Turning on a Dime

I've been riding one of life's little roller coasters the past couple of weeks! Funny how life can turn on a dime.

I received a call from a friend / ex-coworker who got a job teaching at a local private school. She said she heard from her boss that the lower school technology teacher had unexpectedly passed away, and her boss wanted to know if she knew anyone from her old school who could fill the job? So she thought of me. One of the many hats I wore in my last position was technology teacher for lower school. My friend said that if I was interested in the position, I should call up her boss right away! I had to stop and think for a moment. I was working full time when Daniel was diagnosed with T1 & celiac, and went to part time so I could manage it all. However, more than a year has gone by and we're into that "new kind of normal," where we're managing the diabetes and know what to do for celiac. And chronic diseases are expensive. As are gluten free foods. Plus, Daniel will be driving soon, so my car insurance is going to skyrocket. I called the head of lower school and left a message about my friend's referral.

A day later I received a phone call from the lower school head, who invited me in for an interview the next day. I interviewed, and saw that it was a lovely school. The staff is friendly and supportive, the school is well funded, and the campus is lovely. So I showed my interest, and the next day was offered the job. Yes, my head was spinning. I went to my tutoring job that evening and did something I've never done before: quit with no notice. I just couldn't give them any more time.

By this point the other teachers were already well into their pre-start-of-school meetings. I've been working madly the last few days to catch up and make sure I'm ready to take on Kindergarten through grade 4 and teach them computers! One major blessing: the lady who passed away had planned to be out for the first 5 weeks of school, so she had written out detailed lesson plans. Thank you, Mrs. G., wherever you are. You are amazing.

I have a mentor helping me along who is willing to come in and co-teach a few classes to make sure everything is going well. I have a stack of paperwork to complete this weekend, and have to brush up my skills on some kids' software packages. But it's going to be fun. I can't wait.

I already met a few students today during orientation, and received smiles and hugs, so I felt very welcome.

It's been a while since I've been in a classroom, so wish me luck! Now I'm going to play around on KidPix for a while...