Friday, August 14, 2009

Making Moves

Last night I met with a first year, a second year, and my Program Director to help them write their unit plans. They both teach 4th grade, but at different schools. The second year informed me that the 5th/6th grade science/social studies teacher at her school quit this week. OOH!! I teach that! So I decided to go by the school this morning and get myself a job!!

I woke up at 7, printed out my resume, classroom management (rules and procedures) and investment plans, and drove out to Reed Elementary in New Orleans East. It's in an area that was hit pretty hard by Katrina and much of the population and businesses have not returned. On the 25 minute drive there, I listened to pump up jams, psyched myself up, and adopted a "today I will get a job" attitude. I even asked and answered interview questions out loud to myself. I was so ready. (Keep in mind I did not have an interview, or an appointment, or even a confirmation that they were hiring)

On the walk into the school (which is in a temporary trailer-like structure just like the school I visited on Wednesday), I said "Hello" to all the security guards and teachers (aka my future co-workers) and was totally excited to work there. I saw a banner from Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go! that read "Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!" EXCELLENT SIGN OF FATE, RIGHT?

I walked into the office and asked the secretary who I should speak to about applying for the 5th and 6th grade teaching position. She turned to another secretary and said, "Y'all gotta help her. I'm tired of bein' hollered at." mm. This great conversation ensued:

Secretary: "Do you have a resumé?"
Me: "Why yes! Yes I do." (handed her my impeccable resumé)
Secretary: (clearly impressed with the formatting and my gpa) "Ok the principal's busy. I'll give it to her."
Me: (not wanting to waste my skirt and suit jacket combo, curled hair and rouged cheeks) "Do you think she'll be available soon? Should I wait around for her?"
Secretary: "No. She'll get back to you on Monday; she's going out of town this weekend."
Me: (IN A WHITE SKIRT AND BLACK PINSTRIPE SUIT JACKET BOUGHT SPECIFICALLY FOR INTERVIEWS) "Oh so I shouldn't wait for her now?"
Secretary: (turning her back to me and focusing on her computer) "No ma'am."
Me: (didn't actually say this out loud) "So, did I get the job?"

*Reed Elementary Visitor Sign In/Out Form*
Name: Chloé LaPorte Time In: 9:43 a.m. Time out: 9:45 a.m.

Golden. They totally loved me.

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