And I'd *heart* it more if I were actually doing more of it! :( Sadly my student has been absent ALL WEEK! I found out quickly what happens to Kels when her student is absent... I don't get used elsewhere in the Spec. Ed. Dept.... oh no... I don't even help out the teacher I work with regularly... I help out in the front office and all over campus! lol Monday and Tuesday were spent sorting recycling papers and shredding things that had students names on them. THEN today I got a change of pace and I was using student pictures to update their files with their picture from this school year. I finished K-3rd grade (and considering my student apparently won't return to school until Friday... just in time for Halloween...) I'll be finishing out the files and then filing them in their proper place.
On a serious note, I have to say that everyone I've met so far are the nicest people I think I've ever worked with! We have a lot of laughs with each other... and I love shocking the two ladies that greet everyone on their way into school in the mornings by standing outside in my short sleeved shirt(s) and enjoying the cool mornings... apparently, they're both admittedly very whimpy when it comes to cold weather... I'm usually okay if I have a good cup of coffee in my hand! ;-)
Well, I have to go now... the 3rd grade team is dressing up like Skittles for Halloween Friday... so I need to go paint a white "S" on my lime green t-shirt! :-)
Showing posts with label job. Show all posts
Showing posts with label job. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Good day
My first day was a good one! Thankfully the gal that's been subbing to fill my position for the past 2 weeks was there today to walk me through my day with my student. He sure is a witty little booger! He's very smart... I think he has just gotten off easy as far as not being pushed to complete work... and he's not used to that (which will definitely change with me...! He won't be a quitter on my watch!). SO... highlight of my day..? I helped get him to complete his spelling test... AND, a funny moment at the end of the day:
We were playing a game with these oversized foam die... and at one point he said, "Come on dice! B needs a new pair of shoes!" LOL I about died laughing.... this was a great point in the day because it helped me to realize that he's really smart... I mean, he knew exactly what context to use a joking phrase like that! It gives me a lot of hope. After I was done for the day I ran over to the local education shop and picked up some stickers and some small incentive charts... I'm figuring he should be able to complete a chart a week (given he finishes his assignments and does well for the day) and then perhaps I'll have something to reward him with on Fridays. I've mulled over the idea that if he completes his spelling tests on Fridays I'll eat lunch with him that day... I haven't really thought too much about what sort of "rewards" he'd get on Fridays for completing assignments and doing well during the days during the week.
Anyhow, I'm super excited about how things went today and look forward to the rest of the year... it sure would be great if I had some work space in the classroom, tho... like just a small desk/table or something. I may have to see if I can talk to the teacher and see if she would mind or if it's possible.
We were playing a game with these oversized foam die... and at one point he said, "Come on dice! B needs a new pair of shoes!" LOL I about died laughing.... this was a great point in the day because it helped me to realize that he's really smart... I mean, he knew exactly what context to use a joking phrase like that! It gives me a lot of hope. After I was done for the day I ran over to the local education shop and picked up some stickers and some small incentive charts... I'm figuring he should be able to complete a chart a week (given he finishes his assignments and does well for the day) and then perhaps I'll have something to reward him with on Fridays. I've mulled over the idea that if he completes his spelling tests on Fridays I'll eat lunch with him that day... I haven't really thought too much about what sort of "rewards" he'd get on Fridays for completing assignments and doing well during the days during the week.
Anyhow, I'm super excited about how things went today and look forward to the rest of the year... it sure would be great if I had some work space in the classroom, tho... like just a small desk/table or something. I may have to see if I can talk to the teacher and see if she would mind or if it's possible.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I had an interview today...
I haven't really been freely throwing around the information that I had an interview lined up for today (until last night) because... well... frankly I've been there before and things didn't go well. I don't want people's pity. But, anyhow... I went today for an interview at an elementary school for a Special Education Asst. position (this isn't the interview possibility I previously posted on... I haven't ever heard anything back and after some research I strongly suspect it was a spam effort from a job search site! So beware... thankfully I haven't gotten any extra spam and neither have my references... and I didn't ever input any personal info of mine or theirs... so I think it was just a way to give the advertisers on their site more names for a list!)...
I learned in my interview that I would be working with one kiddo... a 3rd grade boy. He's in a wheelchair but making transitions to using a walker/walking on his own. He's about a year and a half below grade level.... so I would be mostly just getting him motivated to work hard and try and close that gap and providing him assistance around campus and such when needed (or when he needs to get a move on it and get back to class from recess, etc.!). I'm excited at the opportunity to see and learn another facet of the special education system. The only one I'm truly familiar with is the kiddos with learning disabilities that need extra help on classwork... but in this scenario, I'll get to learn the more physical disabled services aspect of things. I'm really excited because I did get a call back after I left the campus this afternoon from the Asst. Principal asking for my social so that she could recommend me to HR and have things cleared... so I'm assuming that it's an unofficial job offer.
I really think this will be great because it will give me a chance to get some experience, and I'm totally psyched that I'll be focusing all my energy on ONE KID and helping him out!!!! Teachers don't often get that chance... and I'm really glad that I will have the opportunity to harness all my energies toward helping one kid grow by leaps and bounds! I may never have this opportunity again... I'm also glad that I will be working side-by-side with a classroom teacher... it's going to be like student teaching all over again (which was a GREAT experience!) because she seems a lot like me... laid back, yet goal oriented and focused on reaching goals (she doesn't seem to be the type that stresses over little issues... like behavioral infractions... and I also after meeting with the AP and teacher really get a vibe that the campus is a very close-knit family and very supportive and helpful (which will be great in this job opportunity! I'll need all the support I can get!) WISH ME LUCK!
