So I think I failed to mention that on June 19th I became the proud new owner of a Las Vegas apartment. I think that pushes me closer to the term grown-up (although I refuse to completely commit to it as I feel it undermines my elders). It's a pretty sweet place (or so I hear). We have more space than we need including walk in closets and our own bathrooms.
The bummer is that while it is in a safe neighboorhood (why we chose to move there) it is about 30 minutes from Harmon. So we will have interesting drives together. We're not particularly perky morning people and highly talkative afternoon people.
I'm still wondering if I need to get a new cell phone number, I happen to like my area code, but I hate to be the person who confuses anyone asking for my number....
More on this dilemma later.
A
Friday, July 6, 2007
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Quite the Opposite
So, I now have something else to report--I accepted a position! I am the newest 5th grade teacher at Harmon Elementary in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was quite the whirlwind tour--multiple offers and much phone tag, let me explain.
I went home for Father's Day weekend, my mom woke me up early Friday morning to answer a call from a principal. She and I proceeded to have ourselves a phone interview (which I have to admit wasn't my best effort--I should have called her back after a cup of coffee) as she was looking for a 5th grade teacher. I hung up with her, quite excited because she dropped all the key words I wanted to hear--collaboration, differentiated instruction, and the centrality of the literacy curriculum. Later that same day, I received a phone call and had another phone interview, this time for a 1st grade position (which I was less thrilled about--I feel uneasy about teaching 1st grade) but at the same school as my roommate, Karen.
I left both conversations with the promise to answer by Monday with a decision having been offered the 1st grade position and waiting to be offered the 5th grade. Monday came a left without a decision--I couldn't get a hold of 5th grade school--but with much grace from the principal at the 1st grade school, I waited. Finally, I got a hold of the 5th grade school and was informed that the position had been filled. Alas!
I felt quite uneasy about 1st grade, I just don't feel called to that grade (yet!). So I had to decline the offer. As I spoke with the principal, he shared that he (unoffically) had a 5th grade position open and "would I like to have that spot?" I think so.
And there you have it. I did accept (he turned in the paperwork before I offically accepted--which, strangely, is comforting). I'm still substantially overwhelmed about having a job. I never felt supremely confident in the offers or my decision making process. I am excited about going to Las Vegas. It will be a fantastically wonderful growing experience for me. I hope to learn more about myself, the calling and purpose for my life and God. My prayer is that I will be able to share God's love with my students, their parents, and my colleagues. I know that I will be exhausted and there will be lots of tears as I make all kinds of discoveries, but if there is one thing that I know, it's that I must be broken to be used by God.
For now,
A
I went home for Father's Day weekend, my mom woke me up early Friday morning to answer a call from a principal. She and I proceeded to have ourselves a phone interview (which I have to admit wasn't my best effort--I should have called her back after a cup of coffee) as she was looking for a 5th grade teacher. I hung up with her, quite excited because she dropped all the key words I wanted to hear--collaboration, differentiated instruction, and the centrality of the literacy curriculum. Later that same day, I received a phone call and had another phone interview, this time for a 1st grade position (which I was less thrilled about--I feel uneasy about teaching 1st grade) but at the same school as my roommate, Karen.
I left both conversations with the promise to answer by Monday with a decision having been offered the 1st grade position and waiting to be offered the 5th grade. Monday came a left without a decision--I couldn't get a hold of 5th grade school--but with much grace from the principal at the 1st grade school, I waited. Finally, I got a hold of the 5th grade school and was informed that the position had been filled. Alas!
I felt quite uneasy about 1st grade, I just don't feel called to that grade (yet!). So I had to decline the offer. As I spoke with the principal, he shared that he (unoffically) had a 5th grade position open and "would I like to have that spot?" I think so.
And there you have it. I did accept (he turned in the paperwork before I offically accepted--which, strangely, is comforting). I'm still substantially overwhelmed about having a job. I never felt supremely confident in the offers or my decision making process. I am excited about going to Las Vegas. It will be a fantastically wonderful growing experience for me. I hope to learn more about myself, the calling and purpose for my life and God. My prayer is that I will be able to share God's love with my students, their parents, and my colleagues. I know that I will be exhausted and there will be lots of tears as I make all kinds of discoveries, but if there is one thing that I know, it's that I must be broken to be used by God.
For now,
A
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
nothing new
So I'm actually starting to sound like a broken record. Whenever I tell people that I am going to Las Vegas but don't know where, a little piece inside me dies. Well, not really. But I am growing ever more annoyed with not having anything new to say.
Karen visited over the weekend and announced that she has been offered (and accepted!) a position with a year-round bilingual school. Now, she has to learn 800 names and another language. She's going out on Saturday to visit the school and also to look at some places.
We have our hearts set on a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment on the NW side of town. It reminds me of the place that Michelle lives in. Both places have lawns between the complexes which is a big bonus for a Midwest gal such as myself. I am really nervous about the climate chnage, but I know that as long as I can see green I will be able to remember the Land of Plenty from which I hail.
I was able to attend end-of-the-year festivities at the school I did my student teaching. When I entered the lunch room I felt like a total celebrity. All of my students and students from the other 4th grade class ran (I told them to walk...) towards me and nearly assaulted me with hugs. I can't imagine not doing this job. I feel like a total bum though, because I totally ate up the attention. I also enjoyed the renewed enthusiasm for teaching and being with a class again.
nothing new for now.
Alison
Karen visited over the weekend and announced that she has been offered (and accepted!) a position with a year-round bilingual school. Now, she has to learn 800 names and another language. She's going out on Saturday to visit the school and also to look at some places.
We have our hearts set on a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment on the NW side of town. It reminds me of the place that Michelle lives in. Both places have lawns between the complexes which is a big bonus for a Midwest gal such as myself. I am really nervous about the climate chnage, but I know that as long as I can see green I will be able to remember the Land of Plenty from which I hail.
I was able to attend end-of-the-year festivities at the school I did my student teaching. When I entered the lunch room I felt like a total celebrity. All of my students and students from the other 4th grade class ran (I told them to walk...) towards me and nearly assaulted me with hugs. I can't imagine not doing this job. I feel like a total bum though, because I totally ate up the attention. I also enjoyed the renewed enthusiasm for teaching and being with a class again.
nothing new for now.
Alison
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
An Offer of Employment
Monday I received an "Offer of Employment" from the Clark County School District. I was initially confused--this offer came without a school or grade. However, after reading a little more carefully (a strategie I highly recommend) I realized that this offer guaranteed a position within the district. So without a second interview I have a contract to teach.
Woo-Hoo!
There's a part of me though that is extremely flattered (Las Vegas thinks I'm a big deal) and another that's leary (they'll hire without a second interview...wha?). The truth is, it's a job. It's an adventure, which is what I was looking for in the first place. I'm really excited, but I'm also afraid of being disappointed but really the only way to resolve that is to go out there, be awesome, teach some kids and not lose my first paycheck at the slots.
Woo-Hoo!
There's a part of me though that is extremely flattered (Las Vegas thinks I'm a big deal) and another that's leary (they'll hire without a second interview...wha?). The truth is, it's a job. It's an adventure, which is what I was looking for in the first place. I'm really excited, but I'm also afraid of being disappointed but really the only way to resolve that is to go out there, be awesome, teach some kids and not lose my first paycheck at the slots.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
