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!