************UPDATE********************
I got the job...! I have orientation on Thursday and start on campus on Friday... and I'll get my first paycheck Nov. 15th!!! WOOHOO! I'm excited!
I learned in my interview that I would be working with one kiddo... a 3rd grade boy. He's in a wheelchair but making transitions to using a walker/walking on his own. He's about a year and a half below grade level.... so I would be mostly just getting him motivated to work hard and try and close that gap and providing him assistance around campus and such when needed (or when he needs to get a move on it and get back to class from recess, etc.!). I'm excited at the opportunity to see and learn another facet of the special education system. The only one I'm truly familiar with is the kiddos with learning disabilities that need extra help on classwork... but in this scenario, I'll get to learn the more physical disabled services aspect of things. I'm really excited because I did get a call back after I left the campus this afternoon from the Asst. Principal asking for my social so that she could recommend me to HR and have things cleared... so I'm assuming that it's an unofficial job offer.
I really think this will be great because it will give me a chance to get some experience, and I'm totally psyched that I'll be focusing all my energy on ONE KID and helping him out!!!! Teachers don't often get that chance... and I'm really glad that I will have the opportunity to harness all my energies toward helping one kid grow by leaps and bounds! I may never have this opportunity again... I'm also glad that I will be working side-by-side with a classroom teacher... it's going to be like student teaching all over again (which was a GREAT experience!) because she seems a lot like me... laid back, yet goal oriented and focused on reaching goals (she doesn't seem to be the type that stresses over little issues... like behavioral infractions... and I also after meeting with the AP and teacher really get a vibe that the campus is a very close-knit family and very supportive and helpful (which will be great in this job opportunity! I'll need all the support I can get!) WISH ME LUCK!
************UPDATE********************
I got the job...! I have orientation on Thursday and start on campus on Friday... and I'll get my first paycheck Nov. 15th!!! WOOHOO! I'm excited!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
A random thought...
Last night I was watching an episode of Food Network's "Unwrapped." Now, sometimes I don't like to watch this show... it's like the reaction I had in middle school when a teacher said something about taking the group on a tour of McDonald's... and I knew I could NEVER again eat at any place other than my kitchen if I saw what went on. It's the same way I'm convinced if I got a look behind the kitchen doors of Jack in the Box I would discover that the meat in the tacos is really the scrapings of the grill.
But last night's episode was okay because it was factory stuff (like normal). Anyhow, they talked about Vlasik and their process of making the little snack-mmms pickles. I love pickles... so I was watching the portion with my mom. There was a part where the pickles had been through a rinse and then they were on this belt that was shaking them... it looked like they were being fried... or like they were Mexican Jumping Beans or something... and I exclaimed to my mom (after a REALLY good laugh!) "I wouldn't mind if for one day in my life, I could be a pickle going through the pickle plant and hopping around on that belt all day! It looks like a REALLY FUN RIDE!" My mom just looked at me and was laughing so hard that she could hardly catch her breath.
I guess the stress of life and trying to get things in order has made this 27 year old really come to appreciate the simple things! lol On the upside of anger and stress, I discovered a job posting on one of those job search sites for a teacher assistant in a private school system and the pay starts at $15/hr... and I'm TOTALLY OKAY with that kind of pay... because it's like the pay I'd have as a part-time teacher. So I am now being considered for an interview... I'm hoping it works out because I'll make a decent living and I can use that as "teaching experience," to help me when I update all my applications for next school year. And from the sounds of it, I'd be given a lot of opportunity to take initiative and take charge... I'd get ample opportunities to interact with parents (which will be very beneficial to me in the future... moreso than subbing was) and it's right here in my hometown which means I don't have to move away. Plus, the benefits seem good... health/medical, 401k, paid time off. I may even come to like it a lot! So, start crossing legs, feet, fingers, and toes again! lol
But last night's episode was okay because it was factory stuff (like normal). Anyhow, they talked about Vlasik and their process of making the little snack-mmms pickles. I love pickles... so I was watching the portion with my mom. There was a part where the pickles had been through a rinse and then they were on this belt that was shaking them... it looked like they were being fried... or like they were Mexican Jumping Beans or something... and I exclaimed to my mom (after a REALLY good laugh!) "I wouldn't mind if for one day in my life, I could be a pickle going through the pickle plant and hopping around on that belt all day! It looks like a REALLY FUN RIDE!" My mom just looked at me and was laughing so hard that she could hardly catch her breath.
I guess the stress of life and trying to get things in order has made this 27 year old really come to appreciate the simple things! lol On the upside of anger and stress, I discovered a job posting on one of those job search sites for a teacher assistant in a private school system and the pay starts at $15/hr... and I'm TOTALLY OKAY with that kind of pay... because it's like the pay I'd have as a part-time teacher. So I am now being considered for an interview... I'm hoping it works out because I'll make a decent living and I can use that as "teaching experience," to help me when I update all my applications for next school year. And from the sounds of it, I'd be given a lot of opportunity to take initiative and take charge... I'd get ample opportunities to interact with parents (which will be very beneficial to me in the future... moreso than subbing was) and it's right here in my hometown which means I don't have to move away. Plus, the benefits seem good... health/medical, 401k, paid time off. I may even come to like it a lot! So, start crossing legs, feet, fingers, and toes again! lol
Monday, September 15, 2008
Everyone is A-okay!
