tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56417602024-02-28T02:29:07.583-08:00I Am a TeacherThe Blog of Teacher Eric GjovaagTeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12625983869465172976noreply@blogger.comBlogger346125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-368697481395281922013-02-12T18:52:00.002-08:002013-02-12T18:52:47.415-08:00Hey, Leave It Alone!Apparently someone in the Philippines is trying to gain control of this blog. Well, whoever you are, I may not post here very often, but it's still my blog, and I plan to keep posting to it. So back off! If you want to blog about teaching, go start your own blog. If you want to change my settings to allow unmoderated comments so you can start spamming here, why in the world are you trying that with a blog with so few updates and not a lot of readers? Sheesh!Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-30512823154615352962013-01-04T11:33:00.000-08:002013-01-05T18:12:06.441-08:00The Latest UpdateYup, it's been a while, again, hasn't it? I think it's fair to say that this blog is not a big priority, so I hope my few regular readers can be forgiving. But my, is there a lot to tell you this time around!<br />
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So, the new job started, and man, was it interesting. Like I said, small classes, nice kids, but not always with their heads in the game, if you know what I mean. I thought I was doing well teaching math, struggled but made do teaching science, and couldn't teach the Compass class because the school didn't have the contract yet and it wasn't set up. (I turned it into a study hall, with a few self-contained math lessons so that it wasn't <i>too</i> easy. But since it was a second, and in some cases third, math class for some of the students, I ramped it back from some of my initial plans.) I went huckleberry picking up on tribal lands that few whites ever get to see, I was there for an assembly when a native artist added a mural in the lobby, and I was in a circle dance at the tribal health fair.<br />
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And then they fired me. It came out from left field so fast and so hard that my head is still ringing, nearly two months later. I'd been having a bad week, and I'll admit that there were a couple of incidents that did not do me a lot of good. However, rather than try to work with me and help me out, they decided that I wasn't the right teacher for them, and took advantage of my six month probationary period to let me go.<br />
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And to be honest, now that I've had a little time to reflect, I think they were right. The school needs a lot of help from an experienced teacher who can handle problem students, and I doubt I could have succeeded in the end. I'm glad for the experience, and I wish everyone there well, but I just wish there could have been a better way to handle it.<br />
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The good news is that my local district was extremely happy to have me back as a substitute. Almost immediately, I got jobs. I've worked just about every day at one of the middle schools, in fact, where the principal even took me aside one morning to find out what happened and that I was all right. The kids were happy to see me, too. Dang, I like working in this district.<br />
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And it could happen some more. Not long after I got back to work there, I found out that the high school had an opening for a math teacher for the rest of the year. I sent my letter of interest to human resources, and promptly heard nothing back. So a couple of weeks later, I decided to do something I'd never done before: I went to the source. I e-mailed a copy of my letter and resume to the principal, vice-principals, and math coach at the high school. A few days later, I heard back from the principal, who wants to talk to me next week (today's the last day of winter break in the district, and school starts again on Monday). I have no idea what all is involved, whether or not I'd actually be a good fit, and if they really want me or they're just desperate for anybody. I do plan to be very honest with him about my history, and what I need to be successful. But I really like what this district is doing with math reform and student support, and I've already had a taste of it subbing for one math teacher for two weeks last year. Plus, I know a lot of the kids already. I'm cautiously optimistic, but I'm also realistic enough to know that it could blow up in my face again. But I'm still in the one-ste-at-a-time phase, in that we need to have that conversation first. I will, of course, let you know what happens, but I can't guarantee it being in a timely manner.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-32957004184457054152012-08-22T13:45:00.002-07:002012-08-22T13:45:34.455-07:00The First DayThe first day of my new job with my students was <i>supposed</i> to be today. However, one of the tribal elders passed away yesterday, and so most tribal activities are on hold for the funeral and burial. And this is a big deal in the tribe, because (from what I'm hearing from the other teachers) everyone is so interconnected. It's basically one big family, and if I do things right, I will be welcomed into that family before very long.
<p>The school was open for a few hours this morning, however, which was fine with me. I had a few more things I wanted to take care of before the first classes, and since this would be my only chance before classes start on Friday, then I figured I'd better go in and take care of things. So, I'm all ready for the first day, and have a head start on next week as well. I also brought home my teacher editions so I can get an even further jump on next week's plans while I have the day off.
<p>There will be some new things to get used to. I'm not working for a school district, but it's not a private school, either. I am actually an employee of the tribe, and therefore I have to follow all tribal government rules. This means filling out a time sheet daily — no, from what I gather, I don't get a set salary like I used to get teaching in a public school. Instead, I basically get paid for the days I work. However, that includes holidays and paid administrative days, such as today and tomorrow. (No, I don't know about summer yet. Good grief, stop asking so many questions, I haven't even met my students yet!) In other words, it's a lot more like working in the corporate world. But no, I don't think I get paid overtime if I work more than eight hours a day, nor for anything I do at home. I also have to pass drug tests! In fact, it's a good thing I went in today, because I had my first one today.
<p>I also don't have to answer to the state education office, since I'm not, technically, working in a state school. Instead, I will get to deal with the <a href="http://www.bie.edu/" target="_blank">Bureau of Indian Education</a>. But I sure hope I can keep my state certification up anyway. If nothing else, that will keep me current. I also want to finally finish my master's degree, and from what I've been hearing, I may get a <i>lot</i> of support for that. Yes, the tribe has funds to help out its teachers and support them. Heck, they already paid for my fingerprints to get this job. No district has ever done that for me before.
