Aug 13 2008
Blog entry? What blog entry?
When I’m not at the top of my form…
I need to post. I need to get out of this fix that I’m in. Whether I change jobs or not, I have to stop being wrapped up in what’s going on in my life and my career, and be ready for those who need me to be ready for them.
I’ve been trying to find a position in technology since the end of my first year as an English teacher at Hinsdale High in Hinsdale New Hampshire. I love being in the classroom. Every student is special for me. I feel for them and with them as we move through this existential drama called life in the metaphor of education.
However, it looks like I am again going to fail to get a position anywhere in technology. Eight of them will be either left unfilled or dissolved in the HUGE fuel cost increases. And I have a terrible case of the “poor me’s”. I have almost completed my pre-school year preps to continue as a teacher in Hinsdale, but I have to recommit.
I can’t, however, because there’s still one more slim chance that a position may be offered to me. I know this will seem petty to anyone who reads. In fact, it is petty to me, but I’m in a terrible funk, and, one way or another, I have to get out of it. I have to get out of it for the sake of each student with whom I’ll be studying, their folks, my colleagues, and especially my dear, sweet wife.
Have you ever been in a predicament like this?
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I get those same feelings every year at this time. Every year it’s something different that sparks those feelings, one year it was frustration with my pay this year it’s course scheduling. I don’t have any good advice about how to handle the situation because for me once the school year starts I’m fine. Just wanted to let you know that you’re not the only one that has felt that way.
Skip,
I can honestly say that I am in the exact same place. I love the kids I work with, but I really want to use my technology knowledge and help a LOT of teachers find new technology skills that will impact learning.
This has been the hardest start to a school year in twenty-two. I am ready to move on…
Good luck on your journey.
My husband tried for years to get a job as Principal and went through similar feelings. He actually decided to give up at one point but I encouraged him to keep going. We both knew he was ready for it but convincing outsiders is very hard. The good news is that he started working as a Principal in April and is loving it!
Hope things turn around for you soon and that you start to feel better about your situation!
Hi Skip-
First thanks for your comment on my Blog. Your story is my story and I am here to tell you that you WILL have a happy ending. I have been wanting to leave the classroom and do more tech training, etc. for about 3 years and my district wasn’t listening. This summer I decided to put my resume together and applied for another teaching position in a neighboring distrit– thought that would at least be a change. I was offered the job, but declined beause it didn’t feel “right”. Anyway, a day later I received a call from the Director of Technology from that district asking me if I would be interested in interviewing for a new position- Districtwide Instructional Technology Specialist. I went on the interview and much to my surprise was offered the position and I start in 3 weeks!!!! So after 28 years in a SpEd classroom I am turning in my classroom filled with students to an office filled with computers and keep saying to myself- “What the heck have I done?”!!! I know it sounds cliche, but everything happens for a reason, when the time is right and often when we least expect it.
So hang in there- don’t give up your dream– it will happen!
Skip,
I do hope that you get a technology position, but if you don’t …PLEASE use technology in your classroom. I know that you will since you love it soooo much. Blogging will be sure a great tool for your class and I believe that your students will love it as well. There are so many teachers that are still so scared of technology and don’t make learning fun for the students. English is one of those subjects that students are not happy with to start with…but you could make it one of their favorites. Good Luck and Let the light shine in your English Classes this year.