A New Job (AGAIN!)

Yes I know I just started a job in August so it's kind of unreal to be posting that I will be starting a new job in a little over a month but in a way that only God can make happen...I am.

Back in July I posted here about my job situation and my decision to take a teacher aide position over a teaching position. Over the past few months I have been praying for an opportunity to get into a teaching position but it was not something I would seek out on my own and it would need be very clear to me that it was specifically meant for me.  Selfishly, I want a teaching job because that's what I went to school for and the pay as an aide doesn't even begin to cover my student loans, let alone allow us to save.  But I would never have sought out a new job on my own as I had committed to this student and school for the entire year.

A couple months ago I was told about a job opening at an elementary school that would be a long term sub position for a teacher who is going on maternity leave for 3 months.  I originally said no.. It came up again and I said that I didn't want to leave my student and the school I was at because I had made a year-long commitment to the school.  But after more praying I realized this opportunity was exactly what I had been praying for...it was job that I didn't seek out, someone recommended me for and brought to me, plus it's an elementary school! I called the teacher and talked to her about the opportunity.  She was excited to talk with me since I had come recommended by someone she trusted. Just in our 30 minute conversation I knew this was the perfect opportunity for me to get the experience I want and need without all the anxiety that I have previously had. She plans to come back after her 3 months are up but then next year I can apply and interview for her position because she doesn't plan to come back in the fall.  I set up a date to meet with her and see her classroom.

About 3 weeks ago, I got to see her classroom with students in it for about and hour, met most of  her aides and sat down with the principal.  I was there for 3 hours that night and while I think it's going to be soooo much work, it's the ideal situation   It's all I could have asked for and more!

After doing the necessary online paperwork and steps, I had an interview this past Monday night.  I was incredibly nervous but had asked some friends to pray and when I went in I felt it was a great interview.  I could be honest and open about where I may need support and just felt really comfortable.

I can only attribute this opportunity to God.  It really came to me and is everything I think I would want in a job.  The teacher seems to really have a grasp of how special ed is run (I have some really big shoes to fill!!!) but special ed is hard.  Really hard. But in this situation, I have to start somewhere and everything about this position seems right!

My last day at my current job is January 11. I plan to sub until she has her baby (due Feb 1) and will also be able to spend sometime in her classroom while the kids are there (as long as she lasts until past January 11!) After the 3 months are up, I can sub for the remainder of the year.  It will be hard to leave the student I'm currently working one-on-one with but hope we'll be able to stay in touch.  (ummm, he has a goldendoodle, even the same color named Cooper...how cool is that!?  We're thinking we'll have a doggie play date soon!) But initially it was a hard decision to leave him and all the people I work with who have been really supportive of both my role as a para but also to my moving here to a new state not really knowing anyone.  I'm so thankful for the few months I got (and  month I still have) at my school but am so excited a doors already been opened for me as a future teacher!  God is so good!