wayward son, carry on
Ok kids. So I didn't get the job. However, I am damn well proud of myself.
I don't care who you are, but going in front of 11 people and being questioned is a nerve wracking experience. This is the usual drill for being hired as a teacher- the majority of the school board has to have their say in who comes to work for them. I had never been through this type of interview before. Being hired at Wenatchee was so last minute because of the accident, and when they flew me out and interviewed me on a Sunday is was just with four people. So I had no idea what to expect this time, especially from myself.
When I arrived at 5:45, the superintendent (Peggy) came out and said the board chair had yet to arrive... stuck in traffic. So I had another agonizing 15 minute wait ahead of me and spent it walking around the school and checking out classrooms. It was an older building, but was full of life. Small of course, and located in sort of a residential area with lots of trees. I met the principal, a nice older lady named June who seemed to be someone you'd want to work for. Finally Peggy came and told me they were ready. They were all gathered in the library, seated at a long L shaped table. I sat on the end by Peggy. I was very nervous, but I think because of that I made a conscious effort to not seem so. Firstly they asked to tell a little about myself, and on it went with questions for about a half hour. GUYS. I can't even describe to you how awesome I felt it went. Things were so comfortable, and the answers just came to me, even the ones I hadn't planned for. There was laughter, joking, and even side conversations that turned the air from a interviewing session to just 12 people conversing over dinner. I had such a great time. They went crazy over the fact that I play basketball, and one guy even commented on how much he liked my personality and that he just felt like right now he was in such a pleasant classroom environment. <3 <3 <3 You could just tell how down to earth and personable these people were, and I liked that. Because it is a smaller school, you could get the feeling that it was a family atmosphere. So, the time flew and before I knew it, their questioning was done, I had asked all my questions, and that was that. Peggy walked me out to my car and told me what an awesome job I had done, and that she thought they may go for me. I had a pretty big high the rest of the night.
So then I get the call from Peggy that same night, telling me that they had gone with someone else. I knew they had been wanting someone with experience, and in this phone call I now understood why. I guess in this upcoming class there are some students with special needs, and that along with teaching a combo grade is a demanding challenge. Putting that on someone just starting out in their teaching career would be overwhelming, and so I completely understand their decision, and am almost thankful for it. However, Peggy also told me that even though I wasn't chosen for this position, they loved me, and if they had had a lower grade position open would have hired me on the spot. The board chair also made the comment that he couldn't believe how new I was to this, because I seemed a lot older in my years, very poised and prepared. The fact that I made this type of impression just feels incredible. The K-1 teacher at the school has said next year is his last, and they want me to consider staying open for that in a years time. Who knows. But wow, it just felt so good to have that kind of response.
An odd way to receive a confidence boost, but it happened. I continue to trust that God is leading, and McMinnville just wasn't right, at least not now. But I can be thankful that He was with me through that experience. And though I'm not coming out of it with a job, I'm still leaving with a smile.
And I arrived just in time for eppy 100. OYLMPIC GOLD. I can basically refer you to caithream 's reaction post, because her thoughts = my thoughts. But OOOoooooh Sam. What a turn around my brother. I love it that you became the rock, and didn't take any Dean's nonsense. And this scene in the panic room... there were NOISES NOISES NOISES.
Time to clean the car, and then do nothing. Yes. Sounds delightful.