Saturday, June 28, 2008
A Signed Contract
Well, I did it. I signed my first ever teaching contract today (well, technically yesterday- since it is 2:30am)! As soon as I got off work I headed over to the Granite School District offices and met up with the HR director and did the deed..... It is now official! It is still so very surreal. After signing the contract, I took another little trip out to Magna to pick up a few textbooks so that I could start getting things organized and planned. My schedule will consist of 2 year long world geography courses, 2 semster long foreign language exploratory courses- which is meant to help expose students to a number of foreign languages including Spanish, French, Italian (yay!), Latin, and Japanese; 1 10 week Exploratory course and 1 12 week Exploratory course- for these courses I can teach anything I am passionate about. I never imagined I would ever be able to teach what I love most of all- and I am so excited for the chance that I have to do it. My mind is racing with ideas and I can only hope that those ideas develop into great lesson plans that really get students involved and interested in the world around them.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
My Dream Job CAN Be Found In Utah!
After months of searching, applying and interviewing for numerous teaching jobs, I have finally found my dream job! Here is the story of how it all came about...
Yesterday morning I got a call from a principal in South Jordan asking me if I would like to interview for a position at his school. Of course, still being unemployed, I eagerly said yes. I pulled out my planner and penciled in Elk Ridge Middle School Thursday June 26, 8:30am. Not even 30 minutes later, I got another phone call from a number I didn't recognize. I answered, curiosity easily visible on my face. Another interview. I yet again pulled out my planner and penciled in Brockbank Jr. High Thursday June 26, 10am. As I penciled in this second interview I remembered one possible disastrous scenario to this whole thing. The grave yard shift that I was scheduled to work the night before. It was my first day back at the hospital. All possible disasters were running through my head.. falling asleep at the wheel on my way to the interview, stumbling over my words during the interview and appearing as uneducated as one might feel after going 24+ hours with no sleep... But none the less, I was bound and determined to, well, for lack of better words, kick ass in both of these interviews. I worked the grave shift from 11pm to 7am Wednesday night. Toward the end of my shift I started getting ready for the interviews- using the portable bathroom complete with face wash towels, hair spray, toothbrush and toothpaste, and make up. Once I got off, I headed down to get my tetnus shot (which I had forgotten I had also scheduled for Thursday morning). I left the hospital by 730am- stopped to get some caffine to get me going- and was on my way to South Jordan. I had a great interview with the principal at Elk Ridge- found out that if I were to take that job I would be teaching straight US History and I would be in a portable... Didn't seem like too bad of a deal. The principal told me he would let me know next week so once that interview was over, I headed to the other side of the valley (and when I say other side, I really mean other side!) I got to Brockbank quite a bit earlier than I had anticipated and found myself just sitting in the parking lot... since I was in Magna, it's not like there were any stores or anything I could just wander for a half an hour... So, once I got sick of waiting, I walked in and introduced my self and began interview number 2. At Brockbank I would be teaching 2 class periods of Geography and 4 class periods of an exploratory language course for which there is no state curriculum so I would basically get to teach what I wanted, introducing students to languages and cultures around the world. Oh, and there is an advisory period each day too where I would also get to teach what ever I wanted... they suggested I teach some Italian! So, needless to say, by the end of the interview I was drooling and really wanted this position. As for my classroom, at this point, they don't have a clue where they would stick me could be in a 60 year old building, a new building or a portable... who knows... But still, not a bad deal. At the end of the interview the vice principal told me she had a few more interviews to conduct and she would let me know as soon as they made a decision and I was on my way back to Salt Lake to hopefully get some sleep!
I headed home pondering the mornings events, amazed that I was able to pull everything off so well.. I must say, I really think I did kick ass in both of the interviews! The principal at Brockbank must have thought so as well because as I was merging onto the 201 heading into the city, she called me and asked me if I wanted the position. Of course I told her YES!!! while trying to not scream in her ear. She told me that both she and the counselor that interviewed me were very impressed and felt that I would make a great match for their school!!!! I was so excited I couldn't contain it... I resisted the urge to call every living soul I know and tell them. I'm so proud of myself! So, tomorrow I get to go sign my first teaching contract and pick up textbooks and start planning my first year of teaching! I can't wait!
This is Brockbank Jr. High located in Magna. Yes, I realize it is out in the boonies but I am so thrilled nonetheless! I couldn't have done it without all the support and love you all have given me throughout the years! I love you all!!!
Buona Notte a Tutti!!! ok, I hope you all have a great afternoon...I'm off to bed!