Well, this crazy storm sure did cause a lot of problems for people here! Thankfully my brother/SIL/nephew who live in the Houston area were fine. They stayed at home... no real damage... just a hole in the roof (and subsequently a leak) due to the fact that my brother thought an old satellite dish up there wouldn't cause any problems... he was of course wrong about that! lol But that's really the only damage they suffered along with their little puny tree in the front yard uprooting and laying down in the yard (it was only like, 5 feet tall).
Yesterday both my parents and the gang from Houston wasted a day meeting in Sealy so that my brother could get a generator from my Dad because they had no power at home due to the storm. Well, by the time my brother/SIL/nephew got back home, they discovered the power had come back on... and through talking with a neighbor... it happened about 10 minutes before they arrived back at home! lol So, all the effort was for nothing! Anyhow, I imagine my brother may be working from home b/c I doubt he can get into Houston/downtown Houston to the office due to flooded roads and/or debris. But it is good to know that they are all safe... and also that they'll have no issue (other than possibly lack of fuel) to get here to San Antonio this coming weekend. My brother is participating in a golf tournament here in town that my Dad is putting on (he has been in charge of this tournament for the past 4-5 years, and will continue to do so until he retires, I imagine).
In other news, I got a reassuring email today from the NISD... basically my application is being pushed to the forefront of the list or something due to my certification area and a need for people...? Anyhow, I hope this brings good news to follow... I have to run a few documents over to them tomorrow (I don't trust snail mail for documents like my transcripts/resume/etc.)... so, keep me in thoughts/prayers and cross all crossable appendages!
Yesterday both my parents and the gang from Houston wasted a day meeting in Sealy so that my brother could get a generator from my Dad because they had no power at home due to the storm. Well, by the time my brother/SIL/nephew got back home, they discovered the power had come back on... and through talking with a neighbor... it happened about 10 minutes before they arrived back at home! lol So, all the effort was for nothing! Anyhow, I imagine my brother may be working from home b/c I doubt he can get into Houston/downtown Houston to the office due to flooded roads and/or debris. But it is good to know that they are all safe... and also that they'll have no issue (other than possibly lack of fuel) to get here to San Antonio this coming weekend. My brother is participating in a golf tournament here in town that my Dad is putting on (he has been in charge of this tournament for the past 4-5 years, and will continue to do so until he retires, I imagine).
In other news, I got a reassuring email today from the NISD... basically my application is being pushed to the forefront of the list or something due to my certification area and a need for people...? Anyhow, I hope this brings good news to follow... I have to run a few documents over to them tomorrow (I don't trust snail mail for documents like my transcripts/resume/etc.)... so, keep me in thoughts/prayers and cross all crossable appendages!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Keepin' Busy
I've been keeping busy lately. Last week my parents left for Washington DC. My Dad was going to the NFCA (National Fraternal Congress of America) convention there. My mom went along (as per usual) and they didn't return until last night. So, I tried keeping myself as busy as possible in their absence.
A large part of my everyday routine right now, because I don't yet have a teaching job, is to search on all the area school district job posting bulletins for availabilities and proceed to email anyone I am to contact regarding the position posted. I've also been trying to contact and update information with various HR depts. In the rest of the time that I'm not doing that, I'm trying to do things that de-stress me. I think not having a job is 100 times more stressful than it will ever be for me to have a classroom. I'm trying to stay extremely optimistic about things... I know that the school districts I've worked with before will not give an okay to their schools to hire more people to take care of extra registration until around the end of Sept. I'm just hoping that someone will finally take a chance on me. If they don't, then I maintain that I will take on a teacher's assistant position because apparently I can count that as "teaching experience." I wish the HR dept would have told me that 2 years ago, because then I would most likely have a job by now. Oh well, I know that everything happens for a reason... and had I done the TA thing 2 years ago, I wouldn't have ever met the teachers in the second school district that I subbed for... and thus wouldn't have had even more references to aid in my search.
Other than that, all is well, and nothing is really going on. I'm hoping to have dinner with Wolf and Jamey this week sometime... and other than that I'm sure I'll be spending time with Daughn and Damian. Until the next post...
Peace, Love, Happiness
Kels
A large part of my everyday routine right now, because I don't yet have a teaching job, is to search on all the area school district job posting bulletins for availabilities and proceed to email anyone I am to contact regarding the position posted. I've also been trying to contact and update information with various HR depts. In the rest of the time that I'm not doing that, I'm trying to do things that de-stress me. I think not having a job is 100 times more stressful than it will ever be for me to have a classroom. I'm trying to stay extremely optimistic about things... I know that the school districts I've worked with before will not give an okay to their schools to hire more people to take care of extra registration until around the end of Sept. I'm just hoping that someone will finally take a chance on me. If they don't, then I maintain that I will take on a teacher's assistant position because apparently I can count that as "teaching experience." I wish the HR dept would have told me that 2 years ago, because then I would most likely have a job by now. Oh well, I know that everything happens for a reason... and had I done the TA thing 2 years ago, I wouldn't have ever met the teachers in the second school district that I subbed for... and thus wouldn't have had even more references to aid in my search.
Other than that, all is well, and nothing is really going on. I'm hoping to have dinner with Wolf and Jamey this week sometime... and other than that I'm sure I'll be spending time with Daughn and Damian. Until the next post...
Peace, Love, Happiness
Kels
Friday, August 29, 2008
Throwing around an idea...
Ya know... last night as I laid in bed attempting to fall asleep, I had this thought that kept creeping into my head. The school district that I'm a product of (the same one that the HR dept. advertises "Prefers to hire back their graduates") has continually screwed me... for 3 school years straight.
