I got a job!

It's amazing how things fall into place in unexpected ways. In February and March, I spent 6 weeks in an 8th grade math class as a sub. By no exaggeration, it was torture. I wondered every day if I had chosen the right career path. I like to think that we had more good days than bad, but the word good in this case is relative. I almost quit after a few days after a particularly horrible day, but I decided to stick with it. I wanted to have fun there, but it seemed like the more I had fun, the less classroom control I had. So, I had to be mean, and I hated being mean, so I was not enjoying myself. I knew there was a better medium between being mean and having fun, but I couldn't figure it out as a sub. Close to the end of the 6 weeks, I had a student ask me if I was mad that day...
Student: "Are you mad today?"
Me: "No I'm not."
Student: "That's a first."
Might as well stick a knife through my heart! I cared so much for these students. There is no way I would have stuck around the whole time to be tortured if I didn't!

I hoped more than anything that an experience as the actual classroom teacher would be better. It had to be! I waited a couple months to let the icky feelings from the sub job to settle and then started looking for a teaching job. I only wanted to work part-time so I decided to try for a part-time job and if it didn't work out, then I was not meant to have a teaching job.
During the process, I got an email from the assistant principal from where I was a sub. He said they were going to have a math teaching position and that I would be at the top of their list if I decided to apply. I let him know that I wanted a part-time position so that they wouldn't get surprised if they decided to hire me. I took a resume to the school and waited. During the next few weeks, I applied other places and waited. After about a month, I decided to email them and I got a call back the next day asking to schedule an interview!

The principal talked to me before the interview, "You don't have to worry about anything. You've already proven yourself here, we just have to go through the interview process, but you're at the top of our list." Great!
During the interview:
"We have 2 math positions open and their both full-time. Would you consider teaching full-time."
"I want part-time, if I have some time to decide then I could consider a full-time position. How much time do I have to make a decision?"
"We understand. We need a decision by tomorrow."
I felt great about the interview. I had a job if I wanted one, but I had to decide if I wanted to work full-time or not. I went to my job at the university. While I was there I got a call from the school. "We really don't want to lose you, so we're going to offer you a part-time position teaching math and science. Think it over. You have the job so let us know if you want part-time or full-time." YES!!!! I was happy to take the part-time position! Such a relief!

I can't believe we are already halfway throught the school year. I love teaching!
Student: "Did you know that you are a really good math teacher?"
No I didn't but thanks for letting me know. My experience as a teacher has been 100 times better than subbing! I'm glad for both experiences because the first taught me a lot about myself as a teacher and the second has allowed me to use those things I learn and have a good time as the teacher in the classroom.