Thursday, August 2, 2012

What Brings Me to This Point - - -

July 28, 2012

I have taught for 15 years and loved, almost, every minute of it.  Three years ago I got my administrative credential, but a sage colleague asked me, “Are you really sure you’re ready to leave the classroom?” And at that point, I could not answer yes, but thought I needed a change, so I moved to an alternative high school in Wasilla.  Although I enjoyed my year there, I didn’t feel it was quite the right setting, so went back to the middle school where I’d been for seven years.  I was poising myself to take the assistant principal’s position should it open up, which I thought it might in the next couple of years.  Well, this spring the position opened sooner than I’d expected, and I realized two things: One, I was now definitely ready to leave the classroom and take on greater responsibilities; and two, that was NOT the position I wanted.  I’d been at that school too long, and knew everyone too well to then step into a supervisory role.  My best friend was now in Bethel, and sort of jokingly stated, “Why don’t you apply out here?”  I did a little research, put in my application, and the rest, as they say - - - brings us to now.

The preparation for village life proved a little more involved than I had first thought.  I looked at several other rural teachers’ blogs to learn how to pack in sturdy Rubbermaid totes, drill holes in the tops and sides, and tie-wrap them closed.  My preliminary load to the post office was nine 31-gallon totes and three boxes (dishes, pots and pans, a steam mop).  That should do it! Oh, wait, I forgot this, and this, and … Second trip to post office with nine more totes and a box of lamps.  Okay, I’m done!  Oh, wait - - - what about food???

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