(no subject)
I've been getting the run around from the school system all summer. It seems there's a shortage of middle school teachers, and I lack my 7-8 certification. I've been all but promised a job if I had a 7-8 certification, but since I don't, I'd have to wait and see what happens when school starts- if there's an opening, perhaps an overcrowded Kindergarten, I might have a job. (In my system alone, there were 60 student teachers, and I can name 10 people who are already certified and looking.) Oh, and I did I mention that the old Superintendent left the budget with a 1.6 million dollar deficit and two new schools to open? And that they're cutting jobs left and right, as the county doesn't see fit to help the new superintendent balance the budget?
So, a few weeks ago I realized how bleak my situation was. I'm about to run out of savings, which means I have nothing to support my income once school starts. I started applying for everything I could find- mostly secreterial and clerical positions, hoping for $10 per hour and benefits. So, when I recieved an interview for a Admissions clerk for an alcohol/drug treatment facility, I went. Before I left, I prayed that God would either make it an offer I can't refuse ( good salary and health insurance) or make it so paltry that I had no choice but to turn it down.
When I went into to interview, the guy said he was curious to meet me and asked why I had quit teaching. I explained the situation and told him I was looking for something to help me make ends meet and there was an abundance of teachers in the area. He understood the "good 'ol boy" network I was running up against and turns out we were both raised in Indiana. Then he offered me a job as a teacher's assistant in his classroom- 15 court ordered 13-18 year olds. He already has a Special Ed teacher, as required by the state, but he was looking for someone to help her out. I told him if I was going back in the classroom, I was going as a teacher, and he said that was fine. He's a personable ex-Marine who seems to get respect from the kids and runs a fairly tight ship, so I feel pretty comfortable. He offered me health insurance, and negotiated a compatable salary for me. (which wass about $5,000 less than average starting salary for a teacher around here.) Now, remember, I walked in the door for a clerical position...