Yesterday morning I got a call from a principal in South Jordan asking me if I would like to interview for a position at his school. Of course, still being unemployed, I eagerly said yes. I pulled out my planner and penciled in Elk Ridge Middle School Thursday June 26, 8:30am. Not even 30 minutes later, I got another phone call from a number I didn't recognize. I answered, curiosity easily visible on my face. Another interview. I yet again pulled out my planner and penciled in Brockbank Jr. High Thursday June 26, 10am. As I penciled in this second interview I remembered one possible disastrous scenario to this whole thing. The grave yard shift that I was scheduled to work the night before. It was my first day back at the hospital. All possible disasters were running through my head.. falling asleep at the wheel on my way to the interview, stumbling over my words during the interview and appearing as uneducated as one might feel after going 24+ hours with no sleep... But none the less, I was bound and determined to, well, for lack of better words, kick ass in both of these interviews. I worked the grave shift from 11pm to 7am Wednesday night. Toward the end of my shift I started getting ready for the interviews- using the portable bathroom complete with face wash towels, hair spray, toothbrush and toothpaste, and make up. Once I got off, I headed down to get my tetnus shot (which I had forgotten I had also scheduled for Thursday morning). I left the hospital by 730am- stopped to get some caffine to get me going- and was on my way to South Jordan. I had a great interview with the principal at Elk Ridge- found out that if I were to take that job I would be teaching straight US History and I would be in a portable... Didn't seem like too bad of a deal. The principal told me he would let me know next week so once that interview was over, I headed to the other side of the valley (and when I say other side, I really mean other side!) I got to Brockbank quite a bit earlier than I had anticipated and found myself just sitting in the parking lot... since I was in Magna, it's not like there were any stores or anything I could just wander for a half an hour... So, once I got sick of waiting, I walked in and introduced my self and began interview number 2. At Brockbank I would be teaching 2 class periods of Geography and 4 class periods of an exploratory language course for which there is no state curriculum so I would basically get to teach what I wanted, introducing students to languages and cultures around the world. Oh, and there is an advisory period each day too where I would also get to teach what ever I wanted... they suggested I teach some Italian! So, needless to say, by the end of the interview I was drooling and really wanted this position. As for my classroom, at this point, they don't have a clue where they would stick me could be in a 60 year old building, a new building or a portable... who knows... But still, not a bad deal. At the end of the interview the vice principal told me she had a few more interviews to conduct and she would let me know as soon as they made a decision and I was on my way back to Salt Lake to hopefully get some sleep!
I headed home pondering the mornings events, amazed that I was able to pull everything off so well.. I must say, I really think I did kick ass in both of the interviews! The principal at Brockbank must have thought so as well because as I was merging onto the 201 heading into the city, she called me and asked me if I wanted the position. Of course I told her YES!!! while trying to not scream in her ear. She told me that both she and the counselor that interviewed me were very impressed and felt that I would make a great match for their school!!!! I was so excited I couldn't contain it... I resisted the urge to call every living soul I know and tell them. I'm so proud of myself! So, tomorrow I get to go sign my first teaching contract and pick up textbooks and start planning my first year of teaching! I can't wait!
This is Brockbank Jr. High located in Magna. Yes, I realize it is out in the boonies but I am so thrilled nonetheless! I couldn't have done it without all the support and love you all have given me throughout the years! I love you all!!!Buona Notte a Tutti!!! ok, I hope you all have a great afternoon...I'm off to bed!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Fathers Day, Movies, Babysitting, and Summer
Sunday I went to visit the fam in Clinton for Fathers day. It was a lot of fun. We BBQ'd in the back yard and took a dip in the pool- which was definately needed considering how hot it was. It was nice to kick back and relax and spend a few days with my family. I had a blast playing with Kaden- the crazy 2 year old that he is... you can't help but want to spoil him to death! While I was home I was sure to enjoy every moment of central a/c... (it's funny the things you miss when you are poor and don't live at home!) and of course cooling off in the pool... Gotta get my fill until the next visit!
Kaden pushing Uncle Derek on his bike
Kaden's "Cheese" face... too adorable!
And... his game face.
Monday I saw Kung Fu Panda with Mom, Derek, Darci and my nephews. It was a pretty cute show. It wasn't quite what I had expected... Though I am not sure what I was really expecting... Maybe something a little more, BOH! Not quite sure... But nonetheless, it was a cute show and Kaden really seemed to like it.
I made a great discovery this weekend... Some of you may think it is kinda dorky, but... I can now put my hair up in pigtails!!! And I can also do a ponytail- as long as I have about 10 bobby pins to hold the rest of my hair in... Yay! It has been a LONG time since I have been able to pull my hair back... 2 years... I'm excited for it to get even longer!
Me and my pigtails!
Tuesday I got up and cleaned out my car, and it felt great! I love having a clean car... now I just need to clean the outside... Guess that will have to wait till I have money. Then I babysat Kaden and Kyson which was a lot of fun. I was supposed to meet up with a friend of mine from high school whom I haven't seen in at least 7 years... craziness! But, I miss read our email conversation and thought we were meeting an hour later than we were... so sad! So, even though I missed seeing Nikki- and I drug the boys with me, I still had a blast watching them. I can't believe how big Kyson is getting. He is such an angel... well, either that or he was just an angel for me- either way, I'm not complaining! While Kyson slept Kaden and I played. We had a blast taking silly pictures- I think he is going to be quite the photographer one of these days! Thanks for letting me play Kaden!
