A Sense of Calm

I received a phone call about 2 hours ago, now. It was the principal of the school that I have been interviewing for. I received an unofficial job offer. It is contingent on the final interview with the superintendent and the school board presentation and approval. 

This is a big deal. Huge. Life changing. 

I feel like I should be freaking out, but I’m not. I’m just calm. Maybe numb. I’m not quite sure. 

I’m very excited for the opportunity. Thrilled. Not many people get to return to the community that they grew up in. It will be nice knowing that I can make a difference there. 

However, it will mean a lot of good-byes. My life here has become a routine that I am completely comfortable with. I enjoy it. Leaving this will hurt in a way that nothing else has up to this point. I have grown so much in the past 6 years. The transformation has been painful at times, but completely necessary and amazing. If I leave, it will break my heart. 

But as Iron & Wine say, “There’s no way to grow that don’t hurt.”

And that will be my mantra. Because I am growing. And change is good. And good-byes don’t have to be permanent. 

So I’m preparing myself to move on. To start a new chapter in my life. 

And I’m just calm. 

Second Interview

My first interview was on Monday morning. It was very relaxed and quick. Despite this, it felt promising. I was reassured by the AD who told me that he was batting for me and that I would be a great fit for my school. The interview panel asked me to stick around for a second interview the following morning. Of course that meant that I had to go shopping. 

I spent all day Wednesday shopping with my mom for something new to wear to the interview the following morning. I think I ended up looking alright. 

That night they emailed me a writing prompt about diversity and differentiation in the classroom. I wrote a 2-page paper to bring to them in the morning. I felt grateful that I had student-taught in such a diverse district before this.

Thursday morning, they were running late. Almost an hour late. So I sat and talked to the secretary and some of the other interviewees. (I think there were 4 of us that made it to the second round.) Finally they called me up, apologizing profusely the whole time. Of course, it was no big deal and I didn’t mind waiting at all.

They started out the interview laughing and joking about sharing water. I was given the opportunity to present my portfolio to them. I think it went over well. Then, I was asked 10 questions about myself, my views on English as a discipline, and classroom management. All-in-all, I think I did pretty well. I was given the opportunity to ask questions at the end. They use the Common Core standards. There is not much in the way of technology in the classrooms. They are looking for someone who is ready to be involved.

Again, the AD assured me that I was great and things looked promising.

Now they’re checking references.

I’m very nervous.  

Interview Nerves

So, I finished my year of student teaching in April. Since then, I have been ferociously filling out applications. Too many applications have been sent in with no reply. It was getting a little depressing. Now, I realize that 2 months is not that long of a job search in comparison to some people, but I am someone who likes to have a plan. 

A week ago a received a call from a friend. SHPS was hiring. It was an English position. In the high school - the school I graduated from 6 years ago. This seemed like a great opportunity. I still know several teachers and administrators. I sent in the necessary information and began the long wait. My nerves were at an all-time high today because I knew that they would be calling to schedule interviews today. Finally, the long-awaited phone call comes through. My interview is set for Wednesday morning at 8:50. I could be more nervous.

This is my first serious interview.

The weird thing is, I think I’m more nervous that I’ll actually get the job. Why is that? I know that it would mean a lot of big changes. And I would likely be living with my parents again for the first year or two. Which is less than ideal for anything other than my bank account. 

Despite all the anxiety about the future, I just need to focus on Wednesday. Can anyone give a girl some advice?