So let me tell you a story...
If you've been following me on Facebook, you know that there have been big changes afoot. I talked a little about the job interview I got the call for just before Thanksgiving. I went last Thursday night, and it was an odd sort of affair. Instead of a one-on-one interview, this was going to be by committee. I knew that, but imagined more of a panel. Instead, there were six tables set up around the gym, and one or two people at each table. I got to spend five minutes at each 'station', answering the two pre-selected questions at each before moving on to the next.
Yes, it was exactly like you'd imagine speed dating.
Now, this school was interviewing for both a part-time Art teacher as well as the part-time Librarian. South Harrison Elementary is a really, REALLY small school, with only 300 students in grades K-6. In the elementary school where I long-term subbed in the library, there were 600 students, PK-4. There is only one person retiring from this school, but she teaches both Art (3 days) and Library (2 days). Each special area class is only three days a week, as far as I can figure it. So the lady retiring taught Art three days and Library two, and the Computer teacher teaches Computers three days and covers the extra library day too.
There were ten candidates for the Art job, and they went in two groups of five, before the Librarian candidates, of which there were two - me and another lady. The woman was very nice, and subs in the school there, but she has a Master's in Reading and not Library Science.
The interview process does sound strange, but it was surprisingly easy and not stressful. I had good answers for all of their questions, and based on their body language and expression, I had the 'right' answers too. And after all that stressing out over making a portfolio, I didn't think I would have time to show it, but I did get to show it off to a couple of people. I left feeling very confident
And I got the job.
I mean, I still have to be approved by the board, but all but one board member was ON the committee I interviewed with, so I think it's more of a formality. Two days a week is, for my life, a pretty good deal. Steady hours, 14 classes a week, covering all grade levels, leaving me three days a week to write lesson plans for 7 grade levels and keep up with grad school and maybe even get in some quality writing time again. In theory I can still sub those other three days, but we'll just see how it goes. It's quite possibly the perfect job for me now. Two days a week of teacher's pay is good for my pocketbook too, but best of all I get to be in the library. I can't wait to start, the end of January, so excited to be surrounded by books and make a difference in how kids think about reading.
I've been in contact with the County Superintendent's office, so we can get the paperwork on my Emergency School Media Specialist Certificate processed. Squee!!!
Yes, it was exactly like you'd imagine speed dating.
Now, this school was interviewing for both a part-time Art teacher as well as the part-time Librarian. South Harrison Elementary is a really, REALLY small school, with only 300 students in grades K-6. In the elementary school where I long-term subbed in the library, there were 600 students, PK-4. There is only one person retiring from this school, but she teaches both Art (3 days) and Library (2 days). Each special area class is only three days a week, as far as I can figure it. So the lady retiring taught Art three days and Library two, and the Computer teacher teaches Computers three days and covers the extra library day too.
There were ten candidates for the Art job, and they went in two groups of five, before the Librarian candidates, of which there were two - me and another lady. The woman was very nice, and subs in the school there, but she has a Master's in Reading and not Library Science.
The interview process does sound strange, but it was surprisingly easy and not stressful. I had good answers for all of their questions, and based on their body language and expression, I had the 'right' answers too. And after all that stressing out over making a portfolio, I didn't think I would have time to show it, but I did get to show it off to a couple of people. I left feeling very confident
And I got the job.
I mean, I still have to be approved by the board, but all but one board member was ON the committee I interviewed with, so I think it's more of a formality. Two days a week is, for my life, a pretty good deal. Steady hours, 14 classes a week, covering all grade levels, leaving me three days a week to write lesson plans for 7 grade levels and keep up with grad school and maybe even get in some quality writing time again. In theory I can still sub those other three days, but we'll just see how it goes. It's quite possibly the perfect job for me now. Two days a week of teacher's pay is good for my pocketbook too, but best of all I get to be in the library. I can't wait to start, the end of January, so excited to be surrounded by books and make a difference in how kids think about reading.
I've been in contact with the County Superintendent's office, so we can get the paperwork on my Emergency School Media Specialist Certificate processed. Squee!!!