<p>I have six classes spread out over seven periods, and I think I'll have to actually teach them for a little bit before I can tell you exactly what I'm teaching. But I know I have:
<ul>
<li>Middle school (eighth grade) pre-algebra
<li>Middle school (eighth grade) life science
<li>High school earth science
<li>High school applied math
<li>Compass math (individually paced on computers)
<li>21st century math, a program I'll be teaching with the other math teacher where students will apply what they've been learning to a project
</ul>
I also know that my classes will be small. So far I've heard that only four eighth graders have enrolled, but they expect that to go up once school starts. I have seating for fourteen in my room, but it's possible that I'll need more. One reason they hired me is because of some large classes last year of over twenty! (If only classes were that small in the public schools!)
<p>To be honest, I'm really nervous. I'm worried that I'll blow it like I have in my last two contracted jobs by letting students get out of control and letting my emotions get in the way of good teaching and good management. On the other hand, I've had two years now to reflect on what went wrong in my last job and figure out what I need to do differently, and I think I have a much better handle on things. Despite the nerves, I also feel a lot more confident that I'm going into this with my eyes wide open (despite the very different situation), and that I will get the support I need to succeed. I also have a better idea of what to look out for before they become bigger problems, and that I need to do something.
<p>On a final note, another district contacted me and asked about lining up an interview. And for the first time, I got to turn them down, because I already had a job! It would be in one of the biggest high schools in this part of the state, and would mean a lot longer commute, so to be honest, I think I'm glad where I am already.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-35864010680493855352012-08-14T16:37:00.000-07:002012-08-22T13:46:14.839-07:00The Hunt Is Over; Now the REAL Work Begins!I must have done or said something right this time around, because I got a job. This was the second job I interviewed for last week, and it is certainly going to be different. If my last contracted job was a shock because if its small size, this one will be a complete and total headspin, because it only has about a hundred students. It's not exactly a public school, and there may be some cultural shift there, too. Okay, I'll come out and tell you that it's a tribal school. Yes, all of my students will be Native American. I'm mostly going to teach math, but I know I'll get at least one section of science (probably biology), too. Everyone is also telling me that I'll have to wear lots of hats, so we'll see what other duties I'll have. But since two of the four sports offered by the school are cross-country and track, which were the two I did in high school, I think I can help out there some. The school gets a lot of funding from both the tribe and the federal government, so it's well wired, another part of the job I think I'll like. (I'll even get my own iPad!) Something this school does that ought to be interesting is that it segregates the classes. A lot of them are either all boys or all girls. I've heard about the studies done in such situations, and how successful they've been, so I'm eager to see it in practice.
<p>Two things worry me. One is that school starts next week, I'm already a little behind in getting things set up, and I still have lots of paperwork and stuff to deal with. I already have an appointment to get my fingerprints taken tomorrow afternoon, just as a for instance. I think it's safe to say that my summer is over, and I must now devote myself to getting ready to hit the ground running.
<p>The other worry is that, in the past, whenever I've gotten a contract, my attitude has pretty much been, "Well, I've got the job, now I can relax." Why, yes, I can hear the rest of you giggling out there, now that you ask. Hey, you don't have to hit me over the head with a clue-by-four too many times before I figure things out. So yes, this year I'm going in with the attitude of, "Okay, now I've got the job, what do I have to do to <i>keep</i> it?" I think that is going to help me a lot more. Fortunately, I have experience, I have colleagues, and I'm going in with my eyes wide open. So I hope it goes well, and I can hang onto this job for a while until one opens up in my local district. Yes, I do still want to teach here in town, partly because it's where I live now, and after subbing here for two years, I've become impressed with how things work. I'd like to be a part of that — but not as a substitute if I can help it!
<p>One more thing that excites me about this job is that they have smartboards. In fact, they're having smartboard training tomorrow morning, and I'm going to go in and find out what they're all about, and work with my new colleagues. Hey, I have to start building up clock hours for my certificate renewal and get the lay of the land, right?
<p>I can't guarantee that I'll blog terribly often during the school year, but I'll do what I can to at least keep everyone up to date.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-54974876083301809262012-08-09T13:20:00.001-07:002012-08-09T13:20:13.909-07:00When it rains, it pours!I still have a few more hours to go before my interview — and I already have another one lined up tomorrow morning. Also, an inside source tells me that the administrators in the district I'm currently subbing in have gotten back to work just this week, and will be making hiring decisions soon. So possibly there will be more coming soon. Hey, after getting <i>no</i> interviews last year, this is a big improvement. Now let's just see if I can actually succeed in one this year!Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-24727346945179603752012-08-08T13:49:00.002-07:002012-08-08T13:49:45.236-07:00Wish me luck!Job interview tomorrow! It's math at the high school two towns down the road. So now I have to iron a shirt and figure out what I can about the school in the next twenty-four hours.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-3399180236316020982012-06-15T15:52:00.001-07:002012-06-15T15:52:14.548-07:00And now the waitingI had the interview this morning, and I know I didn't hit it out of the park. However, I don't think I totally struck out, either, so we'll just have to wait and see. It's a .8 and quite a ways out of town, so at this time last year I might have taken a pass on it purely for economical reasons. But now that Laura's working, I can afford it.