You never know what you are going to get when you give a 2 year old a camera!
You might get this....
Or this...
Or this... But in any case... it is great fun!
I can't decide if he looks like a tortoise here or ET...
Kaden and Erica
Kaden golfing like his Grampa
Later on this afternoon, I headed back to my apartment and quickly realized that summer is really here as I walked into the sauna... otherwise known as my apartment. When I walked in the door, I was so happy to see that Patrick had already bought the foam for our windows (if he hadn't I was going to steal his truck and go get it myself) so we could put our air conditioners in. Air conditioning is a wonderful invention... One that I don't want to live without for too long... unless it is the right circumstances of course (meaning Italy of course.. where else?!?!?).
Anywho, I guess that is probably enough rambling for now... So, here are a few more pictures... of the 2 cutest nephews an Aunt could ever ask for... because you all know that is what I do! :)
Kyson Xavier Kent
Kaden and Kyson
Now that is just adorable!
Kaden pushing Uncle Derek on his bike
Kaden's "Cheese" face... too adorable!
And... his game face.
Monday I saw Kung Fu Panda with Mom, Derek, Darci and my nephews. It was a pretty cute show. It wasn't quite what I had expected... Though I am not sure what I was really expecting... Maybe something a little more, BOH! Not quite sure... But nonetheless, it was a cute show and Kaden really seemed to like it.
I made a great discovery this weekend... Some of you may think it is kinda dorky, but... I can now put my hair up in pigtails!!! And I can also do a ponytail- as long as I have about 10 bobby pins to hold the rest of my hair in... Yay! It has been a LONG time since I have been able to pull my hair back... 2 years... I'm excited for it to get even longer!
Me and my pigtails!Tuesday I got up and cleaned out my car, and it felt great! I love having a clean car... now I just need to clean the outside... Guess that will have to wait till I have money. Then I babysat Kaden and Kyson which was a lot of fun. I was supposed to meet up with a friend of mine from high school whom I haven't seen in at least 7 years... craziness! But, I miss read our email conversation and thought we were meeting an hour later than we were... so sad! So, even though I missed seeing Nikki- and I drug the boys with me, I still had a blast watching them. I can't believe how big Kyson is getting. He is such an angel... well, either that or he was just an angel for me- either way, I'm not complaining! While Kyson slept Kaden and I played. We had a blast taking silly pictures- I think he is going to be quite the photographer one of these days! Thanks for letting me play Kaden!
You never know what you are going to get when you give a 2 year old a camera!You might get this....
Or this...
Or this... But in any case... it is great fun!
I can't decide if he looks like a tortoise here or ET...
Kaden and Erica
Kaden golfing like his GrampaLater on this afternoon, I headed back to my apartment and quickly realized that summer is really here as I walked into the sauna... otherwise known as my apartment. When I walked in the door, I was so happy to see that Patrick had already bought the foam for our windows (if he hadn't I was going to steal his truck and go get it myself) so we could put our air conditioners in. Air conditioning is a wonderful invention... One that I don't want to live without for too long... unless it is the right circumstances of course (meaning Italy of course.. where else?!?!?).
Anywho, I guess that is probably enough rambling for now... So, here are a few more pictures... of the 2 cutest nephews an Aunt could ever ask for... because you all know that is what I do! :)
Kyson Xavier Kent
Kaden and Kyson
Now that is just adorable!Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Update in Erica-ville
I thought I would give a quick update on what is going on in my world though there is nothing excited to report. I am still jobless, in every sense of the word. I do have an interview for a part time summer job this week so hopefully this one goes a lot better than my teaching interviews have gone. Thus far, I have yet to get an offer- and the big hang up seems to be experience. But I have one question.... how in the hell am I supposed to get experience if nobody will hire me so that I can gain experience?!?!? I guess it is one of those which came first, the chicken or the egg, questions. So I guess all I can do for now is keep my head up and cross my fingers for a job soon!
To vent my frustration, today I decided it would be a good idea to take a walk. I decided to head out along the Jordan Parkway and ended up at the International Peace Gardens. It is a park in SLC built as a war memorial. Luckily I had my camera with me so I shot a few pics. It was a beautiful day and luckily I was planning to leave as the dark clouds and wind decided to pick up.
To vent my frustration, today I decided it would be a good idea to take a walk. I decided to head out along the Jordan Parkway and ended up at the International Peace Gardens. It is a park in SLC built as a war memorial. Luckily I had my camera with me so I shot a few pics. It was a beautiful day and luckily I was planning to leave as the dark clouds and wind decided to pick up.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Ladytron
On of my favorite bands these days is Ladytron. I was introduced to them by my roommate Patrick. Ladytron recently released Velocifero, their latest cd. It is incredible! I highly recommend it to everyone. I believe that once you listen, you, like me, will be hooked. I can't stop listening to it! I also saw them in concert Monday night at In The Venue. It was a fantastic show! They played plenty of their older hits as well as a few from the new album. Good times!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)