I'm a first-time aunt!

My sister Heidi and brother-in-law Rick just had their first baby, which makes me a first-time aunt! His name is Richard James Bagnall, or R.J. for short. He was born on May 22nd, 2009 in Lafayette, Indiana at 8:30am after 23 hrs of labor, 9lbs 15.8 oz.

Standardized Tests Suck

I just got notified via e-mail that I did not pass the West-E general science and biology exams. I am pretty depressed about it, as this was my second attempt on the general science exam and these tests are $130 a pop. I believe I was ONE QUESTION away from passing. The bottom line is that I do not take standardized tests well and a lot of questions were about obscure concepts. Plus I haven't taken Physics yet, which was about 15% of the exam. I took the tests now so that I could get hired as a science teacher for this fall. Well, that's not going to happen now. I won't take the tests again until I'm finished with my classes, which will be later on this fall. It appears that it's going to take at least a year to get the science endorsement. So, needless to say, I'm pretty disappointed. I was talking with a school principal last week who told me that this is the worst time in 30 years to get a teaching job. Lovely news, huh?

I have a phone interview with the Anchorage School District next week. I'm pretty nervous about the idea of moving to Alaska! But I'm also pretty nervous about the idea of subbing this fall in classrooms of 30+ students.

I'm finished with subbing for the school year and am not working this summer. Just taking my physics class. I'm going to have to be even more creative to make my small savings support me through this summer!

On a different note, I recently went to Nebraska to attend my friend Shauna's wedding. Shauna was my best friend in Macedonia Peace Corps and she married her Macedonian boyfriend. It is like a fairytale. I will post the story and photos soon.

3,000 teachers

May 15th has arrived, the day that the legislature dropped the other shoe down on the school districts and we finally got word on the big issue of funding. It doesn't look good.

The Seattle Times reports that 3,000 teachers statewide are being laid off. These are teachers who typically have 1-3 years teaching experience. This is 3,000 more teachers I am competing with for jobs. The Seattle School District alone has laid off about 175 teachers. Provided, some of these teachers will be re-hired, but that is what I am up against, not including all the newbie teachers like me who are vying for positions and have not been able to get a job yet.

So, I'm looking out of state. I just completed my application for Anchorage and next I'm going to apply to Indiana, where my sister is.

I am trying to mentally prepare myself for another year of subbing. There are pros and cons. If I am subbing, I will continue to work on getting my science endorsement. It is almost like I need another student teaching experience to satisfy all of the competencies for getting a science endorsement. But what I need is to pass the West-E exam as the bare minimum to be hired without the endorsement. This is my second time taking the test (I took it last fall and didn't pass). Now I am taking the General Science exam AND the Biology exam. The day is May 30th. I hope I pass them!

My Cellular Biology class is kicking my butt. I am really struggling to keep up with the reading and the assignments. At this point, I just want to pass. I feel like I'm just trying to keep my head above water, with subbing, my Biology class, applications and somehow having a life in between.

As a side note, I had a fist fight in my class on Thursday, where I was subbing. I'd been in the class before, I know the kids, and I knew there were some words between these two boys (3rd & 4th grade), but I had no idea it would escalate to fists flying. Fortunately I was able to keep my cool on the surface and call for back up, but my heart was racing like crazy for the next half an hour! Both boys were, of course, suspended and I found out this was not the first time they had gotten in a fist fight.

Also, when subbing in middle school the week before I noticed a boy with cuts on his forearms. I sent him to the nurse and later the counselor came in to talk to me about it. It is suspected (and I think most probably) that it was self-inflicted.

One thing about teaching: There's never a dull moment!

Road Blocks

This is a crazy time to be looking for a job, and that is especially true in education. With many schools RIFF'ing (laying teachers off), the job market is saturated. It doesn't look good for a newbie like me. So, still considering out of state. Besides Indiana, where my sister is, I'm also thinking about applying to Alaska, since they are hiring. I was in Anchorage in 2002 for the Iditarod Dog Sled Race, so at least I have an idea of what their winters are like! Don't want to move, but my options are limited.

I just found out that the principal at the middle school where I was planning to teach my lessons (as part of getting my science endorsement) is probably not going to give me permission. Don't know why, some kind of red tape, so I'm pretty frustrated about that. At the same time, I learned that I have to do a lot more than teach two science lessons, I have to show about 40 competencies before getting final approval. It's like having to do student teaching all over again. So it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to complete the science endorsment by fall anyways, which is very disappointing. The good news is that if I can just pass the West-E exam then I'll be "highly qualified" and can get hired to teach Science, even without the endorsement. I've registered to take the test on May 30th. I only have two more classes to take, which I plan to take this summer. It looks like I won't be able to work this summer. I've applied to a bunch of summer school jobs, but then I just learned that Edmonds School District has nixed all of their summer school classes anyway. And I probably can't even get a job at McDonalds because of unemployment being so high. So, I have to scrimp and save with my measily little substitute teaching wage so that I can survive three months without any income. I am living with other family members, I cannot support myself on my substitute income. The main comfort of my current position is that I'm not the only one who is struggling during these difficult times.

