The job search begins

Around this time last year, I was applying to teaching jobs. I was open-minded, excited, and maybe a little naive in my expectations. Now, a year later, I am back to the drawing board applying for jobs again. This year, I have an extra year of experience under my belt with figuring out the education system and knowing my strengths. 

This allows me to narrow down my search to what I feel called to do. I am looking for a job in special education that could be either part-time or full-time (part-time is actually preferred so I can take some classes). I am back on schoolspring (a website specifically designed for educators applying for jobs) and have amped up my resume to send to schools. Once again, I am open-minded, excited, and hopefully a little less naive in my expectations. I am also hopeful for this next chapter in my life and career. Pray that God would provide a job for me next year that would be a better fit for me and allow me to be closer to family and friends.

Blessing in Disguise

Today my principal and I met and mutually decided that teaching 5th grade was not a perfect fit for me. It has been a very difficult year, but I have learned a lot about my strengths, my weaknesses, and about education in general. For a few months now, I have been thinking a lot about the future (if you read my last post about living in the moments, sorry for the irony of following it with this). Back in February, I decided that I was going to move back to New Jersey, get a job in special education, be closer to Wes, and take some pre-requisites for grad school (maybe in Speech Pathology).  Today I was able to discuss this with my principal, and both of us are excited about the prospects for my future. I now realize that my strengths are working with small groups and I tend to have more patience with special needs students than with highly capable students, who don't apply themselves. Even though not working at my school next year means that one door is closing, I know another will open. I feel a sense of relief knowing that I can just enjoy the last 3 months of school with my class, and start afresh next year.