But wait (as they say in certain TV ads), there's more! I also got an e-mail today from one of the local elementary schools (the only one out in the boondocks that I don't sub in, because I can't walk to it) asking if I'd be interested in interviewing for an ELL specialist position. I'm not sure exactly what that would entail, but the ELL part makes me suspect that I'll have to brush up on my rudimentary Spanish this summer! I responded that I'd at least be interested in finding out more, and I'd be happy to come in and interview, so that's now <i>two</i> more interviews than I had last year, and I have barely begun to fill out applications. I hope this bodes well!Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-18775167450795874772012-06-14T20:27:00.002-07:002012-06-14T20:27:58.314-07:00Okay, wow!I'm already ahead on my count from last year. I have an interview tomorrow for a part-time (but more than half-time) middle school math job in a nearby district. Since I'm also still working at middle school up the street tomorrow, I'm doing a little juggling, but the school I'm at said, "No, don't worry, your interview is more important. We'll cover for you." (They'd better, as I've covered for them enough times!) Fingers crossed, and I'll let you know more when there's more to know.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-85110756396591555192012-06-12T21:37:00.002-07:002012-06-12T21:37:53.829-07:00Here's something that doesn't happen very oftenI actually have sub work for the last three days of school — all for the same teacher, a math teacher at one of the middle schools. So at least my bank account will get a slightly larger than expected boost over the summer. I'll ask if they also need me for the last teacher day (which, thanks to the snow day this year, will be next Monday).Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-86995489425276933142012-05-09T08:04:00.001-07:002012-05-09T08:05:57.275-07:00Did you miss me?I seem to have caught a nasty head cold at the best of times, because work seems to have temporarily dried up for the moment. I suspect it has something to do with all that high-stakes testing going on in the district this week. Fortunately, the work picks up again tomorrow, so perhaps it's just as well that I don't have anything going on right now, and can rest and get over this thing.
<p>So, yes, I'm ashamed to say that this is my first entry of 2012. But what can I say, I've been busy. That two and a half week job at the start of January didn't go quite as smoothly as I'd hoped — lots of issues of students not quite getting the connection between "teacher talking" and "I should listen" — and I never did get that observation. Oh, well.
<p>While you're here, do you mind if I vent a bit? Thanks. First off, what is up with all of these teachers who can't give me a letter of reference? Back in November, I lined up several teachers I've worked for before and who know my work to write letters of reference to help in my job hunt. All were enthusiastic and said they would, but now that the job hunt is on and I've asked for those letters — repeatedly — they're not available. I've had some personal run-ins with some of them who then say, "Oh, yeah, I'll write that for you soon," and then silence again. It's pretty frustrating!
<p>The other gripe is the lack of subs at the high school. This results in me having to fill in subbing for other teachers during what should be my prep period, or even during another period where I'm scheduled to be somewhere else but can be covered by someone else. I understand that this can happen once in a while, and I don't mind doing that, but it happens just about every day now. What's even worse, however, is that the regular teachers have to fill in, too, even though they really need that period off for grading, planning, and such. From what I gather, the problem starts when some substitute teachers come in, have to fill in during their planning, decide they don't want to do that, and therefore don't accept another job at the high school. The trouble is, that just makes it more likely that the rest of us who are there will have to fill in somewhere because there's one less substitute teacher to take up the slack. I also think that the teachers at the high school need to do a better job of coordinating days off and accommodating sports, field trips, and the like. This does not appear to be an issue, I will add, at the middle or elementary schools, although I've had to fill in once in a while at the middle schools. I don't mind doing my part, and the extra money helps, but there's got to be a better way.
