I'm So Excited!

And...I just can't hide it.

I got a job!

Yup, that's right, I got a job. A full time job, a forever job if I want it to be. I am so excited! What is it you are probably wondering. Well, I will be a Pre-K teacher at a Children's Center. Lily will be able to go with me at a very reduced rate. It's going to be so fun. Here is the short little story of how I found the job and got hired.

I went to sub at a school in a kindergarten classroom last Thursday. I have been subbing in kindergarten a lot and have grown to love the little guys. They are hard work and always keep you on your toes but, they are also a LOT of fun. So, I had never been to this particular classroom before. The teacher was there testing kids. I had a couple of preps and lunch and was able to get to know the teacher a bit. We got to talking and one thing led to another and I ended up telling her how I wasn't sure about subbing any more because I needed something consistent and subbing wasn't providing enough for my family. I had also mentioned that I was thinking of looking outside of elementary education because there just isn't any jobs in my area. I also had childcare as an issue too. As it turns out, one of her student's mothers owns two childcare centers and was just in asking her if she knows any credentialed teachers looking for work. So the teacher thought I would be perfect for it and gave me the contact information for the owner. I called the very next day (Friday) and spent the majority of the day missing her. I finally left my info. for her to contact me, thinking it was not going to happen. That night, she called! We talked a bit over the phone, telling each other what our needs are. She invited me to come in Monday for an interview. I told her about my daughter and that she would need a place too. She said she would find out if there was a position available for her but, she thought she heard that they were full for Lily's age. I was bummed but, still hopeful. She said she would let me know on Monday. All weekend I prayed about it. I also found out that Adam is still facing the loss of full time hours. I thought out the pros and cons of taking this job if it was offered to me. I also thought about how perfect the timing was and how it could really only be God that set this all in motion because it found me, I was not searching for a job just thinking about it. The pros definitely out weigh the cons. I went into the interview Monday morning confident in myself, only nervous about a place for Lily. I am more than qualified to have this job. I am a certified teacher after all. I was there for my interview for an hour and a half. I was being interviewed and I was also interviewing them as a parent. It not only had to work for me as a teacher but, it also needed to be a place where I would feel safe putting my child in. I saw nothing but fantastic things happening. Lily will be safe there but, more than that she will learn and have fun. She will be beyond kindergarten ready by the time she is ready to go to kindergarten,especially since she is a year older than most since her birthday falls in September. As for me, I was worried that I would feel like I was wasting my potential as a highly qualified teacher at a daycare. My mind was put to rest when I saw that they do mostly teaching activities. Yes, the children do a lot of fun activities but, they are there to learn. What I saw that the children were learning was what they teach kids in kindergarten in my local school district. (Ex. parts of a bug are head, thorax, abdomen) I told them I am a reading teacher with a passion for reading and developing a life long love for reading in students. They asked me how I would incorporate that into kids so young. They are all for the reading plan I gave them and are letting me have full reign with what I want to do. So, after my tour and all of our questions for each other she took me back to the office. The initial interview was with the owners, the lady I spoke with and her husband, as well as the director of the center. They fired questions at me and I answered. They all really liked what I had to say and agreed with everything, I even got them laughing a few times. Go me! Anyway, back in the office she talked to me about a spot for Lily. Turns out, there is ONE spot available at Lily's age level. She told me what I would have to pay and what I would be paid. She asked if that was doable and it definitely is! She then said, I normally don't do this, I like to take a day to think about it but, I would like to offer you the job. She was so excited to have me, she really felt like I would be a good fit there and that I would enjoy having Lily there too. She shook my hand and welcomed me to the family. And for the record, I wasn't the only candidate, she told me they had over 40 people apply for the job. It really seems like a great establishment. It worked out so perfectly and I can't wait. I start June 1st! Thank you for letting me share my exciting news with you!