Okay, so many of you know that I have been contemplating changing my career for years now. I began the search about 3 years ago. This spring I really got serious and applied to everything and anything I thought I would enjoy. I did a bit of research and talked to lots of people. I was determined to not go back to the classroom this year. Well, I waited and waited and heard nothing for months. July 21st came along (weeks after it is okay to break your contract) and I found another job opening in our district called the College Readiness Specialist. I thought I would give it another shot - what could I lose? About a week later I got a call about coming in for an interview and I was ecstatic but also nervous about what my principal would say. No principal wants to be looking for a teacher replacement 3 weeks before school starts!
Although I was very happy to be considered for an interview I was not very hopeful - it just seemed impossible. The day of the interview I walk into a room full of very intimidating and important people. I
panicked immediately for I was expecting a preliminary interview! I was extremely nervous and thought for sure I'd blown it. As I walked out, my would be boss says "Your Principal speaks very highly of you" . . . . . oh, no, he already knew! (He and I had already talked about me looking for other jobs.)
On my drive home I almost cried - here had been my chance and I wasn't as prepared as I had wanted to be. I prayed for peace and gave it to God saying I did not want this if it wasn't his will! A few hours later I got a call from the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education saying I was the candidate of their choice!!!!!!
AAHHHHH! How could this be? Later I found out that there were 18 applicants, 6 interviews and I was the top pick for all the interviewers. Let's say that I can clearly see God's hand this. I am so amazed and humbled by his love and provision.
Well, the venture just begins. As the College Readiness Specialist I have many duties such as supporting our 6 high schools in increasing numbers of kiddos taking college prep courses and tests. There's a lot of managing and coordinating involved. I have my own office and I love it all so far! I am a bit frightened about the great
responsibility I have especially because so much of this is new to me.
Oh, and my replacement was found a few days after my interview. She is really qualified and comes highly recommended so my Principal is happy. I'm also grateful to him since I know he had much influence in the District's decision.
I have no pics of my office or our dinner celebration at Perry's but I promise I'll post some soon!
The best part of this job is that I get to thoroughly enjoy my weekends and I don't have to worry about lesson plans, disciplining children or waking up at 5:00am.
Yippee!
It has been 2 weeks since Ike. Work was chaotic but I am glad to be back. On Monday administration was responsible for helping out at schools throughout the district. I had the privilege of helping out with a Pre-K class at Glenloch Elementary. The kids were adorable and so glad to be back to school. I had quite a morning - during lunch time I talked to little ones that were crying because they were missing their mommies! Poor babies, they had just gotten used to going to school and then Ike comes to ruin everything. 
So, we have the greatest time playing the Wii, especially when family, friends and neighbors come over. I've never been one to be good at video games but I am pretty decent at tennis, bowling and even boxing. I've beat Phillip at bowling (something that never happens in real life)! Here are a few pics our version of Wii Wars.
I never thought I'd see Nancy Martinez, Pastor Ruben's wife punching the air to win a boxing round. It was hilarious! She called me a week later to tell me she was still sore.
Kris Won!
