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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

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!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Sitting. Waiting. Wishing.

Holy cow, it's been over a month since the last time I sat down to write on this here blog... I wish I could say that I was on an amazing vacation here

or here
but the truth of the matter is, I've been working my tail off.

But it's summer, right? Well, not for me. Because I left my teaching position in San Jose and the future was uncertain, I took a job with my old company working in litigation support. It has been really great to know that no matter what, I have a job, but the longer I stay, the more I miss being in the classroom. 

While many of you are shopping and prepping for your kiddos, I'm waiting. I always hear Jack Johnson sing, "I was sitting, waiting, wishing..." every time I think about that. Where I live, school doesn't start until the first week of September and they usually don't hire until right before school starts, so here I am. Sitting. Waiting. Wishing.

The district and school offices have started to open, and job postings are beginning to surface, which is a great thing. It is interview season, so wish me luck! I promise to keep you posted.


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

And the Winner Is...

Thank you all for celebrating 100 followers with me and participating in


You are the winner of some amazing goodies from some of my favorite bloggers! Keep your eyes on your inbox because you have some outstanding resources are coming your way from the following bloggers:
Lessons with Laughter
TIFFANI
Bunting Books and Bainbridge
Kindergarten Korner
Mandy's Tips for Teachers
Polkadots and Pencils
MrsStanfordsClass
DillyDabbles

Fabulously First



Inspired By Kindergarten

Just Wild About Teaching


Thank you all for playing! Hope the summer is treating you well.



Friday, July 13, 2012

100 Fabulous Followers and a Top Teacher Giveaway

I can't believe it! We whizzed right by 100 followers here at It's Grow Time and it's time to
I can't even believe that there are 10 of you out there, but I guess my mom and a few of my friends would have gotten us past ten... But 100! Holy moly!



Thank you so much for being a part of this fun little hobby. I am so lucky to have this amazing place to write and vent (my husband thanks you...) about the goings-on in my teaching life. To thank you for your wonderful support, I will be giving away a prize pack of wonderful products from some of my favorite teacher bloggers.





Lessons with Laughter
TIFFANI
Bunting Books and Bainbridge
Kindergarten Korner
Mandy's Tips for Teachers
Polkadots and Pencils

MrsStanfordsClass
DillyDabbles

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! And good luck!