Bound and determined

I had a weeklong sub job in early April that went really well. This was for a class that I have subbed for before, a 3/4 split grade classroom in the Edmonds school district. So I already had a good rapport with the kids and knew their names. I also asked the principal if he would do a formal observation and write me a letter of recommendation. This was the smartest thing I did, because although it was a lot of work, I now have THE best letter of recommendation now in my file and it is current for this year and it is very complimentary!

April 16th was the annual Washington Educator Career Fair (this was my third year in attendance) and boy was it interesting. The sign of the times was that there was only about HALF of the usual number of school districts present. I took advantage of the opportunity and spoke to almost every school district present, which was 45. From 9am to 3pm I pounded the pavement, threw modesty to the wind, talking myself up and gave out over 40 copies of my resume! Although most everyone is clueless as to their employment needs until the Federal Government passes the budget (May 15th), many districts told me about their anticipated needs. So here's the scoop:

There are very few leads for elementary positions. If I was strictly an elementary teacher I would be discouraged right now. It's not hopeless, but there's more competition in this area. However, there are a few leads, all of them are South of Seattle with the exception of private schools.

I have a few more leads for Science and ELL (since I'm highly qualified in that area, meaning I have a number of credits and I passed the Praxis exam in English Language Learning). This might be my saving grace. This was what many people at the job fair were interested in, compared to my K-8 endorsement.

I am also considering the idea of going out of state. Most of the jobs leads are south of Seattle (Tacoma, Federal Way, etc). I had been considering going to Eastern Washington, but I get the feeling that there are less jobs over there than west of the mountains. Again, nobody knows anything until after May 15th, this was just the impression that I got. So, where would I go? Well, Alaska is hiring, so that's a possibility, but I have more of an interest to go to Indiana than anywhere else out of state simply because I have family there. My sister, brother-in-law and future nephew live in Lafayette (they are expecting next month). So, we will see. I will apply in-state first and will go from there.

I had another job interview for a long term sub position in Shoreline. I didn't get the job and am frankly not surprised. I suspect they already had someone in mind before they started interviews.

I survived Chemistry and am now taking Biology. It is going fine except that it is a lot of work and is time consuming. I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water, with subbing, studying, finding time to work on applications, other commitments and somehow manage to have a social life as well??? However, this is probably good practice to what it will feel like when I have a full time teaching job.

I also have found a junior high science teacher that has agreed to let me teach her class for my formal observations (for the endorsement), which I will do next month. Wish me luck!

I'm bound and determined to do my best to get a full time teaching position for next year and that is what I am focused on. I'm not sure what I'm going to do this summer, other than take the remaining classes I need for science. I have applied to numerous summer school positions, but I don't think I have a good chance of getting anything. I think school districts are more likely to hire experienced contracted teachers for these jobs than a newbie like me.

More will be revealed...

When life gives you lemons...

I just realized that I haven't posted in several months, so it's time for an update.

Since last spring I've been on the search for a full time teaching job, and it has been a lesson of humility, grace, patience and reflection. I had high expectations of landing a full time teaching job after graduating from the #1 Teacher Ed program in the state, and with having 5 years of teaching experience already under my belt, who would have guessed? Some of my Seattle U colleages got teaching jobs, but for whatever reason, that has not been in the cards for me. Besides the fact that, across the state, there are less teaching jobs, it appears that demographics plays a role too. There was less hiring on the north end of Seattle than down south, such as Redmond and Federal Way, school districts I didn't even apply to due to the long commute.

Like a pebble thrown into pond water, there has been a ripple effect of many things due to the economic downfall. School districts are scrambling as their budgets are being cut, less teachers are retiring because they can't afford to, some schools are closing due to funding issues, more people are subbing than ever before, because, like me, they haven't found full time teaching jobs, there are less sub jobs due to less professional development opportunities for teachers...etc, etc

However, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

So I've been subbing and continue to sub and have been discovering the positive side of subbing. For example, when I see a cool project or teaching method that I like, I make a note of it for future reference. I don't have to plan lessons. And if I'm teaching in a class I don't like, I don't have to go back to it again. The biggest downside is that I am not working full time, there's simply not enough sub jobs to go around. I have been working, on average, 2-3 days a week.

To showcase my newly acquired experience: I have subbed in the following areas: Gifted elementary, high school special ed, middle school science, PE, Art and ELL, 5th and 6th grade band (THAT was interesting...) and Learning support.

I have applied for many long-term sub jobs and had a couple of interviews this fall, but nothing panned out. One interview was for a private Catholic school in Snohomish, another one was for a middle school science position.

Another new development. I am now taking evening classes, working on getting my science endorsement. This will give me more options, because there is more demand for science teachers. So, perhaps I will get hired to teach middle school science? I am hoping to have the endorsement by Fall '09. This will require several more science classes, including chemistry, biology and physics, being formally observed teaching a couple of lessons (maybe while subbing?) and passing the PRAXIS standardized science test. Wish me luck!

Schools are just now starting to prepare for hiring for next school year. I've just updated my resume and cover letter. Now I need to start updating my applications and apply to school districts I haven't applied to yet. This time, I'm not holding back. I'll be casting my net out much farther this year, but focusing my search in Western Washington.