<p>The job hunt has started, and there are a few openings so far, but things are going slow. To be honest, after not even getting an interview all last summer, I'm not terribly hopeful. But I'm not sure what else to do at this stage.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-18068246937156603192011-12-11T13:28:00.000-08:002011-12-11T13:55:19.924-08:00The latest updateWow, I just looked back on my blog. I knew it had been a while since my last update, but I'd forgotten just how long it had been! So, here's a catch-up and a few thoughts on how the first third (!) of the year has gone.<br /><br />First off, I'll at least say this for my current district, they're keeping me busy, particularly at the high school. The secretary there knows she can count on me, and keeps recommending me for all kinds of things. This has its good side and its bad side! The bad side is that I got roped into "teaching" welding (!) for three weeks, around Thanksgiving. The school was in a bind, as the guy who actually knew welding who was going to fill in couldn't make it after all, and the next sub only lasted one day! They coaxed me into at least filling in for a day, then another, and finally for the rest of the assignment. However, I couldn't actually supervise welding! So it became a study hall/busywork time, which I'm not wild about, but we got through it and the administration kept offering me profuse thanks. Good thing, too, since I'm going to call in a favor. I <i>should</i> be in the middle of a long-term job right now for a math teacher there, but that got postponed until after school gets back in January. However, that means the job is now two and a half weeks instead of two, <i>and</i> I won't have to deal with the "Is it Christmas yet???" squirrelliness that can lead to wasted days. During that time, I plan to ask the administration for an observation and some general advice on the job hunt.<br /><br />Speaking of which, sure enough, I've been much more proactive about getting on track with that. I talked to one middle school principal, who offered me some insights and reassurances. I've also lined up a bunch of potential recommendations, from teachers I've worked with and/or for in my current district. I even tracked down my last principal (he's now working in a new district on the far side of the state), and he's reassured me that he will help in any way he can.<br /><br />Other than what I called zen welding, it's been pretty straightforward, work a day or two here and there, survive it, go on to the next job. It's frustrating, because so often it's little more than glorified babysitting. Dang it, I want to actually teach something, not just say, "Here's your worksheet, good luck!" And of course, to the students I'm not a "real" teacher, so they don't show me much respect at all (but I don't think the regular teachers get much more, at least).<br /><br />One other complaint: Bait and switch jobs. I don't teach elementary very often any more, but I still occasionally take one if it's otherwise quiet and it looks like something I can handle. So I took a PE job the other day — elementary PE is a lot of fun, and for once, the kids are <i>supposed to</i> be running around and making noise. And this was bowling, even! But when I got in, there was a last-minute swap, and I got placed in a first grade class. I know my strengths as a teacher, and first grade is <i>far</i> from one of them! But I think I managed all right, and I certainly didn't scar anyone for life. But this is now the third time I've gone in thinking I'd teach something else, only to get first grade instead (two last year, this was the first of this year). The previous ones had only been for part of the day, but this was the whole day. Grrr...<br /><br />I've got eight more teaching days this month, and two of them are already filled (including one day working with the teacher I'm filling in for next month). So now I just have to keep hunting and hoping. Now that Laura's established in her new job, however, there is one plus: Insurance! I've been without since leaving the last district, as I couldn't afford anything, but now my dental is covered under Laura's plan, and we can afford catastrophic medical insurance as well. (Medical under Laura's plan was just way too expensive.) That's one less worry. Now all we have to do is get our debts paid off and save some for the next rainy day, both of which we've already gotten a good start on.<br /><br />I have no idea when I'll report again, but I hope it won't be quite so long next time!Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-74729229653594289012011-09-13T10:52:00.000-07:002011-09-13T11:13:07.973-07:00Roller-Coaster Day Back at WorkYesterday was one of the wildest roller-coaster days I've had in some time. First of all, it was my first day back teaching. It was high school science (three zoology, one biology), and it was pretty simple and straightforward. As this was only the fifth day of class, the students haven't had a lot of instruction yet, so this was a bit of an introduction day. The teacher had prepared some handouts, and the students read them and answered some questions. Pretty typical stuff for when there's a sub, right? The biggest problem was getting a couple of the classes settled down and listening while I took roll and gave directions, and even that went well once they figured out class had started. No, the big problem was the weather. The high school is undergoing a major expansion and remodeling project, and I gather that the air conditioning is out in the building I'm in. As we are having an unusually warm September, and temperatures got into the 90s in the afternoon, it got a little hot. Still, with two doors and a window open, it didn't get too bad, either.<br /><br />It was after school that things got interesting. The head of personnel in a neighboring district wanted to chat about some of the less-than-pleasant stuff that's happened in my career, looking towards the possibility of hiring me in the future if something comes up. So we chatted, and I think I won him over. But when I got there, I also discovered that I still had the key from yesterday's job! This is maybe only the fifth or so time I've ever walked off with the key, and the first time I wasn't nearby and couldn't just turn around and return it. (I returned it this morning, at least.) I also asked him about the general state of hiring right now, in light of my not getting an interview. As I suspected, yes, there's a glut of teachers right now, especially at the elementary level.<br /><br />I got home, and there was a note from my wife to contact another school I'd applied in, and as soon as possible. So I called. It turns out they'd been trying to get ahold of me all last week, but someone gave or read a wrong phone number or something, and couldn't do it. And by the time I talked to the principal yesterday, they'd offered the job to someone else. So it appears I need to do a little investigating. But I was bummed for the rest of the night about missing out on a potential job like that. (And I just checked the cover letter, and my phone number there is correct, and my e-mail address is also there. I don't know what I wrote on the application, but I know I gave them as much information as I could, including alternatives.)