maine, no one signed my paperwork!! Therefore, the chase for the signature begins. The person who needs to sign it is out for the WEEK! Ugh!! With any luck, my old principal will sign it.

So, how does one keep a positive attitude about this journey into the unknown? I have no idea! Right now, it appears that I am only eligible to teach in K-6 elementary or special education classrooms. It makes no difference that I would not be very effective with these students. That magical piece of paper states that is all I am qualified to teach. I get the need for licensing. However, when my experience and education do not come into the formula, it makes no sense to me.

Patti and I continue to live with my brother. She goes to school. I sit around and hope for a phone call. I love my brother. I am thankful for the support he and his family are giving us. But, I want out! I want to have a job and be self-sufficient. I want to be in school. The question becomes, “When will that happen?” Notice I said ‘when’ not ‘if.’ I have no doubt in my mind I will be teaching. It is part of who I am.

I will interview for Reno tonight. It is a phone interview. I used to think I couldn’t get a job through a phone call, but that is how I interviewed for Benson. You know, the school that offered me a teaching position that I can’t seem to get to. I will interview with Reno as I have no contract as of yet. I am not thrilled about living in Nevada when the rest of my family is on the east coast. Last night, I interviewed for Memphis City Schools. I was asked the same question in several forms: Should inner city students have the same expectations as students from wealthier communities? Duh! Of course, they should! How else is their any hope of changing their situation? And, I still have open applications in Maine and one in New Hampshire. I will continue to send in applications wherever there is an opening I could fill.

The school year has begun in North Carolina. New England will be starting soon. The question remains: Where will I be?