Change

Last week, as a planned for one last free day in Chicago before starting school this week, I received an email, inviting me for an interview.  The district issuing the invitation is a high-achieving district, only about 15 minutes from my home. A district I have been interested in for a while.  I was both nervous and excited at the same time.

The next morning, as I prepared for the interview, I told myself, "you know what you know. You believe what you believe. Be yourself and see what happens."

The interview was actually so much fun!  It was a conversation about what we believe to be true in education - goals and hopes.  Putting students first.  Accepting teachers where they are just as we accept students where they are. It felt comfortable - like home.

I knew the decision had to be made quickly because school would be starting soon. As the afternoon turned into evening, I accepted that I did not get the position.  My daughter and I enjoyed our day in the city, ending with dinner at Shake Shack and Grease (the movie - not the burgers!) in Millennium Park. I stopped checking my phone once the movie started.

After the movie ended, I glanced at my phone screen.  I had missed a call from my previous principal (she had just left our school to pursue other opportunities) as well as from district I had interviewed at!  Must be good news!  I listened to the school's voice mail first - a job offer!  Excitement and nerves flowed again. Listening to my principal's message, it was clear she believed this was a great opportunity for me as well.  

The next day was a flurry of emotions and activity. I went into my school to deliver my letter of resignation and talk to my team.  They agreed that I had found my dream job and were nothing but happy for me.  And then I started packing.

Today, almost a week later, I am still in the process of moving into my new room at my new school.  I have so much to learn but I am beyond thrilled with where I am now.

This will be a year of change for me - new position, new school, new district. I have the glorious opportunity to make new friends, learn alongside new teachers.  I will be challenged in ways I cannot foresee.  There will be struggles.

But there will also be great joy because for me, learning is joyful - especially when it does not come easy!

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for allowing me to share this Slice of Life.