Newly Directed Energy

A few weeks back, I decided to channel my frustration, depression, and anger into a more productive force. I took a day off from work and sent out 8 cover letters and resumes. Within a few days, I received responses from several principals. Since then, I've done a few interviews and 2 demo lessons at 2 different public schools. The school I really want to be at is in Washington Heights and it's pretty amazing in terms of the behavior. All of the students wear uniforms and they're really strict about detention. My coworker's dad actually works there. I'm waiting to hear back from them, and I'm hoping it's good news. I received relatively positive feedback from the literacy coach who observed me. I did a lesson on how to write more powerful poems by using the five senses. My all time favorite for this type of lesson is Langston Hughes' "Harlem: A Dream Deferred".

The second demo lesson I did was this past Tuesday. It's the school that Ronald suggested I look into...a heavily technology-based school. It used to be struggling but last year, it received a B. Everything I've read about it has been really great. But then when I spoke to a couple of people about it, it seems like just your average south Bronx school. I was also told that it might get broken down into smaller schools. So...not so sure about it anymore. I'm still waiting to hear back from Coney Island Prep and the Washington Heights school.

I still have a couple of more interviews coming up, one at a small public school in the Bronx and another one in the Heights. Seems I'm am destined for these two locations.

I'm feeling generally positive about getting hired elsewhere. I would love to be at a great school where I don't have to worry about behavioral issues. At the same time, do I need a perfect school? I don't think I want to be at a perfect school where everything is taken care of. I want to be able to truly make a difference. But I suppose being a teacher for anyone makes a difference somehow...and now that I have a choice of where to go, why choose a place that I know is going to be more difficult in terms of classroom management? Management is definitely still not my strong suit.

Positive note: my ELA scores came back. Almost three-quarter of the grade made progress. I made this damn middle school look real good so of course, now, they're super nice to me. I hate these bitches. Such haters. Mistreat you for 8 months, but the 9th month breaks the pattern of utter disrespect because of some numbers that came back. Dis-gust-ing.