<br /><br />Despite the troubles yesterday, I was slightly encouraged by my encounters. It looks like there will be some more hiring around here over the next few weeks, so I'm still going to keep checking those websites as often as I can and making myself known. But both of the people I talked to also asked if I had a science background, since they both desperately need science teachers. I know the local district also needs one. Perhaps, if the finances go well, I could go back and get a science endorsement in the near future...<br /><br />No job today, but it's early still, and at least I already have a job lined up for Friday.<br /><br />And a shoutout to my brothers and sisters in the Tacoma School District, who are now on strike. Hang tight and stick together, everyone, it will work out in the end!Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-20097057086158172011-09-06T10:14:00.000-07:002011-09-06T10:30:27.666-07:00*SIGH*Today is the first day of school in our not-really-quite-new-any-more home town. Some other nearby districts have been going for two weeks already. And I'm not in the classroom with new students. I'm disappointed, of course. I'm especially concerned because I didn't get <i>any</i> interviews this year, which is a first.<br /><br />Still, I'm philosophical. Now that my wife has a job, I can at least afford to sub. And now that I'm already established in the local district, I can get started right away, possibly as early as this week (must pay attention to the substitutes' website...). We'll need to save up a bit to get through the summer, but it's certainly manageable. So now I just have to concentrate on doing the best job that I can.<br /><br />But I'm not going to limit myself to just teaching this year. It's clear that I need to make some changes, so here are some I plan to make:<br /><ol><br /><li>Talk to someone in human resources. I'd like to get some insight into how a district hires and what they're looking for, and what I can do to make myself look better.<br /><li>Make some connections. Last year was pretty much about getting my feet back under myself again. Now I hope to talk to some of the teachers I've filled in for and some principals and see about what I need to do to show what I can do and get some more up-to-date references.<br /><li>Keep looking. I've been interviewed, and even hired, well after school started, so it's entirely possible that something else will turn up. I hope to put myself in a good position should that opportunity arise again.<br /><li>Look outside the box. Let's face it, despite how much I like my job, and how good some people have said I am, I may just not be cut out for it. So I'm also going to keep an eye on other jobs. I don't necessarily plan to change careers, but if the right opportunity should arise, I would be smart to at least investigate it.<br /></ol><br />I at least have one opportunity coming up. I'm interviewing for an after school tutoring job later this week. This sounds like a lot better deal than my last tutoring job, as it's only a couple of hours, not five, and it would be local. The biggest drawback might be fitting it into my schedule, particularly on days when I'm subbing at an elementary school. But should I get the job, we can work something out, I'm sure. And it will be a little extra money to save up for some of the big things we'd like to get, such as my badly needed new computer, or fixing my car.<br /><br />I am looking forward to getting back to work, but I just wish I'd already been working getting my room and lessons ready for today...Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-70214031378950722542011-08-23T11:43:00.000-07:002011-08-23T11:50:22.652-07:00Update (it doesn't look good, and yet...)Wow, has it really been nearly two months since I last posted? Well, it has been summer, and a pretty quiet summer at that. It's been a <i>frustratingly</i> quiet summer, actually, as there's been no progress on the job hunt at all. None whatsoever. Oh, sure, I've been applying all over the place, particularly in the last few weeks now that districts have a better idea of what they need. But I have not had one interview yet. None at all. I'm still cautiously optimistic that something could still happen, as some districts around here don't start for another two weeks, and new jobs are still being listed. Some jobs I applied for back in June are still listed as unfilled, however, so I don't know what's going on. And school already started yesterday in one local district, so the clock is ticking. I wish I knew what was going on, but even my local support network seems to be disappearing.
<br />
<br />Well, I guess I just needed to vent a bit, and at least let you all know that I'm alive and still kicking. But if something doesn't happen soon, I may need to (again) seriously consider a career change. And that will not be easy out here in farm country.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-63532232485121776452011-06-28T23:20:00.001-07:002011-06-28T23:27:29.074-07:00The hunt goes on...Not much to report right now. There are lots of jobs, I've been applying, but so far nothing beyond that. I heard back about a job at the local high school (didn't make the cut for an interview, but I heard through the grapevine that there were a couple of more established candidates ahead of me, so no surprise), and from a neighboring district turning me down for two jobs that I didn't think I'd get anyway. Otherwise, so far, nothing. The good news is that there are two math jobs at one of the local middle schools I've subbed at a lot, so I'm cautiously hopeful there. But for now, it's a case of check the websites, apply if something turns up, and wait for an interview. I have to keep reminding myself that it's early still, but it's frustrating.<br /><br />I especially want to get a job, if I'm going to get one, early on, so that I can have a long talk with my principal about what I've done in the past, and what I need to do <i>now</i> to be a successful teacher, and get things up and running and ready well before school starts. People I've worked with and who have observed me say I'm a good teacher, and just need a few adjustments to be a success. So I hope I can finally get the chance to prove it to everyone, myself included.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-36616693880890862392011-06-15T11:35:00.000-07:002011-06-15T11:47:08.807-07:00So far, a busy summerGood grief, school has been out almost a week now, and I've finally gotten around to blogging about it? Wow, shows you how busy I've been. So, let's play catch-up, shall we? First off, after the AP exams, I had the two weeks paternity leave job at the high school. It turned out to be not quite so exciting as I would have hoped, as the regular teacher, despite having a brand new daughter in the house to deal with, was well on top of things. I didn't have to do any grading or planning, as I just had to collect the work for him to pick up, and he'd leave me plans and papers for the next day or two. Oh, well, it still went well, I think I got a lot of good math out to those kids, I got a good brush-up on some of my little-used trig, and it was gainful employment for an extended period, so win-win all around. After that there were only two or three weeks left in the school year, but I managed to stay busy. There were a few half-days (I figured that was better than no work), a couple of now-not-very-common elementary jobs, and even the possibility of working on the last day, as one teacher I filled in for regularly developed tonsillitis right at the end of the year. I filled in for her on the second to last day of school, and made arrangements with the office staff in case she was going to be out the next day, but I guess the antibiotics did the job, as I never heard back.