I had my FIRST Interview yesterday! AND my second!

Yesterday was a pretty crazy day! Last Thursday I got a call on my cell phone (that I, of course, left upstairs). When I checked my phone, I saw a number I didn't recognize. Figuring (more like hoping) it was a school calling, I called the number back. Sure enough, it was a local middle school calling to interview me! I'm so glad I called back. They didn't leave a voicemail, and I could have missed out on this great opportunity. I spoke with the assistant principal for a minute or two and he invited me to come in to interview. He only mentioned that it was a middle school ELA position (English/Language Arts). When I got there yesterday, he said it was for eighth grade ELA. No sweat, right?!?!

The interview went GREAT! I met with two assistant principals and the sixth and seventh grade ELA teachers. They asked great questions and I think I answered them pretty well, considering I had to base everything on my student teaching experience alone. The AP actually walked me to the front door, told me the interview was great and we stood and talked for another 5 minutes or so. It sounds like a great opportunity and I feel really optimistic about it. They are looking to hire someone right away, so I could possibly know something by the end of this week! Fingers crossed.

Then, Sunday, morning, my phone rings. It was the principal from a local elementary school, driving home from out of town. Totally caught me off guard. I never expected to get a call on a Sunday for a phone interview. I was so nervous, I couldn't breathe, let alone talk. I probably sounded like a babbling idiot. We talked for two minutes, literally. She said she was trying to weed out applicants and just wanted to get a feel for my experience. She finished the conversation by letting me know that she was looking for someone with first grade experience and that if I didn't hear back for an interview, she would be calling back in July if there were other positions. So I figured that was the end of that. NOPE! I got a call later that afternoon asking if I could come in the next day at 5:00 p.m. for an interview. YAY!

So I arrive at 4:45 p.m. When I went back to the interview, there was the principal and two other first grade teachers and it was literally a firing squad. I entered the room at 4:55 and was out at 5:05 p.m. That was the fastest interview I've ever had. They were really looking to fill the position pretty quick. Still, I answered all of their questions and seemed to do OK. We'll see...

So now I have two interviews under my belt. If anything, it's giving me experience on what kinds of questions I'll be asked in other interviews, and how I would approach my answers better or differently.

I'm such a planner. I have to have everything planned out and ready to go when I get that call. I've been writing more lists on everything going through my brain: classroom design ideas, decorations, first-day-of school activities, library books, writing centers, etc. There is so much to do!!! And I STILL don't have a classroom - YET! I'm excited and optimistic, though!

A Shout Out to A Great Community of Teachers!

WOW! I've already gotten a couple of members and some great comments from other teachers! How exciting! It's because of you that I'm here. I've gotten some great ideas, motivation and inspiration from reading your blogs. It's what inspired me to start my own. I don't have much experience yet to contribute, but it's my goal to be as organized, creative, and successful as you all. I appreciate you sharing your experience with us "newbies." It has been so helpful to read your blogs and see the awesome ways you all run your classrooms.

So, it's kinda slow around here now that we're into our summer break. I've spent the last couple of evenings updating information and applying for jobs at all of the "local" school districts. When I say local, meaning within a 30 mile radius. Most of the districts are busy placing their internal applicants and surplus teachers, so I am telling myself I probably won't be hearing back until late June, early July, or even as late as August. I am really trying to stay positive and I believe I'll get the call soon. This is truly a test of my patience, as I am the most impatient person I know!

In the meantime, I've been one of those geeky first-year teachers that sit around making wish lists of classroom supplies and drawing out my ideal classroom setting, even down to designing my bulletin boards. I have a laundry list of things I "think" I need all itemized by store and by item number. Once I know where I'll be teaching and what grade, I'll probably thin the list out a bit.

I don't know if I've mentioned, I am also a student. I am about nine months away from getting my Masters in Education. I am specializing in Educational Technology Leadership. It's been stressful, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to complete my masters in 18 months. It was well worth the time and investment. Right now, I am studying Assistive Technology and how technology supports the learning of students with special needs. I would love to hear from other teachers who have experience with students who require AT - anything from wheelchairs to hearing aids, to special computer software or equipment. Do you find teaching students requiring AT a challenge or does it fit right in with your lesson design? Thanks for your input!

I did it!! AGAIN!!!

In my psychotic quest to ensure I get hired this coming school year, I went and took the TEXES 111 Exam. That is the Generalist 4-8 exam. That means I can now teach elementary AND middle school! I am doing everything I can to make myself marketable among the thousands of other teachers looking for a classroom to call home next year. The funny thing is; I registered for the exam over a month ago and took it on May 29 (my birthday, incidentally). I figured it would give me plenty of time to go over the study guide and brush up on the stuff I haven't done in years like (GASP!!) Algebra! Epic FAIL! I walked into the exam room with absolutely NO study time under my belt and still walked out with a passing score. YAY for me!

I'm not quite sure what I want to teach yet. I just want to teach. I hate that it has taken me so long to get to where I am now and I am really eager to not waste any more time. School has only been out for a week for the summer and I already miss it. Don't get me wrong, I love my summer vacation, but I am just really excited to find a job and start my career.

I'm such a geek! I already have a box in my closet full of things I've started collecting for my classroom - storage containers, library books, desk accessories, etc. I've even started sewing pillows for my reading corner. I have all these crazy ideas for my ideal classroom. I can't wait to make my ideal a reality.

My first real purchase as a teacher... My Erin Condren teacher planner. I told my husband instead of flowers for Mother's Day, I wanted THIS! I figured it cost about the same! :)