I'm melting

Well, not me personally.  But the snow is definitely melting.  Thank goodness.  This means that I will actually get to leave the house and traverse the treacherous terrain that is I-20 and head off merrily to work tomorrow.  Of course, in order to be at work I must first clone myself because I am scheduled to be at both of my jobs tomorrow.  Therefore, since human cloning was still illegal last time I looked into it I will not be at Best Buy tomorrow.  So please, I am begging you, do not ask me about a single electronic device before Thursday when I next make a personal appearance as a Smurf in my uniform.

On an extremely bright note, I am looking forward to working tomorrow.  Sunday is the day where I can actually use my brain and preform some of the duties of a librarian.  Most days I am not allowed to help anyone unless I am checking their books in or out.  I know, crazy job requirements.  Can you imagine not being able to help someone even if you know the answer to their query and just put the item in question on the shelf?  But, that is my job.  Oh well.  You do what you must.

For those of you wondering..I did complete several homework assignments this week. I just could not help myself.  I can not stand procrastination.  It really drives me crazy.  The only thing worse is whining.  No whining is my #1 classroom rule.  And before you ask...yes, I do have a set of classroom rules ready to be put into place.  Now....if I could just find a job.  Maybe with the snow thaw someone who is really a wicked witch in disguise will melt away and I can have her job.  It could happen.  Yea, and flying monkeys could....well, never mind.

Snow Day

It is about 19 degrees here today.  I guess all of my talk about Alaska made Texas extremely jealous and the state weather fairy retaliated.  Lucky us. 

So what does this mean for me?  Well, my three children are home.  My class is cancelled.  And I could not go to work today.  This would normally be cause for celebration.  However, I have homework to do.  Of course, I am practicing the art of procrastination.  Now, normally I am the first person done with an assignment.  In this instance, I do not want to continue with my assignments without first receiving feedback from the first round.  This causes a problem because of the snow cancelling class where I would have gotten my feedback which allowed me to do my next assignments. 

Therefore, I am trapped in a circular conundrum.  Lucky me. 

Little known facts...

First, Alaska only produces approximately 33% of its needed teaching staff.  Second, the government insists that there is a teaching shortage.  Third, Texas is going to lay off hundreds of teachers for next school year.  Therefore, since I HATE the cold weather and Alaska actually is the teaching shortage that everyone tells me exists, the only position that will be available is going to be in Alaska.  Simple deductive reasoning.  Have I mentioned that I HATE the cold.  But...I hate not having a classroom more...so....if no job is found I will be applying for Alaska's alternative teaching certification program in the fall.  That is how much I want this.  So sad, but true.

Oh...and just to make matters interesting I am researching my Master's topic for my courses this semester.  And, as if I do not work in a library...and do not have a degree in which English was my primary area of concentration....I had to sit through yet another course on how to use a library database.  Really?!?  But I was a good student and did what most students do...I pretended to pay attention while whispering to my neighbor.  I know.  I am horrible.  But, in my defense, if my professor had practiced what she preaches then that would not have been possible.  Because teachers are supposed to utilize proximity to minimize behavior issues like mine.  I am just saying it could be her fault.  As a matter of fact, I am sure it was her fault.

If you learn it...

they will hire you.  That is what I heard when I went back to school.  Get your degree and you will find a career.  Not a job.  I have 2 of those.  I want a career.  And so, after much debate I decided to teach for multiple reasons, not one of which was the fact that you get summers off.  I chose teaching because:  1. I like learning and as a teacher you continue to learn as you teach.  2.  The AHA moments are worth the work.  You know the ones I mean.  When someone has no clue and suddenly their face lights up and they go AHA, I get it!!!  3.  I am good at teaching.  I can tie together multiple subjects and incorporate literature into a lesson and make it relevant.  How many of your teachers did that on a regular basis?  Sad to say, not many of mine could.  And so...here I sit degree in hand.  Now, I will grant you that my degree is in Liberal Studies and not Education.  However, I enrolled immediately in Tarleton State University's TMATE program and have passed 3 content area tests with ease.  So, I am perfectly capable of teaching 4-8 and 8-12 ELAR (English Language Arts Reading) and 4-8 Generalist (Which means anything in those grades).  And yet do I have a position?  The answer is a resounding NO!!!  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the TMATE program it is a Master level education prep. program where I take classes with professors (in person mind you) just like a regular teaching program.  I simply do not have student teaching experience.  That is the difference. 

And so...here I am half-way through with my Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with no teaching job.  Therefore, I have what I have come to call Classroom ENVY.  This blog will be my way of sharing what I learn, how I cope, what I want, and hopefully how I maintain my sense of humor and sanity throughout the process.  Wish me luck.  Those of you who know me know that I am slightly off kilter as it is.   I mean who corrects strangers grammar and reads anything from Army field manuals to Shakespeare?  Oh right, that would be me.