<br /><br />Which means now comes the hard part, of getting a job for next year. New job listings were pretty sparse during the school year, but seem to have picked up now that school is over and the legislature finally figured out a budget. It's not good, as a lot of districts are having to do with a lot less money, which means some job cuts, but so far I've got applications in about a half dozen districts. I'm especially interested in my local district, since I've enjoyed subbing here, and there have been so far a high school and a middle school job open. But so far, it's early, so I haven't heard back about any interviews yet. So I'll just keep watching the websites and apply for any math jobs that turn up. Of course I'll let everyone know when there's some news.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-22285113748046901922011-05-15T14:13:00.000-07:002011-05-15T14:27:54.553-07:00Busy, busy, busy...Okay, yeah, this has been a <i>very</i> interesting couple of weeks. First off, the AP exams. Pretty simple and straightforward: Read the directions, enforce the rules (and these kids were already pretty well prepared anyway), everyone goes home when they're done. Let's just say I got a lot of reading done when I wasn't doing something else. There were a few hiccups — particularly on the Spanish test, with a bunch of kids who weren't really familiar with how to use a cassette tape recorder (yes, those are falling further and further out of style) — but for the most part it was a good experience. I had two days with two tests, so those ended up being pretty long days, but the short days the rest of the time was worth it.<br /><br />While working the AP exams, I lined up another job, for a math teacher at the high school whose wife was about to give birth. I'd worked with his students before, had good experiences with them, and several of his students were even lobbying for me to take over while he was gone. Sure enough, I found the job, and lined up to sub for him for two weeks. Woo-hoo! But, it turned out, there was a wrinkle: The baby came early. And as I was AP testing, I couldn't step in early. So they had another (non-math) sub for a few days, but they're good at working on their own, so I think it went well. I had time after my last AP test to go in and see what was up, and it's a good thing I did, as that's his trigonometry class, and they were a little lost. To be sure, I was rusty, too, but we managed to figure a few things out, and it went well. Friday was my first official day in the class, so I grabbed one of the books, took it home, and got myself up to speed again. I think we're going to do all right. His two geometry classes started a mini-unit on converting measurements, and I think I gave them a good grounding. His one algebra II class had a test, so that was pretty simple. This week looks pretty simple, as trig has a few more assignments and then a test, while the other classes will have practice tests in preparation for the state-mandated year-end exams. So I am at least going to be something like a real teacher for nearly the next two weeks. After that, we'll be getting close to the end of the school year.<br /><br />Still not a lot of progress on the job hunt, as districts are still waiting to see what the legislature is going to do, and therefore what kind of funding they'll have. A few districts in the area aren't even waiting and are issuing RIF notices. There was one new position that I applied for, but the position closed without my getting an interview. Since it was only a .83 FTE in a rather faraway district, I'm not terribly unhappy.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-45399133167792460252011-04-24T15:18:00.000-07:002011-04-24T15:26:35.041-07:00A (mostly) quiet weekEh, it was teaching this week. Not a lot to say, except for the second week in a row I ended up not teaching at all one day. Also, one day was one of the worst I've had teaching in some time, with a lot of very loud, uncooperative students who just didn't want to do anything I asked or their teacher had planned. I really felt like I dropped the ball, and said so in my follow-up note, but I also laid the blame on the students as well. Of course, these were students I'd had before, and while they were no angels, they weren't this bad for me the last time, nor in other classes in the same school. It just was not a good day at all. Fortunately, the next day was at another school, and a <i>lot</i> better, so I feel better this weekend.<br /><br />This coming week is going to be short (professional day on Friday), and nothing's lined up yet, but the week after that could be extremely interesting. The head secretary at the high school nominated me to proctor the AP exams for the district. Cool! I'll probably find out more later this week, but it sounds like I get to go to the district office, proctor the exams, maybe get fed a little bit, and once the students are done, so am I. It would be all of the first week of May, plus a couple of days after that. So either the secretary thinks highly of my work ethic and feels I'd be a responsible person who could handle the job, or she wants to make sure I'm in the building for as few days as possible. I really hope it's the former.<br /><br />Still nothing on the job hunt, I might add.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-73606988489934513182011-04-17T20:01:00.001-07:002011-04-17T20:14:44.287-07:00It's catch-up time!What? You mean it's been a month since I last posted? And it's Sunday night and I have to go to bed in a few hours? Well, okay, then, I'll just do a quick catch-up.<br /><br />Lots of work, subbing just about every day, and very little recently at the elementary level. I'm getting lots of math, but enough other jobs to keep it interesting. I was subbing in a history class at the high school one day when a bunch of the students, who'd already had me for math, decided to get me a job, and drafted a letter for the principal right then and there! I didn't offer anything in the letter, but did suggest that they should send a copy to the HR department at the district office. They also told me about a long-term job that may be coming up at the end of the year, and tried to figure out how to get me in there. If I've made that kind of positive connection with students, then I must be doing something right!<br /><br />I had three days in a row where I was a floater at three different schools. That was interesting. At the high school I mostly taught math (they know what I can do there, apparently), and a little of everything at one of the middle schools. At the other middle school, they had a whole bunch of substitute teachers without an actual assigned class, and with the head secretary out, they weren't quite sure why we got those jobs or what to do with us! They gave me a special ed class, and I discovered (again) why I don't usually do special ed. I have great respect for those teachers.