If you just came here from Anna's site, I'm so busted. I admit it. I stole her title for tonight's post. Only because we both had the same kind of day. No I didn't get a photography gig like she did. I got a teaching gig!
As I previously mentioned, due to state budget cuts, I lost my position at work. For several weeks I have been actively searching for a teaching position to avoid being placed by the district. I interviewed yesterday before a 6 person hiring committee. As they reviewed my resume, letter of interest, and letters of recommendation, I was able to preview the 14 questions in which they were about to ask of me to respond. As I glanced at each question I thought to myself, "OK, I know what I'll say about this...and this...ya, this one too." I knew how I was about to respond to each and every question. What a sigh of relief. It was the smoothest interview I have ever gone through. I made eye contact. I gave examples. I used buzz words like "differentiated instruction" and "scaffolding". I didn't rub my nose frantically (See #4 here). I had them laughing at times I wanted them to laugh, and nodding in agreement with my ideas on education. And the good thing about the whole thing is I was genuine. I didn't do a "sales job." It was the real me. I think they knew that. At the conclusion, they thanked me for my time, informed me that they still had several interviews left to conclude, and that they hoped to get back to me by today. I knew the other interviews they would be holding would be with very qualified teachers that were being displaced as was I. The title of this post takes away the suspense, but I was so encouraged by the voice mail I received. The principal stated that the committee was very impressed with my interview and they unanimously decided to offer me the position. I was so impressed by the committee, and the positive things I had heard about the school, that I decided to cancel my Monday morning interview and accept this position.
So, you're looking at a new (again) 5th grade teacher.
Above image taken from here.
As I previously mentioned, due to state budget cuts, I lost my position at work. For several weeks I have been actively searching for a teaching position to avoid being placed by the district. I interviewed yesterday before a 6 person hiring committee. As they reviewed my resume, letter of interest, and letters of recommendation, I was able to preview the 14 questions in which they were about to ask of me to respond. As I glanced at each question I thought to myself, "OK, I know what I'll say about this...and this...ya, this one too." I knew how I was about to respond to each and every question. What a sigh of relief. It was the smoothest interview I have ever gone through. I made eye contact. I gave examples. I used buzz words like "differentiated instruction" and "scaffolding". I didn't rub my nose frantically (See #4 here). I had them laughing at times I wanted them to laugh, and nodding in agreement with my ideas on education. And the good thing about the whole thing is I was genuine. I didn't do a "sales job." It was the real me. I think they knew that. At the conclusion, they thanked me for my time, informed me that they still had several interviews left to conclude, and that they hoped to get back to me by today. I knew the other interviews they would be holding would be with very qualified teachers that were being displaced as was I. The title of this post takes away the suspense, but I was so encouraged by the voice mail I received. The principal stated that the committee was very impressed with my interview and they unanimously decided to offer me the position. I was so impressed by the committee, and the positive things I had heard about the school, that I decided to cancel my Monday morning interview and accept this position.
So, you're looking at a new (again) 5th grade teacher.
Above image taken from here.
20 comments:
Yippeee!!!! Congratulations! Do you still get to have the summer off to photograph weddings and other things? Life is good. I'm very happy for you.
YAY!!!! Congratulations! What a relief this must be. When do you start? Do you at least get to enjoy the rest of the summer?
Oh, congratulations Robert! :) I am so, so very excited for you!
Oh, and as for the interviewing? My, it has been along time for me (10 years maybe??) I wouldn't know what to do if I had to interview for anything right now.
It sounds like you knew exactly what to do. Praise be to God. :)
Congratulations! *slappin' you a high five!*
Well howdy there and congratulations! I came here through recommendation of Anna's blog and just wanted to drop ya a line. I'm kind of new to this Blogging business and am not too sure if it is socially acceptable yet haha. Well, just wanted to say Good Luck and Godspeed to ya.
Congratulations! It must feel great - both to have gotten such wonderful feedback from the interview and to be settled with a new position.
Robert, congratulations! Fifth grade is my favorite! They are just learning who they are and beginning to explore different identities and you get to be part of that. You are so lucky!
congratulations Robert, enjoy your new position. :0)
Congratulations to you, too, for your new job! Fifth graders are so fun -- they've been one of my favorite age groups to teach!
And thanks for the kind words about my presentation; I can definitely see your point. I feel much more like the "doing and creating" being "practice" with music; filling out the evaluation forms at the end of semesters always makes me laugh, because for my academic classes, I usually put 1-3 hours a week for outside class studying, but for my music lessons, I put 6-8, but you can guess which one feels more like work!
Yes, Phil Keaggy is AMAZING -- I've always wondered what he would be like with ALL his fingers... haha
Again, so excited for you. Obviously, it is a relief for you and your family but it is wonderful that God laid such a wonderful "gig" in front of you...
Oh and do you mind gassing up the Ferrari for me before you get it to me? Thanks.
;)
Oh and as far as the title, I am of the mind that copying is a form of flattery...or at least that is what I say when I do it!
that's great news... congratulations!
Yay! Congratulations on getting the job!!!
How wonderful Robert! Fifth grade -a challenging age of students but in my experience very worthwhile. The summer has just begun and you're all set for fall!
I think a blogging group hug is needed here so come on everybody!!! Yeah Robert!
Congratulations. It sounds like you not only got the job but it is one you will enjoy.
EXCELLENT! 5th graders rock!
Congratulations. Dontcha just love it when God moves in a situation. So, remember, if bad days come, that God is moving mightily in your life and presenting you with lots of opportunities! Pictures, job openings, family, Lily! (I'm still flabbergasted about the loss of Snow Cone Head though). I'll have to see if Julianne put up any info on the Replacement!
P.S. I want the whole scoop!
YAY that's so awesome! My sister's a 7th grade teacher as was the 'last hired' but miraculously still kept her job!
I'm so happy to hear you found a great position!
I've been here a couple of times, probably by way of Anna's blog.
Congratulations on getting a position and not having to be wondering.
Your photography is great.
Wow! Congrats on the "new" position!
Hopefully you are excited about being in the classroom again!
WhooHoo!! Way to go! No you can relax and enjoy your summer.
Wow, Robert...FANTASTIC NEWS!
It sounds like this was definitely "the one", and I'm so glad you know now rather than sweating it out over summer (hehe on "sweating").
Maybe this will be the BEST job EVAH--after having three of mine "be" fifth graders in the past five years, I really like that age group. They're gonna love you :).
Ooooo, and give you tons of blogging material :).
That's awesome, Robert!!! Congratulations!! What a wonderful answer to prayer. Praise God! :D
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