I don't know if I've elaborated much on this... but for as long as I've been in contact with the HR dept. they have always said they prefer to hire back products of the district as teachers. Now, when I was student teaching I thought the concept of this was GREAT!!! I figured it'd be no issue to get a job. And of course we all know how horribly wrong I was to ever think it would be easy to get a teaching job. Unfortunately, I have had the horrible misfortune to come across several people FINALLY getting their first teaching jobs in my "home" district. 3 cases, to be exact. One was a girl I student taught with (she student taught on the same campus, different grade level) and she fell into a position in my home district... she graduated from a school in Austin, TX... Not my home district, let alone... not San Antonio, TX... okay, fine whatever.... Flashforward to after I killed myself testing and adding another certification to help my chances of getting a job.... and then immediately following that, having ongoing correspondance with the HR dept. heads having them assure me that they'll get my name out there to schools and try and help me as much as humanly possible regarding openings for the spring semester last school year.... and then in the second week back from the holiday break, there's a brand-spankin' new teacher starting out with her classroom... Same boat as me experience-wise... equally, if not less experience in classroom settings (by way of substituting) and she lands this job... even after my constant correspondance with HR... and I found out through conversations with her at lunch time (in my 2 days of my subbing job) that she too, is not even from San Antonio, TX! This was the point when I seriously starting having, "WTF?!?!?!" going through my head. Not long after this (about a week), I discovered that someone I went to HS with, who was an alternative certification candidate*** had landed a job as a 5th grade teacher!!!!!!!
***Alternative certification candidate-means that they have completed a program to be eligible for certification upon completion of a year of teaching.... they are NOT certified individuals... I was lead to believe by the HR dept of my "home" district (among many publications and various other sources) that the alternative certification candidates are at the bottom of the totem pole because they do not yet have their certification... not to mention, the amount of college/university coursework devoted specifically to education.
So, of course I've been terribly P.O.'ed by a lot of this... and as I was in bed last night I started thinking... I wonder how much good it would do me to write a lengthy letter to the Superintendent of the district, as well as all the HR dept. heads, and maybe others in the district. This really sprung into my head b/c I realized... "For SHITS SAKE... my Mom STILL VOLUNTEERS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND I GRADUATED 8 YEARS AGO!!!!!!!" It just crossed my mind how incredibly loyal we've been to this district for YEARS! For 3 years after I graduated from HS, I even continued to volunteer with the band and drumline for various things they needed help with! And I never felt like it was a waste of my time... I love my school district... I love that they pride themselves on being proactive and at the forefront of the newest teaching strategies, techniques, available services, and technology.... and I've always thought (since elementary school) that I would grow up, become a teacher, and come back and work in my school district... because it's HOME.
So... if you've gotten this far... I want to know (now that I've loosely drafted a letter "To Whom It May Concern:") if a 2 page letter about my story... growing up in the district... being moved to become a teacher... family volunteering (even currently)...and now my struggle trying to get a job... even after adding 2 more certification areas beyond what I originally went to school for... is that too much...? Too strong...? Bare in mind.... I strongly voiced my thoughts and feelings for when I found out people who are NOT products of the district are apparently getting some sort of priority treatment... Kate would probably be the best person to give advice on this as she works in the school district. I just want to know if that's going too far... I don't plan on sending this letter now... this letter will most likely be sent sometime around the end of Sept. (in the event I don't manage to find a job somewhere in the district... EVEN if I get a job in another district... because I want them to know my feelings on being screwed by them repeatedly... not to mention SEVERAL principals' unprofessionalism in some sort of response to faxes that were OBVIOUSLY sent from Office Max... meaning I had to shell out $8 just to send stuff to their campus... they could have at least taken a moment to respond... this was after school had ended... no reason to NOT give a short response... even similar to the crappy one I got from that principal who didn't say anything to me about my interview for nearly a month!)
I don't know if I've elaborated much on this... but for as long as I've been in contact with the HR dept. they have always said they prefer to hire back products of the district as teachers. Now, when I was student teaching I thought the concept of this was GREAT!!! I figured it'd be no issue to get a job. And of course we all know how horribly wrong I was to ever think it would be easy to get a teaching job. Unfortunately, I have had the horrible misfortune to come across several people FINALLY getting their first teaching jobs in my "home" district. 3 cases, to be exact. One was a girl I student taught with (she student taught on the same campus, different grade level) and she fell into a position in my home district... she graduated from a school in Austin, TX... Not my home district, let alone... not San Antonio, TX... okay, fine whatever.... Flashforward to after I killed myself testing and adding another certification to help my chances of getting a job.... and then immediately following that, having ongoing correspondance with the HR dept. heads having them assure me that they'll get my name out there to schools and try and help me as much as humanly possible regarding openings for the spring semester last school year.... and then in the second week back from the holiday break, there's a brand-spankin' new teacher starting out with her classroom... Same boat as me experience-wise... equally, if not less experience in classroom settings (by way of substituting) and she lands this job... even after my constant correspondance with HR... and I found out through conversations with her at lunch time (in my 2 days of my subbing job) that she too, is not even from San Antonio, TX! This was the point when I seriously starting having, "WTF?!?!?!" going through my head. Not long after this (about a week), I discovered that someone I went to HS with, who was an alternative certification candidate*** had landed a job as a 5th grade teacher!!!!!!!
***Alternative certification candidate-means that they have completed a program to be eligible for certification upon completion of a year of teaching.... they are NOT certified individuals... I was lead to believe by the HR dept of my "home" district (among many publications and various other sources) that the alternative certification candidates are at the bottom of the totem pole because they do not yet have their certification... not to mention, the amount of college/university coursework devoted specifically to education.