<br /><br />So far, not a lot of progress on the job hunt, just because there's nothing listed. Even summer school jobs seem to be pretty sparse right now, which surprises me. But it's early, of course. I'm expanding my job hunt slightly to the area where my folks live. Those districts are at the bottom of my list, but if I were to get a job out there, I'd stay at my parents' place during the week and scurry home for weekends. If that happens, I would probably have to seriously consider studded tires. It would be tough on Laura and me, but if that's what it takes to get a full-time gig, we'd manage somehow.<br /><br />Not much else to say, I guess. I already have three days lined up this week, all with a large amount of math (although only one is all math), and all for teachers I've worked for before. And we'll just see how the rest of the year goes. Are there really less than two months to go?Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-32515843172942215632011-03-17T16:52:00.000-07:002011-03-17T16:53:49.616-07:00DamnLaura didn't get the job. So now I guess I have to figure out what to do about a summer income, while continuing to hunt for a contract for the fall as well...Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-82354841716694702822011-03-14T16:17:00.001-07:002011-03-14T16:30:58.822-07:00The latest updateThe school district I am currently subbing in has done a very, very smart thing today. This is the first full day after we started Daylight Savings Time (which I still maintain was some sort of joke Ben Franklin came up with, only enough people took him seriously that we now actually have it). It's one of the toughest days of the year to wake up. So it's a professional day for the teachers. In other words, no students, and no need for substitute teachers. So a lot of people got to sleep in and adjust to the new clock today. (Good thing, too, as I had crazy rotten insomnia last night as well.) Not only that, today is π Day, so it's great that the district recognized the holiday.<br /><br />It's been nearly a month since I last posted, so what's been going on? Not much, really. I have at least been getting steady work, usually at the middle school level (and often, but not always, in math). I actually had another interview, for a middle school supplemental math job in the same district down the road that I last interviewed in, but I apparently didn't get it. It came so quickly out from left field that I didn't really get a chance to mention it here. The district I'm in right now <i>still</i> has a math for the rest of the year position listed, and I've been told that my paperwork is in, but I'm not sure why nothing's happed with it yet. It's been up for nearly two months now, and the new trimester started at the high school last week, so I'm not sure what else can be going on. Meanwhile, the local districts are starting to build their application files for next year, and I've already got one in. It's a bizarre holding pattern, but I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that I'm not going to get a gig for this year — or if I do, it will be so short as to not have a lot of effect. And I also have to figure out what I'm going to do for an income this summer.<br /><br />But it's not all gloom and doom. My wife, Laura, actually has an interview with the local district this week, working in their computer center. She already did a bang-up job on the skills test, so we're cautiously optimistic. If she does get it, it will be thanks to an aide in one of the middle school libraries, who mentioned the job to me. I passed the word on to Laura. If she gets the job, I am seriously tempted to send that aide a dozen roses!Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-74810083761411514782011-02-20T14:08:00.001-08:002011-02-20T14:25:56.058-08:00The latest updateAh, a holiday weekend. A perfect opportunity to catch up on some stuff and get all of my readers up to date on how my teaching career is going. And let's just say it's a <i>very</i> mixed bag right now. Lots of subbing, of course, but not quite enough math. Short term, of course, I need the money worse than anything else, so I'll take whatever job I can get. Fortunately, thanks to the online sub system, lots pop up, and I've generally been able to get middle and high school jobs. I've even gotten requests from teachers who don't teach math, which is probably a sign that I'm at least doing something right.<br /><br />And things may move further ahead very soon. First off, I had an interview this week. It was for a middle school math intervention job several miles down the road. Half my time would be working with students in an additional catch-up math class, and half would be working with small groups in regular math classes, where I would not be the primary teacher. It sounded ideal, but I was told that I would know on Friday if I got it. No call, so I suspect I didn't get it. (No surprise, as I bobbled a couple of the interview questions.) But that's all right, as the job at the local high school is <i>still</i> open, after over a month. And there may be some development there, sort of. I was actually teaching math there one day, and the principal came in. Almost immediately, students were telling him, "Hire this guy!" I guess I'd already made an impact! This led to a brief chat between the principal and me about my background and qualifications, and now he knows that I'm a math guy. So now that seed has been planted, at least.<br /><br />One other development is that one local district is already advertising for math teachers for next year. In fact, it's the same district where I just had the interview. As I already have a current application in, I'll write to personnel soon and see what I need to do to update it.<br /><br />And now for a rant: Hey, if you're a regular classroom teacher, and you know you're going to be gone for more than a day, it would be terrific if you could arrange things so that you can get the same substitute teacher for the whole time. I have had an awful lot of jobs of late where I'm the second or third sub they've had in a row — which I don't even find out until I've worked with the first class. I understand it happens when teachers get sick and it's day-to-day, but how hard would it be to call in before the day is out and tell the secretary that you're going to be out another day, could you see if my sub can work another day? (Personally, unless I've had an extremely horrible experience, I will, and even under some circumstances cancel a previously scheduled job to do so.) But what really gets me are these teachers who know they'll be out in advance, and don't plan for one sub. I always leave my phone number and e-mail address, so should a teacher want me ahead of time, I can be reached directly.<br /><br />Okay, everyone, thanks for letting me rant a little bit. I will, as always, keep you all posted on any further developments.