Job fairs can be useful.

I've been slightly MIA due to a bunch of issues with my GS. I had a meeting with the practicum department yesterday, and let's just say, my confidence was pretty shot. I chose my battles though and ended up with extensions for my thesis/GS requirements since I'm doing a third takeover week and extra days for them. All in all, I felt like I didn't know anything about education and, again, doubting my abilities as a teacher.

But THEN.

I went to the big job fair this morning. I wore C's skirt suit, I felt good, I had my portfolio with me. Miss J picked me up and off we went to the Expo Center. Once we arrived, Miss M came and joined us. She ended up being a great fair buddy since we wanted the same schools.

I didn't check out any of the Massachusetts schools since it was like a feeding frenzy at their booths. Most everyone who waited in the long lines for them wants to stay local, I imagine. From what I heard from Miss J, all they were telling people was to go online and apply. How lame is that! One does not pay $10 to get into a job fair to be told to go online and apply. The district that I'm student teaching in right now didn't even take any resumes. That's ridiculously snobby.

So, anyway, I only went to the job fair because Virginia schools were going to be there. I tell ya, that's the way to do it! Go to an out-of-state fair to get into the state you wanna be! It works like a charm. At least you know they want you anyway.

So I went and talked to VB, N, and P. VB wasn't very informative, and I would need to jump through hoops to try to get a "private invitation to the special VB job fair." (Dad still wants me to apply.) N just isn't my thing since it's pretty urban. And lastly, we come to P.

What happens?

I get an interview right there. For the first time in a LONG time, I feel confident. The woman asked me questions, and I'm spouting off answers and going in my head, "WHOA, where did that come from!? I learned that!?"

What happens next?

They give me a letter of commitment that I'm guaranteed a job with Portsmouth next school year. I TECHNICALLY HAVE A JOB! I have 10 days to decide and give them my answer. If I accept, they pay for all my "I'm not a child abuser" screening (up to $200), and I need to take the Praxis II (yuck).

Miss M got a letter of commitment, too, for a librarian's position. She's all gungho about it because it's located somewhere warmer.

I'm still teetering... but feel SO GREAT because SOMEONE wants me. I'm qualified enough, and I'd have a decent starting pay!

But 10 days.

I emailed the woman thanking her for her time and asked her some more questions. My main stipulation will be if I can choose which school to teach at. P can be kind of sketchy, but after I talked to Dad, he told me the good areas, so I'm good. That's my thing; I need to choose the school. Hopefully I do have some say into it... if not, then... well, I'll still keep my options open everywhere else.

As of now, it's exciting that this door has opened for me. Even if it's not the star district of VA, I will have gotten my foot in the door and one year of teaching experience. :) It might prove a very interesting time.

- Miss Chelsea :)