So, of course I've been terribly P.O.'ed by a lot of this... and as I was in bed last night I started thinking... I wonder how much good it would do me to write a lengthy letter to the Superintendent of the district, as well as all the HR dept. heads, and maybe others in the district. This really sprung into my head b/c I realized... "For SHITS SAKE... my Mom STILL VOLUNTEERS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL BAND AND I GRADUATED 8 YEARS AGO!!!!!!!" It just crossed my mind how incredibly loyal we've been to this district for YEARS! For 3 years after I graduated from HS, I even continued to volunteer with the band and drumline for various things they needed help with! And I never felt like it was a waste of my time... I love my school district... I love that they pride themselves on being proactive and at the forefront of the newest teaching strategies, techniques, available services, and technology.... and I've always thought (since elementary school) that I would grow up, become a teacher, and come back and work in my school district... because it's HOME.
So... if you've gotten this far... I want to know (now that I've loosely drafted a letter "To Whom It May Concern:") if a 2 page letter about my story... growing up in the district... being moved to become a teacher... family volunteering (even currently)...and now my struggle trying to get a job... even after adding 2 more certification areas beyond what I originally went to school for... is that too much...? Too strong...? Bare in mind.... I strongly voiced my thoughts and feelings for when I found out people who are NOT products of the district are apparently getting some sort of priority treatment... Kate would probably be the best person to give advice on this as she works in the school district. I just want to know if that's going too far... I don't plan on sending this letter now... this letter will most likely be sent sometime around the end of Sept. (in the event I don't manage to find a job somewhere in the district... EVEN if I get a job in another district... because I want them to know my feelings on being screwed by them repeatedly... not to mention SEVERAL principals' unprofessionalism in some sort of response to faxes that were OBVIOUSLY sent from Office Max... meaning I had to shell out $8 just to send stuff to their campus... they could have at least taken a moment to respond... this was after school had ended... no reason to NOT give a short response... even similar to the crappy one I got from that principal who didn't say anything to me about my interview for nearly a month!)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Onward!!!
Well, now that I have OFFICIALLY become certified in special education, I'm hoping that things will be MUCH easier getting a job. I've been updating various things such as my resume` and online applications I have with different school districts. Principals that I contacted I re-sent my resume` so that they have my most current copy...! I'm really and truly hoping this will GREATLY help my chances of getting something in the next couple-few weeks...!
We have a certain area within our NE school district where there are a lot of Mexican immigrants. They typically let their kids/themselves go visit relatives that are still residing in Mexico... and apparently the Mexican school system doesn't resume classes until after Labor Day. SO, we end up with a LOT of late registration after the first week of school... it always causes an issue of needing to hire on extra teachers after the start of school to comply with state mandated student:teacher ratios and all. The only cruddy part is that the district tends to drag their feet regarding hiring more people... of course because of the almighty $$$... They don't want to give up any more in salaries than they have to.
In other news, I FINALLY replaced my swim goggles and so I fully intend on integrating swimming laps into my weekly workout. I think a large part of the reason I don't like working out is the resistance training... so, because swimming laps combines resistance and cardio, I'm hoping it'll cut down on some of my resistance training. Also, I think it will do WONDERS for my arthritis problems in my knee (the one I had surgery on 8 years ago this past June)... I continue to have quite a bit of arthritis probs with it, and hopefully that movement will help increase flexibility in that joint. It'll probably help my left foot, also... as it seems I'm having some sort of arthritic issues with it also. And, lastly, I think it will help me get back on track and build my endurance... I'm getting hopeful in the thought that I may be able to pick up some recreational tennis playing again... but I wouldn't dare until I'm in better shape... but I do know that I don't think I want to attempt it until it's cooler... with the cooler weather coming up in November... I CAN'T WAIT! I really hope that I'll have built up my endurance/stamina and helped my joints so that I can play and volley as many times as possible... (instead of just volleying like, 2-3 times over the net and feeling pathetic and old!)
Last bit of news/update... is that my nephew is coming to town this weekend! We're watching him ALL WEEKEND while my bro/sis-in-law go to a bed/breakfast for the weekend to celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years.... but I guess it has.... also, hopefully we'll be able to iron out more details with them about Conner's baptism service this fall. I can't wait to see the little booger again... he's completely walking on his own, and I'm sure that he's talking a LOT more! My favorite part about seeing him is getting little baby kisses... :) He's SO sweet... he makes the "muah" noise when he smacks ya! Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post after the weekend, too...!
We have a certain area within our NE school district where there are a lot of Mexican immigrants. They typically let their kids/themselves go visit relatives that are still residing in Mexico... and apparently the Mexican school system doesn't resume classes until after Labor Day. SO, we end up with a LOT of late registration after the first week of school... it always causes an issue of needing to hire on extra teachers after the start of school to comply with state mandated student:teacher ratios and all. The only cruddy part is that the district tends to drag their feet regarding hiring more people... of course because of the almighty $$$... They don't want to give up any more in salaries than they have to.
In other news, I FINALLY replaced my swim goggles and so I fully intend on integrating swimming laps into my weekly workout. I think a large part of the reason I don't like working out is the resistance training... so, because swimming laps combines resistance and cardio, I'm hoping it'll cut down on some of my resistance training. Also, I think it will do WONDERS for my arthritis problems in my knee (the one I had surgery on 8 years ago this past June)... I continue to have quite a bit of arthritis probs with it, and hopefully that movement will help increase flexibility in that joint. It'll probably help my left foot, also... as it seems I'm having some sort of arthritic issues with it also. And, lastly, I think it will help me get back on track and build my endurance... I'm getting hopeful in the thought that I may be able to pick up some recreational tennis playing again... but I wouldn't dare until I'm in better shape... but I do know that I don't think I want to attempt it until it's cooler... with the cooler weather coming up in November... I CAN'T WAIT! I really hope that I'll have built up my endurance/stamina and helped my joints so that I can play and volley as many times as possible... (instead of just volleying like, 2-3 times over the net and feeling pathetic and old!)
