WILDCATS!
This is how the job went down . . .
We had a job fair two weeks ago. I knew Portland was going to be there. They were the only school district in this area that was advertised that they were attending the job fair. Soooo . . . the weekend before the job fair, I got on the internet, and saw what positions they had open, and I applied. Then, at the job fair I went ready with a cover letter, my resume, two letters of recommendation, and a speech. he-he Somehow though, it all paid off. The Assistant Superintendent was the one at the job fair who heard my 'speech.' I told her how I didn't have much experience, but she would never find anyone who wants to be, who is more enthusiastic, about entering a classroom. She promptly told me that no matter how much enthusiasm I had, if I didn't know the curriculum it wouldn't matter (tough lady--kind of reminded me of my Dad, tell it like it is). So, of course I had to tell her how math is my best subject, and I was chosen to attend the NASA Johnson Space Center Pre-Service Teacher Institute. :) Anyway, I felt like I held my own, even though she was pretty tough on me.
This past Monday I received a call from Gregory-Portland ISD. They wanted to interview me for the position of math teacher at the Intermediate School. My interview was Wednesday morning. I first interviewed with the Assistant Superintendent (the same lady from the job fair). I was so nervous entering her office, but she soon put me at ease with her opinion of me. She said that I was the reason she went to the job fair that day--the "star" of the job fair. :) I don't know how I impressed her so much, but I'll take it. :) he-he She knew my two hurdles would be that I had little experience with that age group, and I was not a math major. She told me I would be going up against people who majored in math. When I answered a question a certain way, she would tell me to say that in my next interview, because no matter how much she wanted me to get the job, it would be up to the principal. I then headed to the Intermediate School to interview with Principal Villa and two math teachers. With the preparation of Ms. Czerwinski, I think I handled it pretty well, and I felt very optimistic.
Friday during my lunch period, the secretary at Ella Barnes came in and told me that Ms. Czerwinski was calling. I was having lunch with my first graders, so I was unable to take it at the time. But, as soon as I could, I called her back. She asked me if I wanted to be a wildcat, and informed me that my enthusiasm had paid off. :) My first response was to cry. I called Josh, told him I got the job, and then tried to compose myself, so I could go back to my first graders. I stopped by Cameron's class to let her know too. I KNOW I am so lucky to be able to be in the classroom right now--halfway through the school year (a teacher is retiring), and during this teaching economy--there aren't many jobs out there with school budget cuts and everything. I feel so blessed by my Father in heaven. :)
So, today right after I signed my contract, I was able to go and 'see' my classroom!! :) I can't wait to go in there and put up some NASA stuff (and take down that Obama picture above the chalkboard). :)
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