I was in such a good mood as I left. I felt confident. Before I left, Dr. B. gave me her card and I was bolder than I’d ever been and said to her that I really hoped that she would consider me if she had an opening. She said, “Oh, I’ll have an opening.” Wow. Pride, excitement, and anticipation welled up inside of me. I shook her hand and went on my way.
There was a bit of time before I needed to be to the next school, but not enough to really stop and get some lunch. I just drove to the next school. The two schools that I had just interviewed at had principals that had worked together and they had all mentioned how fond of one another they were. Dr. B. had been the principal, and the principal that I interviewed with previously and the one I would soon be interviewing with were both assistant principals under her at the same school. Now they were all principals. It was fun to see the camaraderie and friendship.
When I got to the next school, I had to wait a bit. That was okay because I was a little early. When the principal was finally ready for me, she came out and told me that Kathy So-and-So from Human Resources called. They wanted me to make sure that I stopped back at the district office before I left town. Ms. S (the principal) smiled and said that it sounded like someone had made an offer already. I was excited. I really hoped that it was Dr. B.! We went in to have the interview. Ms. S was very impressed and said so several times. She really liked me. I have no doubt that she was interested, too.
The next interview was at an elementary school that had the children of people that came from old Georgia money. I was interested to see what the school would be like. Old money. That is such a foreign concept to me. I went in with an open mind and was really impressed with the school. It had dark wood everywhere. It was not a new building, but one could see that it had been refreshed here and there. The neighborhood was quaint. I interviewed with the principal, who was in her first year administrator. She had previously been a teacher. We had a nice interview, but we kept getting interrupted. She did take one call that was long distance from a future interviewee. I felt good about this interview, as well. I knew that I had carried myself well and answered all the questions with appropriate, honest, and intelligent answers.
I was eager to get back to the district office, though. I was really hoping that Dr. B. was the one who was interested! When I arrived, Kathy (HR) came in and sat down and took a deep breath. She smiled at me and said, “Dr. B. will absolutely tan my hide if I don’t get you to accept a position in her school.” I was flummoxed! She continued, “Dr. B. absolutely loved you and really wants you to teach third grade.” Wow again! I smiled and said, “Oh, I was hoping that it was LES! I really felt good about it.” Kathy asked, “So, are you interested in taking the job?” I told her that I was definitely interested. She asked, “You’re interested or you’ll take it?” Well, I had a few questions, mainly about benefits and salary. Those are the most important facts. She pulled out a current salary chart. I would not be taking a cut at all. (California pays very well. Most states’ average salary is lower.) Benefits seemed pretty good. They were different than what I have now, but good.
I accepted the job. Right there. Right then.
Before I went into the interviews, I told myself that I would not accept anything unless I felt really good about it. Well, I felt really good about this. I had the same feeling that I got when I interviewed with my current principal. I just knew that it was the right position. I knew it. Just like I knew it about Dr. B. and her school. I am so excited that I can hardly stand it!
I have a job! I have a job! I’m moving to Georgia! I’m going to be a Georgia peach!
Yes, I know that it’s humid there. Yes, I know there are lots of bugs there. Yes, I know that it’s going to be a big change. I am not afraid of change. I am not seeking a new job because I am looking for greener grass. I’m just looking for something different. Well, I’m going to get something different.
When I got back to school, I didn’t know how to tell my colleagues. I didn’t want them to think that I took the first thing that I was offered. I mean, I did, but only because it just seemed right. I wouldn’t have taken it otherwise. Everyone is so excited for me. Their first question always seems to be, “So, how much of a cut will you have to take?” Imagine their surprise when I said, “I won’t be taking a cut at all.” Heh. I then tell them all the things about the school and soon everyone is wanting to come and work with me.
Things are going to be different. Some things will be less pleasant, I’m sure, but I’m excited for the things that will a good kind of different.
I’m moving to Georgia!
(More updates on this coming soon.)
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