Last bit of news/update... is that my nephew is coming to town this weekend! We're watching him ALL WEEKEND while my bro/sis-in-law go to a bed/breakfast for the weekend to celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that it's been 5 years.... but I guess it has.... also, hopefully we'll be able to iron out more details with them about Conner's baptism service this fall. I can't wait to see the little booger again... he's completely walking on his own, and I'm sure that he's talking a LOT more! My favorite part about seeing him is getting little baby kisses... :) He's SO sweet... he makes the "muah" noise when he smacks ya! Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post after the weekend, too...!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Today is...
Today is the first day of school. This means... FOR ME... it's a bad day. Especially since there were a couple people I knew thru school that JUST graduated and apparently were able to get a position. Last night, I had a moment that I just cried... I don't understand why it is SO DIFFICULT for me to get a job... (actually, I do... I originally certified in an area that's so common... and subsequently SO OVERSTOCKED with candidates that I screwed myself... the only experience I have with MS or HS is subbing and for someone conducting interviews that just isn't enough experience for them... at least not for a grade level that is tested by the state).
Well, I have had a silver-lining in the day... I was totally ready to go do things to keep my mind off the fact that I SHOULD'VE been in my classroom today... I was going to go find a new swimsuit on clearance... then I was planning on going and killing myself swimming laps... and then I entirely planned on spending the rest of the day finishing Dexter: Season 2 and then watching either Reno: 911! episodes or The Office episodes... at least til Daughn/Damian would save me from the day and I could go over to play Wii or SOMETHING. Anyhow... I got an email today....
It had a link to my scores from my Special Education Certification test... and I PASSED! I'm REALLY hoping this will make it MUCH easier to find a job after the craziness with the enrollment influx right after Labor Day.... WE'LL SEE! I'll keep everyone posted... but for now I'm going to go about the rest of my day... and letting others know the good news.
Well, I have had a silver-lining in the day... I was totally ready to go do things to keep my mind off the fact that I SHOULD'VE been in my classroom today... I was going to go find a new swimsuit on clearance... then I was planning on going and killing myself swimming laps... and then I entirely planned on spending the rest of the day finishing Dexter: Season 2 and then watching either Reno: 911! episodes or The Office episodes... at least til Daughn/Damian would save me from the day and I could go over to play Wii or SOMETHING. Anyhow... I got an email today....
It had a link to my scores from my Special Education Certification test... and I PASSED! I'm REALLY hoping this will make it MUCH easier to find a job after the craziness with the enrollment influx right after Labor Day.... WE'LL SEE! I'll keep everyone posted... but for now I'm going to go about the rest of my day... and letting others know the good news.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I made an important decision on Sunday night
Well... here I am again... in the boat of JOBLESSNESS! But I think I may finally have found a way out of that boat.
I contacted a teacher that I subbed for very frequently in one of the middle schools asking if she knew if there were any openings at her school... and asking if she could please get my resume and other documents to the principal, because I highly suspected that the lady in the office that was supposed to be getting my stuff to her the previous few times I'd tried had just been putting them in the circular file. Out of this sprung the discussion of whether or not I had ever considered adding ESL or Spec. Ed. certification. I had thought about both, as they make you much more marketable as a teacher... I had more interest in the ESL simply because I don't know that I could work with severely special needs kids and not have my tender heart interfere with things... like letting them move on! lol
Well, after talking to this teacher, she told me there would be little possibility that I'd ever work in that area of special ed. and that I would more than likely be an inclusion teacher (this news comforted me... and considering I student taught in an inclusion room and no one can really get away from inclusion anymore because they're finally enforcing laws) I was glad to hear it. She also said it'd be a perfect transition from what I've been doing to what I want to do... considering inclusion teachers (at least here in TX) do not plan any lessons or grade anything.... they are given material/instructions from the classroom teacher, and work with the kids on it. I had never really thought of all of that... but it's essentially what I'm already doing as a sub anyway! lol
After this discussion I went to look over the preparation manual... still not completely convinced this is what I wanted. There will be more questions than the amount of sample questions I got to review... but of the 37 sample questions, I only missed 3... and the answer was the other option after I narrowed it down to 2 of 4... which tells me with careful thinking, I could've probably gotten to that answer. All I feel like I need to do to study is review the competencies (there are 12) and go over specifics of IDEA, etc. A lot of what's on the test I have to know as a classroom teacher anyway and have already tested on it... so I feel very confident that I can take this test, and pass!
So, on Weds. 8-20-08 I am taking my Spec. Ed. EC-12 certification test. If things work out the way they did with my 4-8 certification, I should be able to pay for my certification to process by the 23rd... which means I will be certified by the first day of school... which means any extra teachers they hire to accommodate because of registration since last week would be hired right when I'm in a position to take a job.