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-21727413454170708432011-01-17T12:02:00.000-08:002011-01-17T12:23:13.647-08:00The week in teachingNot a whole lot to mention about last week's jobs. I started off with middle school math (at the far middle school, for a teacher and students I'd worked with before) on Monday, middle school social studies (same school) on Tuesday (gave them packets, let them get to work), and middle school science (the other, closer middle school) on Wednesday, where they put seeds on wet paper towels, and they're going to make some observations, I bet. Thursday and Friday proved to be the interesting days. First off, the job was listed as being math at the high school, for both days. Of course I'll snag that! Thursday morning, however, the roads and walks were really badly iced over. Our sloped driveway was so icy, I slid down on my way out to get the paper. (Now I know why those little shoes I wear in the house are called slippers.) Laura and I finally noticed the extremely huge bruise on my left hip this morning. I turned on the news reports, and sure enough, all of the surrounding districts, and the local Christian school, were all on two hour delays — but not the public schools in town. Huh. Oh, well. I decided my best bet would be to walk, anyway, very carefully, since the alternative was to <i>drive</i> on that ice. I made it, and thank goodness for those people who cleared their sidewalks the day before, but there were a few spots I nearly fell again. Once I got to school, the first thing I heard was, "We're on a two hour delay." Yeah, it would have been nice if the district had said it earlier, before so many teachers and students got there. Oh, well, at least I had nearly three hours to get ready.<br /><br />And I needed that time! It turned out that, first of all, she teaches science, not math. And she'd already been out the first part of the week, with two different subs. Yup, one of a substitute teacher's worst nightmares, being the second (or in this case third) sub, and no plans in sight. So I scrambled and tried to figure out where they were and what I could cobble together, and I did all right, actually, under the circumstances. But the writing was on the wall, and I decided to plan ahead for Friday. Since the teacher had the VCR checked out, but it wasn't in the room, that wasn't a good option, so I thought I would bring my laptop to use as a DVD player and see what I could find. Fortunately, I'd already built up a good relationship with one of the other science teachers, having worked in his room a couple of times during his prep. I found him, told him what was up, and he had a couple of good DVDs on volcanoes handy, which at least kept my students quiet and somewhat entertained for the day. Showing videos is not my ideal way to teach, and I'm not wild about getting videos when I sub, but in this case I figured it was for the best. But that poor teacher is going to have a lot to figure out and get heer students caught up on when she gets back (and I do hope she's back tomorrow — but if not, I at least gave her colleague a heads up that he may want to help).<br /><br />So far, no word on the job front from that last district, but the local district I'm currently subbing in has an opening at the high school for the rest of the year! That would be ideal if I could get that one. The year is just about half over (what, already?), so it's possible that something else may come up here soon.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-85536830496224819352011-01-07T10:28:00.000-08:002011-01-07T10:38:37.188-08:00The week in teachingBack to work this week, although it's a short one as today was a professional day for teachers in the local district. (I think they should have had that on the 3rd, for an extra day of winter break instead. However, starting back with a four day week, and two three-day weekends in a row, isn't bad, either.) I was afraid I wouldn't get much work, but I had a job every day. Monday was high school English, Tuesday was elementary reading, Wednesday was high school humanities, and Thursday was elementary reading and math, so a weird bit of symmetry. I did get a little math in, however, helping a student during a credit retrieval session at the end of the day Wednesday. And that's where I got some interesting insight into the last two years. That student, by coincidence, was one of my former students back in that last district I taught in. She thought I was a good teacher, she told me I'd taught her a lot, and she still had her notes! Wow, I did make an impact there, after all. She still lives down there, but decided to transfer to school up here for a number of reasons. I've encountered a few other students I've taught down there in my new situation, but this was the best insight I've had into what the situation is like there. I have also met some teachers who've told me that that district I worked in doesn't have a terribly good reputation. I wish someone had told me that before I accepted that job!<br /><br />Another job has opened up in a nearby-ish district, and I'm seriously considering applying. So I'll keep you posted.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5641760.post-21044222429936252662010-12-20T10:20:00.000-08:002010-12-20T10:33:33.448-08:00Last week in teachingIt's winter vacation now, and I don't have to worry about teaching for a couple of weeks. So now I can catch up on the rest of my life, such as this blog. The big excitement for me was last week, where I taught sixth grade math for the entire week. It was a great experience. To be sure, there were uncooperative students and squirrelly classes and all the other stuff that goes with teaching sixth graders, especially the week before vacation. But there were also a lot of great students, and I think I got the idea across to a lot of them, so that's some progress. I also had a lot of good chats with the other teacher, who works next door, and we coordinated things well. I even had a meeting with him, the math coach, and the principal about what was going on that week (it was the first time the coach had worked with a sub). Overall, at least for that one week, I felt like a real teacher again. And the weather cooperated, too, since it was at the far away school which is the furthest walk away. It was cold, but no snow or ice on the ground, so I just bundled up and walked a little more briskly. Had there been more inclement weather, I may have driven a day or two, but it just seems silly to drive that short a distance.<br /><br />On the job hunt front, the job I interviewed for and never heard back about is <i>still</i> listed. Go fig. There's also a middle school job listed in a nearby district that I would apply for, but it's only a .6 FTP, for only four hours a day. That would be enough to get me some badly needed benefits, but the lower overall pay and expense of gas (it's not terribly close) does not make it attractive, so I haven't applied yet. If Laura can get a job soon, I will certainly apply, but she hasn't heard back from any of the dozens of places she's applied for.<br /><br />So, another miserable, poor Christmas for us, just as we thought we'd turned the corner and things were looking up again last spring. Well, not a lot I can do about it right now, so I may as well sign off now, and let's see if the new year brings any improvement.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02328723961556156210noreply@blogger.com0