Teach for Hysteria: How to Apply for a Job Without Really Trying or Is That a Noodle in Your Ass? Part 2

Well, guess what?

I went on some interviews with some lovely people at some lovely schools. One social justice school, which really stole my heart, had students on their hiring committee and lots of evidence of great teaching. Another alternative school with tiny tiny classes (YES!) and well-recommended by my ed school profs was particularly quick on their feet, and I went for an interview and did a demo lesson fairly quickly. It was one of the best interviews I've ever had, where we actually talked about pedagogy, team work, advisory, adolescent psychology, lesson study, and standard and alternative assessment. Where I had a rich and realistic conversation with other teachers. Huh? Where am I?

I did a demo lesson that I felt really good about for a humanities class of ninth graders. I was really nervous about just going in and teaching something to a class that I didn't know, but I asked about what they were doing -- research projects on different countries -- and created a culminating lesson on countries that I nicknamed "Countries -- Why?" We had a discussion on what they thought countries were for, given their research so far, and they did some cooperative group work on how and why borders change, what the earth really looks like and how frontiers are imaginary, and the united nations. I gave them pictures of the earth from space, maps of changing borders in europe and the caribbean (esp. Hispaniola), and the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. I had materials for all levels, so the lower performing readers were able to have documents that were accessible to them -- modifications, baby, synthesis! It was pretty interesting.

After the lesson, the kids all shook my hand and a couple of the girls whispered, "You were really good, I hope they hire you!" One girl thanked me and gave me a big hug. And throughout, I was charmed to the sweet calls of my first name, which takes me back to my hippy teacher art school days. Aaaah.

A few days after I got back from vacation I got this letter:

Ms. S:

We are happy to inform you that the Personnel Committee of La La High School has decided to offer you a SBO personnel position with our school in the coming school year.It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet with you and discuss you educational vision. In spite of the large number of candidates, your deep respect for students and educational expertise greatly impressed us and the rest of the committee. In summary, you exceeeded our criteria for hiring...

Sincerely,

Nice Person #1 and Nice Person #2

YAY!! I made it out alive!

Of course, now I have all this anxiety that some terrible tragedy will befall me and derail my teaching career. Like, God forbid, one of the Wild Children will fall out at window on my watch, much as I try to discourage such shenanigans. Also, I catch myself feeling guilty for "abandoning" this shitty school, and then I remember, wait -- they are closing it anyway! Oops! So technically, I stayed til the bitter end.

And wait! I actually have to turn down job offers! I feel so terrible doing it, I met some really nice people that I came to respect through the process. But frankly, I like this place, I loved the kids, they are really laid back, easy to get to, and it happened fast. Part of me feels like I should go through it with other schools, and then choose. But I am so exhausted I can't do anymore. I'm done. For now. With the Citadel? Forever.

Hey Pscyho Man! How ya like me now?