WISH ME LUCK! I feel like perhaps this is what I always should have been shooting for. Maybe fate was not allowing me to do what I thought I wanted because I'm better used in this other area. Only time will tell... but it also doesn't hurt that the teacher who helped me come to this decision started out in Spec. Ed.... and just happens to know the 2 heads of the dept. for the district. ;-)
I contacted a teacher that I subbed for very frequently in one of the middle schools asking if she knew if there were any openings at her school... and asking if she could please get my resume and other documents to the principal, because I highly suspected that the lady in the office that was supposed to be getting my stuff to her the previous few times I'd tried had just been putting them in the circular file. Out of this sprung the discussion of whether or not I had ever considered adding ESL or Spec. Ed. certification. I had thought about both, as they make you much more marketable as a teacher... I had more interest in the ESL simply because I don't know that I could work with severely special needs kids and not have my tender heart interfere with things... like letting them move on! lol
Well, after talking to this teacher, she told me there would be little possibility that I'd ever work in that area of special ed. and that I would more than likely be an inclusion teacher (this news comforted me... and considering I student taught in an inclusion room and no one can really get away from inclusion anymore because they're finally enforcing laws) I was glad to hear it. She also said it'd be a perfect transition from what I've been doing to what I want to do... considering inclusion teachers (at least here in TX) do not plan any lessons or grade anything.... they are given material/instructions from the classroom teacher, and work with the kids on it. I had never really thought of all of that... but it's essentially what I'm already doing as a sub anyway! lol
After this discussion I went to look over the preparation manual... still not completely convinced this is what I wanted. There will be more questions than the amount of sample questions I got to review... but of the 37 sample questions, I only missed 3... and the answer was the other option after I narrowed it down to 2 of 4... which tells me with careful thinking, I could've probably gotten to that answer. All I feel like I need to do to study is review the competencies (there are 12) and go over specifics of IDEA, etc. A lot of what's on the test I have to know as a classroom teacher anyway and have already tested on it... so I feel very confident that I can take this test, and pass!
So, on Weds. 8-20-08 I am taking my Spec. Ed. EC-12 certification test. If things work out the way they did with my 4-8 certification, I should be able to pay for my certification to process by the 23rd... which means I will be certified by the first day of school... which means any extra teachers they hire to accommodate because of registration since last week would be hired right when I'm in a position to take a job.
WISH ME LUCK! I feel like perhaps this is what I always should have been shooting for. Maybe fate was not allowing me to do what I thought I wanted because I'm better used in this other area. Only time will tell... but it also doesn't hurt that the teacher who helped me come to this decision started out in Spec. Ed.... and just happens to know the 2 heads of the dept. for the district. ;-)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
STILL WAITING!!!!!!
I've never hated waiting so much...! I have decided if I do not hear anything by tomorrow evening, I will be emailing the principal I interviewed with. Considering I would have to report for duty on Aug. 11th, I don't think it's unreasonable to ask that I know something, one way or the other, by Aug. 4th (that would be a week before).
But this is mostly due to the fact that I can't wait anymore... and if he has made a final decision and given 2 people jobs, the least he could do is let me know that I am NOT being offered a position... especially because maybe... JUST MAYBE... I may be trying to get a job to start on the 11th somewhere else... and that I may just want to know if I have a job there before I take a position elsewhere (not that I have another job offer... but how does HE know that...??)
I understand it takes awhile to check things... but I'm a little ticked if that's the case... as far as I know (through my experiences with other school districts I've applied with/worked for in some capacity...) districts run checks on your schooling, degree, certification, and a criminal background check when you apply... in TX (I guess because there are SO MANY applicants right now) they usually require hearing back from 2 of your 3 required references before anyone on a campus will attempt contacting you for an interview.... So, if the situation is that the district didn't do any of this... and I originally applied with them in May of 2007... and updated my info. in NOV. 2007 to include my newly added certification... I'm a little ticked they dropped the ball...! This is the only reason I could see the principal taking so long to contact me back and let me know anything... if he's just taken the yellow-bellied way out and doesn't want to have to tell me that the jobs have been filled... then that makes me even MORE mad! Especially when in an interview, the candidate lists among her strong suits the ability to take constructive criticism, and apply suggestions in some form! lol
Okay, no more ranting... I have tons of cleaning left to do... we have a bunch of family coming over this weekend for a BBQ and I have to finish things around here.... This is Kelsie, signing out...!
But this is mostly due to the fact that I can't wait anymore... and if he has made a final decision and given 2 people jobs, the least he could do is let me know that I am NOT being offered a position... especially because maybe... JUST MAYBE... I may be trying to get a job to start on the 11th somewhere else... and that I may just want to know if I have a job there before I take a position elsewhere (not that I have another job offer... but how does HE know that...??)
I understand it takes awhile to check things... but I'm a little ticked if that's the case... as far as I know (through my experiences with other school districts I've applied with/worked for in some capacity...) districts run checks on your schooling, degree, certification, and a criminal background check when you apply... in TX (I guess because there are SO MANY applicants right now) they usually require hearing back from 2 of your 3 required references before anyone on a campus will attempt contacting you for an interview.... So, if the situation is that the district didn't do any of this... and I originally applied with them in May of 2007... and updated my info. in NOV. 2007 to include my newly added certification... I'm a little ticked they dropped the ball...! This is the only reason I could see the principal taking so long to contact me back and let me know anything... if he's just taken the yellow-bellied way out and doesn't want to have to tell me that the jobs have been filled... then that makes me even MORE mad! Especially when in an interview, the candidate lists among her strong suits the ability to take constructive criticism, and apply suggestions in some form! lol
Okay, no more ranting... I have tons of cleaning left to do... we have a bunch of family coming over this weekend for a BBQ and I have to finish things around here.... This is Kelsie, signing out...!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Kelsie it's your birthday.... Happy Birthday, Kelsie...
