Paperwork

Now that one of my jobs has ended, I once again have the majority of the morning to myself. Since I don't know what to do with myself (what? I don't have to go teach, plan lessons, or grade papers in the same volume I used to have to do?), I've been getting my act together with the certification process I had started on back in the fall, before I took on the maternity leave position. Today, I *FINALLY* submitted the proper paperwork to get my substitute teaching license... I call it an accomplishment. I was going to mail my CE paperwork for my English certificate (I think everything is in there; I just want it IN), but I guess that will wait until Thursday. Thursday, I am also supposed to go and get more paperwork filled out for another job that I'm taking on at the school where I did the maternity leave position as a teacher's aide, but we'll see... The principal has been so busy she hasn't called the office where I need to go, which is kinda good because it gives me all this down time to get stuff for myself done. I've even been studying for my Latin certification exam, which I still need to schedule, but if these free days keep going, I'll be able to do that without a problem.

The one nagging thought in my mind (well, there's more than one, but this is one of them) is when I plan to go back to grad school. That is still a dream that has not yet been fulfilled, and teaching Latin and seeing the kids really get into Roman culture etc continually reminds me why I fell in love with classical languages in the first place. I do like teaching, and I think maybe with more time and experience I could really be good at this; however, my desire to think at levels that are far above the K-12 sphere is still unfulfilled. I know I want at least a masters degree in Classics, maybe a PhD; yet, my life is moving forward in ways that wouldn't be possible by going back to school for the subject I love. Financially, I really need to be working to support myself and help my family out; artistically, I really should be going back to school and crying over late night papers and translating until my eyes fall out. That's the stuff I really love; I miss the analysis over great works in the original language and exploring the literary and human depth of the classics. It's stuff I can't have in it's great fullness in a K-12 classroom, and to a certain extent, I'm okay with that because my students need to learn the basics before they can get to that point. I know what a profound impact my experience with Latin in high school had on me, and I can thank all three teachers who got me to this point; I think my job is worthwhile if I can have that same impact on another budding classicist, even if it means that sacrifice. I know some of my students have an interest in the subject and plan to keep going when they reach high school, and I hope they do. I guess the desire will continue to bother me for a little while longer before I give up and just go back.

8th Grade English Ended!

My last day was March 8. I LOVED everything about it - the teachers, the location, the students, the subject, etc. I accomplished so many things in that classroom. I got experience making modifications for IEP students and using the Smartboard; I also got practice using essential questions and I got familiar with common core standards. I feel like a success. My co-teacher said she loved working with me and that I have the teacher gift. The principal also loved what I did and how I tried to push the 8th grade to prepare for high school that she offered me a job as a teacher's aide since nothing else was available at the time.

Let me take this moment and take stock of what I've got for next year:

I have a couple of leads on Latin teacher jobs for next year. The charter school for whom I did the standards-based curriculum guide wants me as a Latin teacher; this other job I heard about through a Classics professor and it's in Skillman, part-time, but public high school, so more benefits and pay. If I liked it, I would relocate and teach down there. Already looks promising.

Right now:

1. Sylvan (4-5 days a week)
2. WyzAnt Latin tutoring (4 days a week, usually after Sylvan)
3. Catholic school 1 (Wednesday)
4. Catholic school 2 (haven't started yet, but would probably be 4 days a week plus any subbing they want me to do)

I do these regularly, but there are some extra things I do as well, like helping out a teacher in town, but she is moving (actually the reason for the vacancy at the charter school previously mentioned). My schedule is pretty full!

I am trying to get all my paperwork in order to find a full-time job for next year. While I like all my jobs individually, teaching requires a lot of energy; teaching in multiple places requires a LOT of energy. I have no time for myself or for other people. I spend a lot of time and I get paid an hourly rate; compared to some people, I am making not a bad bit of money, but because I live at home, I am saving that money. Nevertheless, I do a lot of work at home that I don't get compensated for: creating assessments, homework assignments, grading, emails, updating the website, etc. I don't mind it; however, I don't have a salary or my own benefits. It's worthwhile work and I like doing it, but I would be better investing my time and talent in ONE place, instead of having to supplement the income in other places. So, a full-time job is ideal!!

...

Some weeks are harder than others.