Let me start out by saying I want to teach. Not in special ed, not in specials, not reading, not math, just a full time elementary general ed position. However, Iowa competition being brutal if you're from out of state, I don't have a full time general ed job. I'm a para for special ed. I like my job and I plan to be an awesome para, but it's not a teaching job. I feel awful for saying this, but it's the truth. I am insanely jealous of anyone with a teaching job, especially the first year teachers. There's one or two in our building and every time I see them I think that should be me. I know they're probably just as qualified, maybe more, as me, but that doesn't help. I love teaching and I honestly feel like I was given a chance. When my cooperating teacher was called as a reference for this job the principal flat out told her that they hardly ever hire out of state teachers and I'm the first one in this school. I hate feeling like this. I like my job and I should be satisfied with it. i don't want to feel jealous every time I pass someone in the hall. I want to be happy for them. Does anyone have any ideas on how to do this. I just feel like a rotten person right now.
First of all, you are not a rotten person. I know there are times I feel the same way you do. I try to think of all the ways I am making a difference in the job I have right now. It is difficult at times, but you are needed where you are.
Next year when there are job openings, will you still be considered out of state? Maybe this is just a way to get your foot in the door.
I really wanted to teach young, regular ed children myself. I did have the experience in special ed as a para. I found that the EC-4 positions are tough to get, being new and from out of state. I decided to use my prior experience as an asset and started applying to special ed positions. Then my phone really began ringing. I had an interview after 2 days of applying. Then, 2 more interviews for the next week. I accepted this position before I made it to the others. I'm now in a special ed position for 5th and 6th graders. It may not be my first choice. But, I feel that I can make a difference in their lives. My para experience was very rewarding. It takes a special person with patience and compassion to work in these classes. I am in the district that I wanted. The same one that we chose for our own children. I have a 5 minute commute and one of my sons will be riding to school with me. The staff is great and seem to be welcoming and supportive. It may have not been the journey that I chose for myself, but I expect good things to happen..... Good luck this year in special ed and make the best of it! Your kids will be unforgettable. There may be tough days, but I found that humor and support from your team members will be the best way to make it through. :wub:
I hated subbing because I was always wishing it were my room! I interviewed in May 06 in the district I sub in, so last year, I HATED seeing the people who were chosen over me! Especially the DARE officers daughter and the asst. super's niece. They were given jobs based on their relatives. NOT FAIR!!! The teachers can't stand one of them, either!
It takes a while to get over the jealous stage. I was having friends get hired quickly because they stayed in their hometown or because they had a connection. It's really frustrating when you either know the person personally who got the job or you have to see the person every day. This is potentially year two for me without a full-time position. I choose to sub rather than apply for aide positions, but I understand where you're coming from. You constantly compare yourself and wonder why it's not you. Perhaps I believe in karma and have decided that if I am happy for others, good things will happen for me. --One day I woke up and decided this. It's not always easy. I also live in an intensely competitive state where most education graduates move down south to get their teaching jobs. I live only an hour from where I grew up, but because I don't know very many people it's incredibly difficult to get my resume looked at. I can't image what it would be like if I wasn't from here at all. However, I subbed for a year and got to know the area a little better and interview options improved this year. Give it time and I know things will turn around. Don't give up because think how appreciative you will be when you get your own classroom (the one you want).
i definitely believe "you reap what you sow." so if you are happy for them and pour your heart into what you were given, you will be given more. don't give up in what you're doing, because it's a good task. and in time, you'll get it. and i agree-you'll be that much more appreciative when you get your own. galatians 6. particularly verses 8 & 9. well wishes to you.
