I have a problem with speaking and thinking in absolutes. As my mother could surely verify, the number of times I've said I was never going to do something is only outweighed by the number of times I've done it. I try to remember to say things like, "Right now, I think..." or "I'd really like to..." when I think out loud about big ideas and plans I'm making. The situation almost never works out the way I expect, of course, but I never stop dreaming.
The plan was to stay in Boston for at least two years, more if I really found a niche here. Not surprisingly, that's not at all how things will hash out. As soon as school is out, I'm moving back to the Rio Grande Valley, where I lived and worked for five years after graduating college. I'll be back there around July 1st.
I don't have a job, place to live, or mode of transportation yet. This was also not part of the plan; unfortunately what I've pursued thus far hasn't worked out. I can pay the bills for a few months, so I'm not worried about that. I do know this: I love the RGV, and I can't wait to get back. I've learned a lot in Boston, and I intend to publish a proper goodbye to the city on June 27th, the day I'll be leaving.
I want to let all of you know that I am also seriously looking into jobs outside the classroom. I want to believe that I shouldn't do anything other than teach, but I'd be lying if I said that's definitely what I want to do. This year could be the one where I transition to a life without teaching (at least in the traditional sense).
I can tell you that even considering anything other than being in the classroom is in an incredibly difficult decision, and one huge reason is the deep obligation I feel to the many readers of this blog. It's hard to reconcile all of this with the mission I set out with almost two years ago. I can also tell you I'm not ruling anything out, so rest assured that I am considering things very, very carefully.
Thank you to everyone who's ever participated in this website, and especially to those of you who have written to tell me you were inspired or informed in some way. I'll keep you updated on what happens.
8 comments:
Texas will be lucky to have you back! Good luck in your job search.
I really appreciate that I found this blog and that you write with candor and honesty because I identify so much with the transitions right now (and the idea that I definitely might not be teaching forever). Good luck back in Texas. I know you'll be great.
I just wanted to say "Thank You" ... I was so happy to find your blog and everything it had to offer. I have used so many of the resources that you suggested (and particularly your own book TCL!!!) I think you are truly a gifted teacher, and your unselfishness to share is remarkable !!! I thank you again for all the wonderfully creative ideas that you have suggested (and planned out) - that have engaged some of my 8th graders (even if it was only momentarily) throughout the year... I hope that you continue to post all your ideas (and suggestions) but most of all .. keep teaching because I believe that you DO make a difference !!!
I guess I forgot you are from Texas! I've been applying to grad school at UT- as well as few Austin Art Teaching jobs. Good luck in your own search!
Good luck with all of the new adventures in your life. It's fun to take on new challenges. I live in the Dallas area. Welcome back to Texas!
I just found your site...I guess I will have to tell the other ladies in my alt. teach cert. that they will be short another position in the RGV...I am in SAT and here there are already way too many people looking for teaching jobs...darn it!!!
Thank you everyone for the kind comments and well wishes! I think everything will work out for me over these next few weeks.
lzzykroo: Well, you and your fellow ladies can probably rest easy, as I'm leaning towards not teaching. Even if I end up back in the classroom, remember that there actually are a lot of teaching jobs out there in the RGV. If you group is not that far away, I would suggest you look at La Joya-- they have a lot of openings from elementary through the high schools.
Wow, welcome back to the RGV. I live in Hgn, and have lived here all my life and love it. I think it will be extremely easy for you to find a job anywhere over here. Good luck.
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