An Otherwise Employed Teacher

I may have just made something up... I'm not sure I've heard the words, "An Otherwise Employed Teacher" together in a sentence before, but that is exactly what I am. I've been a little M.I.A. lately because, quite honestly, I've been a little sad.

As you probably have figured out, I am not teaching elementary school this year. After moving back to Southern California, I was unable to secure full time employment in a classroom of my own. I was offered three different part-time positions and turned down all three. Now, you might be asking yourself,

Why would you turn down a good job?

It's hard to find teaching jobs in Southern California.

You should be grateful for any work!

And, you may be right. I asked myself the same questions and even talked for hours about those questions with my husband (who is incredibly logical in these scenarios...). In a time and place where a teacher's worth is undervalued, I chose to take a stand. I took a look at my work experience and resume and decided that with 6 years of business experience, a Masters degree from a prestigious university, and classroom experience, I am qualified to be more than an Instructional Aide. I deserve more than 70% pay for 100% work. I will not settle. I do not settle in my personal life and I will not settle in my professional life.

Now you may be asking, "What about the kids?" Don't get me wrong, if there was an opportunity to have my own classroom full-time, I would be there in a heartbeat. But that wasn't the case. I love those little buggers and can't wait to get back in there, but the timing just wasn't right.

So what am I doing with that amazing resume? Luckily, I have contacts at a company that I worked for previously and I am still teaching. Instead of sitting criss-cross applesauce on the floor, I am presenting in high rises and boardrooms. I have traded in my teacher uniform (cardigans, slacks, and flats) for some stilettos and am working with attorneys and paralegals. Upped that public school wage for something a little more substantial. And... I get to travel. What is awesome is that having gone through my credential program and spent last year in the classroom, I have a much better understanding of how to communicate with my students. My presentations and seminars are much more interactive and I am loving it!

So, now that that's over with, I thought I would share some photos from the past few weeks. It is the least I can do for those of you that hung in there through this lengthy post!

 One of my favorite work outfits. Those shoes are 5" tall!

 My view from the train down to San Diego for a work trip.

 My room at the W San Diego.

 My view on the way home from San Diego.

 This is what happens when you lift weights at 5:00 in the morning.

 This is what happens when you lift weights at 5:00 in the morning for 4 months.

 My view on the way to Las Vegas.

 The Palms Casino after the longest shuttle ride ever.

 My upgraded suite at The Palms that I had all to myself. It was huge! And a little boring... I fell asleep watching Survivor at 8:30. The best part was that I took a bath in that amazing tub and the water came from the ceiling!

And finally, my view from the suite. I was on the 27th floor and it was breathtaking!

p.s. I love Instagram. You can follow me @dd_aa_nn_ii!