keeping up

Today i am going to tell you all a little about my new job. I will be a (or, am a, once the kiddos get here on the 5th) 7th/8th grade special ed teacher. Most students are diagnosed with a learning disability or a health impairment (usually ADHD).  The school is a privileged one, in a rural district without much money. It just happens to be in an area of wealth where there is a strong pack of pta moms who raise a lot of money for the school ($40,000 last year!).

My kids will not be as tough at the ones i had (and loved) at Forks High. I called a bunch of parents yesterday and by-and-large, they come from 2 parent households. The parents were very happy to hear from me, especially since i told them i had been a 9th grade teacher and knew how hard it would be for their kids. I want to be a hard ass on the 8th graders (especially) to prepare them for high school. The parents were happy to hear this.

The only drawback is that the position is half time. As a result, the school has had 4 different teachers in the last 4 years, people keep moving on to full time positions in the district. I have money concerns, esp after having wracked up a large amt of debt from my masters, but i have a lead on another (low wage) part time job at the local Food Co-op. Ten bucks an hour at 12-20 hours per week. That job could almost pay my rent and really take some stress off my. I have added more to my credit card than i really want to…so we’ll see. Another thing i worry about is making connections with the staff, students, and families, then leaving after a year. I really, really do not want to do this. But, on the other hand, i cannot live on half a salary. Who knows how everything will pan out.

There ya be, short and sweet. Take care, friends.