So, part of the reason I'm teaching at the college level is because I could not get an interview with the elementary schools to save my soul. My guess is because I have a California set of credentials, not Texas. Even though on the website for the district I was applying for clearly stated that this didn't matter. Ugh!
I finally broke down a month ago and applied for my "one-year" certificate for Texas. You cough up an arm and a leg, they look at your transcripts and out-of-state certifications and tell you what you're certified to teach and what tests you need to be "officially" certified (okay, that's my term, not theirs). Of course, these tests are another arm and leg. You'd think they'd want a whole teacher in the classroom, but apparentely that doesn't matter.
Anyway, so my results, if you will, came back. In this glorious state I am certified FOR ONE YEAR to teach PreK-4, General subjects 4-8, English/Language Arts 4-8, plus English/LA 8-12. Plus my supplemental ESL certificate. Yikes. I'm not taking that many tests. I am signed up in April for the prek-4 tests and the accompanying pedagogy test (methods of teaching). It's more of a back-up thing, really. A "just in case" cushion.
But the idea has been rolling around in my brain that maybe, just maybe, I want to teach high school English. I'm enjoying my class at the community college, and I have a passion for big words, long stories, and grammar. (Remember the "nerd" entry?) And there is a posting for such a job at the high school RIGHT BY MY HOUSE. I could walk to work---if I lived in another state. Texas' humidity and high winds make it not a favorite choice, but I just might to live on the edge.
So, the big question is . . . . . do I really want to work at a high school? Should I just ride this part time gig for as long as I can? I've applied to the position (right before consulting with all of you). And since anything can happen, they might even call me in for an interview. But, . . . do I want to?
Any and all opinions are asked for in this crucial matter.
thanks!
