I wasn't sure I'd ever have the opportunity to do this, but I wanted to thank everybody who offered me help and advice on this forum. Earlier this week, I got an e-mail out of the blue from a principal who needed to fill an unexpected middle school science opening. I had taken the new Missouri Biology assessment and passed it by a good margin (despite not taking any non-required science in college), and he was impressed with the score. I had previously added a middle school certification onto my original 9-12 social studies. He asked me to come in for an interview, despite neither of us knowing if I'd need to take one more test (middle school science) to fully qualify. I'd only had one other interview since I began applying for positions while student teaching in spring 2014 (and that in July!), so I was nervous. I'd taken along a copy of Teach Like a Champion to read before the interview (I am reading it to improve any way I can), and the district hadn't heard of it but it made a good impression. Bringing it to read rather than sitting there before the interview wouldn't have occurred to me if I hadn't read of someone here doing that, either. I met the HS principal and super (the one who called me was the Elementary principal, and they co-administrate the new middle school classes) and went on a tour of the school. They all liked me so much that I was called with an offer later that evening AND the school paid for the middle school science test when DESE said I needed it (I passed, based on preliminary report, just waiting on official scores now). Tonight they sent me the contract to sign and fax or e-mail back. This is all in advance of the board meeting on Wednesday, where I'll have to still be approved, but I have to say I've never felt more excited. It's not social studies, but I've always loved science (especially life sciences) and I know I'll enjoy teaching it as well. And to think, on Monday I wasn't ever sure I'd actually be able to land a teaching position. Thank you all again for your help! I know I've been frustrated for some of my admittedly few posts here, but I've tried to take all advice and criticism and use it to improve myself and my resume. If it weren't for your help, I might still be in the no-interview boat. Hopefully the board agrees with the principals and super, so I can officially post in the job thread.
I nearly did, several times. It wasn't the length of the search so much as it was not really getting any interest. Over a year of silence, that was haaard. I must have! I'm glad I did, too! I just got the call from the principal, and I am officially a science teacher! Off to the job thread to make it just that much longer.
