Temporary job change. Sort of.
So, you probably know that I substitute teach at both the elementary and middle school in our area. Both schools know I make a great sub for the librarians, as I'm fully versed in the computer system they use, and know perfectly well how to check books in, out, shelve them, find them, repair them, cover them, correct mistakes in how books are categorized, etc. I'm completely familiar with just about all the elementary library lessons and can do reasonably well on the middle school lessons. Not that there haven't been other subs taking those positions since I moved here, but still - I like doing it and I'm good at it.
I found out yesterday that the middle school librarian is having a double mastectomy this coming Monday for early-stage bilateral cancer, and will be out for a month. I was asked if I wanted the job. The one potential hiccup is that, contrary to the official job posting, I have neither an NJ teaching certificate nor an MLS. (Teaching certificate not required for short-term subs.) This is kind of pushing the boundaries of "short term" - in PA it was pretty firmly set at 2 weeks for a single job - so it had to be discussed and cleared with the principal and superintendent first, but apparently they've decided it's ok since I've got a LOT of experience and also recognizing that by the time someone Officially Qualified finally responded and got clearances, half the time period might be gone already. So, anyway, to make a long story short (too late!): I start Monday. Not sure I'll be paid any better, given that I don't have the "official" requirements, but at least I won't be paid any worse. :-P
I had to break the news to the elementary secretary that I could no longer do a particular job next week, nor would I be available at all until after Easter - yeah, she's not delighted about that. And although my elem librarian gave her blessing for me to take this job, I feel horrible that I will not really be able to help her for a month, except occasionally swinging by after the middle school gets out for the day, and doing a quick 30 min speed-shelving or something.
So, on the one hand, it'll be weird to have a single assignment for a month. On the other hand, it's still the same "job" - substituting.
I'm debating pursuing a proper NJ teacher certification or MLS over the next couple of years, with an eye for what kind of job I might want after the kids are gone. I do NOT want to be a regular F/T teacher, but if it made it easier to place me for sub jobs, maybe the certification might be useful. Or maybe I'd just become a librarian? Or maybe I'll just keep chugging along like I've been doing.
I found out yesterday that the middle school librarian is having a double mastectomy this coming Monday for early-stage bilateral cancer, and will be out for a month. I was asked if I wanted the job. The one potential hiccup is that, contrary to the official job posting, I have neither an NJ teaching certificate nor an MLS. (Teaching certificate not required for short-term subs.) This is kind of pushing the boundaries of "short term" - in PA it was pretty firmly set at 2 weeks for a single job - so it had to be discussed and cleared with the principal and superintendent first, but apparently they've decided it's ok since I've got a LOT of experience and also recognizing that by the time someone Officially Qualified finally responded and got clearances, half the time period might be gone already. So, anyway, to make a long story short (too late!): I start Monday. Not sure I'll be paid any better, given that I don't have the "official" requirements, but at least I won't be paid any worse. :-P
I had to break the news to the elementary secretary that I could no longer do a particular job next week, nor would I be available at all until after Easter - yeah, she's not delighted about that. And although my elem librarian gave her blessing for me to take this job, I feel horrible that I will not really be able to help her for a month, except occasionally swinging by after the middle school gets out for the day, and doing a quick 30 min speed-shelving or something.
So, on the one hand, it'll be weird to have a single assignment for a month. On the other hand, it's still the same "job" - substituting.
I'm debating pursuing a proper NJ teacher certification or MLS over the next couple of years, with an eye for what kind of job I might want after the kids are gone. I do NOT want to be a regular F/T teacher, but if it made it easier to place me for sub jobs, maybe the certification might be useful. Or maybe I'd just become a librarian? Or maybe I'll just keep chugging along like I've been doing.