Rejection 101

I was declined a parapro position at a local school district. I interviewed for it and everything. It's a bummer, but my boyfriend and some of the teachers I talk to a lot have made me feel better about it. With their help, I was able to formulate a pretty effective affirmation to help me handle rejection:

[to self] "So you didn't get the job you applied for. Here's the thing: maybe you were not meant to have it. There is something else out there that is waiting for you, and you'll know when you get there. Make the most of your experience and reflect on what you could have done better, during the interview and otherwise. Don't take it personal."

I'm so anxious to start teaching or working in a school setting. I'm anxious to find out what my life will lead to. But if I knew everything that was going to happen, it would be a pretty boring life. So I'm doing my best to view my situation positively and keep on learning as much as possible. There are a million books to be read and units to plan. If I keep myself busy, things will happen on their own.

Wow. I've been away too long.

I definitely need to be better about keeping up this blog. In a nutshell, here's what I've been doing the last few months:

1. subbing.
2. serving.

I actually had to cut back hours at the restaurant so I can have more time to accomplish other things, such as filling out job applications and maybe allowing myself to start a new creative project.

I've been doing a lot of subbing at one particular elementary school in Ann Arbor. I worked for the first two weeks as a "starter parapro" of sorts, working in the special ed resource room. Most of the students in that room are Autism Spectrum Impaired. Their teacher is amazingly dedicated, and I've enjoyed the work more than I thought I would. I've been subbing at the school often because other teachers have asked me to sub for them as well, mostly because I'm familiar with the students now. They even used me as a "roaming sub" today, so I was able to meet some of the older students.

I've learned a lot in the past month, even though I'm not certified in elementary ed. I figure it doesn't hurt to expose myself to different age groups. It helps me understand where my students are coming from when they get to me.

I'm still unsure about my next step. Washtenaw County is an excellent area to learn how to become an educator. But I don't feel willing to committ to a life here. I've also got my boyfriend to consider. And grad school/post-bach stuff. Hopefully, I'll figure it out soon.

Speech! Speech!

During my years of learning how to teach, I've definitely underestimated the importance of having speech-giving skills. One of the best ways to get students interested in the information you're trying to deliver is by captivating their attention. Now, I've already decided that I don't want to be the kind of teacher who just stands in the front of the class and talks; that would be the most boring ELA class ever, if you think about it. But once in a while, every teacher has to give a run-down of important information that is best and most efficiently done with a lecture.

On one of my last library trips, I picked up a book called How to Write and Give a Speech, by Joan Detz. Perhaps I'll learn a thing or two.

Degree? Check.
Certification? Check.
Resume and references? Check.

Next steps: Register for job fairs, network, assemble portfolio, send out resume.

Summer

I've been working at Bob Evans all summer, finding my little niche in the culture of the "day-shift" women, a crowd of mothers and wives who take their tip money very seriously. I am so grateful for this job, but I'm counting down the days that I can get back into the schools.

In my last entry, I talked about the restlessness I felt working as a substitute teacher. But you don't know what you have until it's gone, of course. I can't wait to be back in classrooms, talking to young people, watching tenured/expert teachers, putting my face out there for all to see, and getting compliments on my willingness to work. I can't wait to hear all the district happenings and hear the teachers complain about their jobs (they have no idea how jealous I am!).

I'm going to be so much more adamant about finding subbing jobs and being prepared to be called in every day. I also got some advice from a substitute that I worked with often during student teaching: he said to give your resume and a cover letter to each school and district that I want to work with about taking any permanent sub positions available. This is going to be my goal for August.