I'll keep ya posted!

Merry Christmas!

“I truly believe that compassion provides the basis of human survival.” - The Dalai Lama

Last spring I was blessed to be able to attend one of the “Seeds of Compassion” events in which the Dalai Lama spoke during his visit to Seattle. It was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget. One of the things that I took away from the experience is that people, relationships and the entire world is nurtured by compassion and in this global community, it is essential that we not only learn to practice compassion ourselves but that we teach it to our children.

2008 has been an important year for me in the fact that I completed my year-long studies at Seattle University, which included three months of student teaching, and ended in July when I earned my Masters in Teaching. My student teaching experience turned out to be a very challenging experience, but one with many important lessons (mostly ones that I learned myself). I had a wonderful cooperating teacher who practiced compassion, not only with her students but with me as well and I am grateful to her for that.

Since last spring and throughout summer and fall, I have been applying for teaching jobs. As we all know, it is a tough economy at the moment, and so, I have not been able to find a full time teaching job. I am currently subbing in Edmonds, Mukilteo and the Shoreline school district (areas around Seattle). Subbing has its pros and cons but the bottom line is that I am getting more experience and hopefully it will lead to a long-term sub job.

My family is doing well. My sister Heidi and her husband Rick moved to Indiana in August, which was a mixed blessing. Rick got accepted to Purdue University (a full ride!) to pursue a PhD in Chemical Education and when he is finished will be a Chemistry professor. We are happy for this advancement in his career, but were sorry to see them go. They do plan to return to the Pacific Northwest after he graduates. My brother David and his long-time girlfriend Natalie are still living over in Maui and soaking up the sun and surf. My parents are doing well, my Dad enjoys retirement and my mom continues to care for my grandmother.

I plan to stay in the Seattle area for now, and hopefully will find a teaching job next year. I plan to go to Nebraska in June because one of my Peace Corps buddies is getting married. I also hope to go to Japan for another friend’s wedding, but much will depend on the job situation.

I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah & Chreken Bozheek!

If you want to learn more about the Seeds of Compassion tour, check out: http://www.seedsofcompassion.org/

Love,
Jesse

Macedonia Update

MACEDONIA UPDATE:

Well, one thing that is interesting is that Kosovo got independence from Serbia on February 18th of this year. To read more, check out:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23203607/

Also, on a personal note, my friend and fellow Peace Corps Volunteer Shauna fell in love with a local Macedonian guy during her service and they have been in the process of getting him a U.S. Visa for almost a year now, after she finished her PC service and returned to the U.S. Yesterday he was granted the Visa and soon he will join her in Nebraska. Can you imagine being separated from your fiance for a year??? I am very happy for them both and will attend the ceremony sometime next year.

In addition, I'll be attending a wedding in Japan next year as my friend Maki will be marrying her friend Fulgence, from Tanzania, that we visited on my trip there almost 2 years ago. I have Fulgence to thank for the opportunity to visit Tanzania and who really made my stay there an enjoyable one, as well as giving us a place to stay, and being a tour guide and translator.

Both weddings are tentatively scheduled for either spring or summer of 2009.

I am also happy to report that the National English Essay contest that I helped to start has been continuing thanks to other Peace Corps Volunteers that came after me, as well as local organizations. They are currently working on the 3rd annual contest. I am proud to be a part of the creation of this awesome tradition!

"I'm a guest teacher AND a real teacher"

Now in my second month of subbing, I just survived my eleventh day. There are not a lot of sub jobs out there, October was a very slow month. I'm realizing that everything has a domino affect. Due to the economy, there are less jobs, more people subbing and so, less sub jobs to go around. Budgets are tight for many school districts, so less teachers are taking part in professional development, so less sub jobs. Due to the Boeing strike, there are spouses of machinists that normally sub on occasion who now have a need to sub more regularly, therefore, less sub jobs to go around....you get the point.

So for awhile there, the only sub jobs I had were when I was requested, which wasn't much since I hadn't subbed before.

My first day of subbing was for the same class that I did my student teaching with (my teacher moved up a grade and kept most of the same students). They were excited to see me, which was fun, and were surprised to learn that although I am a guest teacher (a nicer term for substitute) I am also a REAL teacher now. This news also surprised a group of high school students I taught this week.

So, I have subbed grade school, a gifted class, middle school science (that turned out to also have a PE class!) and high school special ed.

I am currently subbing in Edmonds, Mukilteo and soon in the Shoreline school district.

I continue to apply for leave replacements, but with no luck. I had one interview last week for a private Catholic school up in Snohomish, but I didn't get the job and that was mainly because I am not Catholic. I am totally OK with not getting the job, the commute would've been tough.

I am now working on my science endorsement, and I'm taking the WEST-E exam next Saturday, the 15th. If/when I pass, I will be "highly qualified" to teach science, which makes me more marketable.

I'm considering pursuing a job in middle school science, so I just need to take a few more science classes, which I can do in the evening at a community college while I'm subbing during the day.

I'm also now tutoring a 6th grade girl in math.