Job interview: pluses and minuses.

[labelleizzy]

+ I got a job interview...
+ ...at a Waldorf school
+ and liked Njeri and the co-teacher who will take the second grade in the fall, very much indeed
+ and they were favorably impressed with me (liked my art! eee!)
+ and wanted to find a way to make this job work for me, including suggesting that we could try to have teaching experience at that school count as my third year practicum.
+ they want me to tell them if I am willing to teach a demo lesson. To the first grade, before school starts, even. Um. With the parents in the room observing, also. Double um. Amazing to get that offer, seriously, even if the idea intimidates me a little, really amazing to have that offered to me. It's making me think deeply about what I want to teach to the first grade, how, with what methods and techniques

However, to follow the example of a wise friend of mine, I think I want to make different mistakes in my life, so I should hopefully have the opportunity to learn something new...

I have already taken teaching jobs against my better judgment, where I didn't feel I was properly qualified for the subject and well-grounded in my teaching practice (or my personal life, for that matter!)...

Teaching drama was one hell of an adventure, I learned a lot, but I don't EVER want to teach-by-the-seat-of-my-pants again. I want to really know what I'm doing and why, well enough to explain it to anyone with questions about what I'm doing, and why. I am nowhere near that when it comes to First Grade curriculum *or* classroom management at that age.

It will be a different mistake, saying no, but I feel it is the honorable choice both for my growth and development as a professional, and for the children who will be in that classroom.

Instead I am choosing to boost signal about this job opening for others who might be drawn to the opportunity, and hope Njeri finds the proper teacher for her incoming first grade. Have sent email to Lisa Anderson at my teacher training program, and have linked to Njeri's website on Twitter, where I have several Waldorf schools I follow and who follow me.

Perhaps I can be the bridge between a need and filling that need. The idea is very satisfying, though I may never find out if I *did* help. I'm okay with that.


*** now, back to finish my homework!

Comments

[thats-ms-dragon.livejournal.com]

I think you could do the job. I am sorry that you felt you had to turn it down. *hugs*

[plymouth.livejournal.com]

Same here. I have taken jobs I felt I was underqualified for before and turned out to really have a knack for it. I generally feel like if the people hiring me think I am qualified it is worth trying out (unless there's some other reason not to).

[inflectionpoint.livejournal.com]

This. It's one of the best ways to grow into yourself, if it's a slight or medium gap between how you come in and what they need/want.

If the gap/difference is too big tho, it's not a good idea and can be destructive.

I'm still learning to be confident and to try things that are a -bit- of a stretch. I spent too much time in an environment that was an insane overstretch, then I spent seven years in something that wasn't a stretch at all. It's challenging figuring out the right amount of stretch.

I'm willing to do it myself because otherwise I'm stuck with things that aren't quite what I want. But it's hard work to do.

I hope you find something that is a good fit for you!