I'm one year older,
one year wiser,
Rock and Roll Star,
King, Czar, and a Kaiser
A roomful of friends,
a mouthful of cake
Every present is for me and
it feels pretty great!
I'm the woman of the hour,
the V-I-P!
I get the first slice
of the P-I-E...
Now I'll blow out the candles and make a wish...
PUT A SMILE ON
'CAUSE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY, BITCH!
LOL (That's from Sealab2021...) Every year SOMEONE gets that sent as a message/comment/email... I love it because it's hilarious!
I don't really have any plans today... I think we're going to Red Lobster tonight... it's my favorite restaurant... When I turned 23 and my parents and I went, I tried lobster tail for the first time. It's okay... I prefer shrimp...! Anyhow, not much else is up today... we're *kind of* having a barbecue on Saturday... "for my birthday" but not really... because my Dad ended up inviting a bunch of people I wasn't anticipating him inviting over... and thus... now it's definitely NOT for my birthday and it's just turned into a family thing :( This will be awkward because close friends were invited and initially told it was to celebrate my bday... and now I'm having to go back and say, "nevermind... it's just a bbq!" This is one of the many things that A) frustrates me about my dad... and B) frustrates me about living here... because if I were on my own, I would've just planned my own thing that they would've been invited to... without the option to bring 12-15 guests...!
Anyhow, I'm still waiting to hear back about my interview (tomorrow will be 2 weeks)... I hope that if it's going to be bad news, I don't hear anything until after today.... the way certification is now here in TX though, he probably suspects my birthday is in July sometime... our certification expires at the end of the month of our birthday (in my case, July 2011... but since he has a copy of my certification... then he would know my bday is in July). Plus, honestly, he has ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD to let me know... I wouldn't have to report to the school until like, Aug. 11th.
one year wiser,
Rock and Roll Star,
King, Czar, and a Kaiser
A roomful of friends,
a mouthful of cake
Every present is for me and
it feels pretty great!
I'm the woman of the hour,
the V-I-P!
I get the first slice
of the P-I-E...
Now I'll blow out the candles and make a wish...
PUT A SMILE ON
'CAUSE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY, BITCH!
LOL (That's from Sealab2021...) Every year SOMEONE gets that sent as a message/comment/email... I love it because it's hilarious!
I don't really have any plans today... I think we're going to Red Lobster tonight... it's my favorite restaurant... When I turned 23 and my parents and I went, I tried lobster tail for the first time. It's okay... I prefer shrimp...! Anyhow, not much else is up today... we're *kind of* having a barbecue on Saturday... "for my birthday" but not really... because my Dad ended up inviting a bunch of people I wasn't anticipating him inviting over... and thus... now it's definitely NOT for my birthday and it's just turned into a family thing :( This will be awkward because close friends were invited and initially told it was to celebrate my bday... and now I'm having to go back and say, "nevermind... it's just a bbq!" This is one of the many things that A) frustrates me about my dad... and B) frustrates me about living here... because if I were on my own, I would've just planned my own thing that they would've been invited to... without the option to bring 12-15 guests...!
Anyhow, I'm still waiting to hear back about my interview (tomorrow will be 2 weeks)... I hope that if it's going to be bad news, I don't hear anything until after today.... the way certification is now here in TX though, he probably suspects my birthday is in July sometime... our certification expires at the end of the month of our birthday (in my case, July 2011... but since he has a copy of my certification... then he would know my bday is in July). Plus, honestly, he has ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD to let me know... I wouldn't have to report to the school until like, Aug. 11th.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
DING! Round 2!
Well, I have an interview on Weds afternoon for a position in East Central ISD...! I'm hoping that this could be the one... and it'd be a GREAT birthday present to find out that I have nailed a position before my birthday this year (the past 2 birthdays have been spent fretting over NO job... and NO interviews at all...)
This year seems to be my year... I've managed to get more than one interview... the only interview I had up until this point was my NEISD screening interview... and the district doesn't even do those anymore since there are SO MANY APPLICANTS trying to get jobs wherever they can. Anyhow, I'm hoping that East Central will be willing to take a chance on someone without years of experience and that it'll be a good place for me to get my start.
Wish me well and think of me on Wednesday...! Hopefully I'll make an excellent impression and I will be offered a position!
This year seems to be my year... I've managed to get more than one interview... the only interview I had up until this point was my NEISD screening interview... and the district doesn't even do those anymore since there are SO MANY APPLICANTS trying to get jobs wherever they can. Anyhow, I'm hoping that East Central will be willing to take a chance on someone without years of experience and that it'll be a good place for me to get my start.
Wish me well and think of me on Wednesday...! Hopefully I'll make an excellent impression and I will be offered a position!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Maybe I'm crazy
But I decided to try the method one of my references gave me regarding getting a job... she suggested I try faxing all my documents to schools... less gas $$$ spent by hand delivering resumes... and more chance they are viewed VS. sending an email with the info... :) We'll see...
So far I have a list of about 75 elementary schools... and that's not even ALL the districts I'd like to contact... AND... that's not including the intermediate and/or middle schools that I could contact about a job...! whew! We'll see what happens... I'll be sending all this out tomorrow (hopefully... unless the fax person or I get tired of faxing stuff out!)
WISH ME LUCK!
So far I have a list of about 75 elementary schools... and that's not even ALL the districts I'd like to contact... AND... that's not including the intermediate and/or middle schools that I could contact about a job...! whew! We'll see what happens... I'll be sending all this out tomorrow (hopefully... unless the fax person or I get tired of faxing stuff out!)
WISH ME LUCK!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)