Job Search

The end of the school year is almost here, and I'm so ready for it, but I'm also a little stressed out though because it also means I will no longer have a job. Last year I got a great job teaching 5th grade at Larsen Elementary in Spanish Fork, and I have loved it there. I actually did my first student teaching placement at Larsen in 5th grade, so I was really excited when the job opened up in the middle of the year. Everything fell into place perfectly, and within weeks of graduating, I was a full time teacher. Taking over a class in the middle of the year was really, really hard--a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I survived it. This year I've had my own class from start to finish, and it's really been a great experience. I love the people that I work with, I love my students, and I love the community that I work in. The trouble is, I was hired on a 1 1/2 year only contract because the teacher that I replaced was leaving to serve in Afghanistan with the National Guard. He is now returning for next school year, and there are no openings at Larsen, so I get to start all over and am considered a new hire. At first, I wasn't too concerned and thought I'd for sure find something else in my district, but it hasn't happened that way. It turns out that this is a horrible year to be looking for a job, and it's been really frustrating. I have a lot of support from my prinicipal and others at my school, and I'm still hopeful that something might work out in Nebo, but I am also now considering other school districts.
So, I thought I'd share a little of my job searching by posting a little information about each district and some pros and cons for each one.

I have to list Nebo first since it is my current employer. I really like the small-town, close community-like feel of Nebo. It's a huge district that continues to grow, but it still has a smaller community feel to it. One definite pro is that I would be able to continue the Master's program I'm starting this summer without any trouble. Also, just changing schools would be a lot easier than changing employers. Cons--not a single call for an interview, and most jobs have been filled with interns.

Next is the Alpine School District. Pros--Hailey and I would be on the same schedule since she already works for Alpine. Chances are very good I'd get to work closer to where I live (or at least not farther away). Cons--I might still end up far away, I would have to go through all of the new hire stuff, most likely including new teacher training, which I feel like I've been in forever. It's also possible that continuing my master's program would be too complicated and confusing.

The Canyons District. It's very possible you've never heard of this one even if you're familiar with Utah schools because it is a brand new district. It split off from Jordan School District and covers areas that get closer and closer to Salt Lake and farther and farther from Provo. Pros--they actually called me for an interview, and my friend Melissa works for Canyons and might have a place for me to live. Cons--It's far, far away from both Provo and my current school. There aren't a whole lot of openings yet.

Jordan School District's pros and cons are very similar to Canyons'. It's far, far away too. On the positive side, I could still live with my friend Melissa, and I believe the district might pay better than my current district. There are also year round schools, which I would actually like to try. I love the thought of having 3 weeks off in the winter so I can travel. Cons--did I mention far, far away? Oh, and I haven't actually finished my application for them yet.

Well, that's where I stand right now. Honestly, I know I can't be picky, but I really don't like the idea of a longer commute than I have now. The Master's program and endorsement classes are also definite factors in my decision. I love Nebo, but I feel a little like they're letting me down as I haven't had a single person even give me a call. There's also the problem of the possibility that something will open up later that could be great, but I might already have a job becuase I couldn't wait. It's all so frustrating, but I'm sure I 'll survive and hopefully even come out a little stronger.