Job Offer

[Guest guest]

Hi again!

I have a degree in Elementary and Special Education. In the 26 years I have been married since college graduation, I have been busy raising 5 children. I was a stay at home mom, and only worked some when the youngest children were in school. But then my older son had a brain disorder and was in and out of the hospital a lot so I gave up teaching.

Now my oldest 2 children are married, the middle one is in college away from home, and all left at home is a high school senior and our 8th grader. The school they attend just called me. they need a 4th grade teacher ASAP as the one they have just put her husband in a hospice for those with terminal cancer.

I am excited and scared. I have not even tried to work in the last 4 years since I have been so sick. Pretty much I have become a recluse and not gone much of anywhere ever.

I want to take this job. I think it would be good for me and my self esteem. But I am so afraid. What if I have a bathroom accident. And then the fatigue gets to me at times.

But I think on the other hand this would be good and get me on a more regular sleep and eating schedule. It will get me out with real people again. It will increase my sense of self worth and esteem to be doing something productive.

I guess I post for encouragement to go for it and not be bound by my fears.

Carol

[Guest guest]

Go for it.

Since this is your kids' school, I'm guessing they know you and at

least a little about your medical issues. And they called you

anyway. So they're not concerned about your ability to do the job.

Plus, I'll bet the regular teacher has already done a lot of the

lesson plans and will plan on coming back in a year or so.

If you get overly tired, fourth graders should be able to work

independently -- or take a long recess -- and let you regroup.

If you have a bathroom accident it can become a teaching moment.

Shit happens (sometimes literally). Fourth graders are still young

enough to have accidents themselves sometimes, when they're sick, or

distracted or nervous. And there's probably one or two who are bed-

wetters. Your calm, matter-of-fact acceptance and coping could do

wonders for kids you don't even realize need it.

Go for it. It's not a lifetime committment. Just for now.

Pam (mom to Quantell, 13, dx 1996, tx 2001)

[Guest guest]

Carol: How lucky for them and for you! This window of opportunity may not open

again for you and them. Pam said it well, teaching and learning for everyone

involved. Go for it, and it will reward you I am sure. Remember all the

teachers we all have had who made an impact on our lives, you are sure to be one

for some young student.

Dee in Peoria, wife of Bob 61, uc, ileo, psc

[Guest guest]

Carol.

I teach eighth grade and it can be pretty tiring. If you do go for it, build in

systems and routines that give you some down time. Things like silent

reading, videos, and other low intensity stuff. And whatever you do, don't try

and grade everything that the students do. Even being healthy it just takes

way too much time and energy. Build in system of random (at least make the

students think it is random) grading and spot checks.

Adam (in CA)

>

> Carol: How lucky for them and for you! This window of opportunity may not

open again for you and them. Pam said it well, teaching and learning for

everyone involved. Go for it, and it will reward you I am sure. Remember all

the teachers we all have had who made an impact on our lives, you are sure

to be one for some young student.

> Dee in Peoria, wife of Bob 61, uc, ileo, psc