Well, I know I promised only one message per week, but this morning was big for me. This morning, I was hired to teach social studies and science to 4th/5th graders at Church Rock Academy Elementary School, which is seven miles from Gallup, New Mexico, and in the Gallup McKinley School District. In addition to teaching, I will head up the school's student council, which was founded by an outgoing TFA Corps member, who is leading our induction this week. The interview was my first of the day, and I was incredibly lucky to hit it off with the principal, who is a charming woman, originally from Minnesota. She employs a decidedly pro-tech, pro-staff coordination philosophy, and I will receive a laptop and Palm Pilot, as well as participate in weekly staff development meetings. Moreover, staff often travels together to development conferences around New Mexico. All teachers receive subscriptions to education journals and are encouraged to take part in the school's afterschool program. On Friday's, school adjurns at 7:00, and staff typically leave by 2, which means I will be able to make many weekend trips around the region, to Albuqueque, or even down to Las Cruces! I feel incredibly lucky to have found such a good home after my first interview. I will be able to teach at the level for which I had hoped and employ my love for politics and advocate the importance of civic involvement to young students by running the student council. I hope to contact Senator Jeff Bingaman's office, as well as that of local Congressman Tom Udall to speak about the possibilities of them coming in to the classroom to speak. The sky truly is the limit!
In one other bit of very exciting news, Gallup High School has a coaching vacancy for their women's tennis team. I spoke to the school's athletic director, and he enthusiastically encouraged me to come in for an interview tomorrow morning! If I got this position, I will have found two perfect spots here in Gallup. Things really could not be going better as I settle into this new career, as I will be teaching a great grade, touting the importance of government, and continuing involvement in the sport I love. This evening, the incoming corps member crew were treated to some Native American dancing in the town square, and as I watched the sun set and the dancer's move, I felt further confirmation that I've come to the right place.
Hopefully, things will continue going so well!
Chao,
--Daniel
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Hey, congrats on all the accomplishments so far. I wanted to suggest a book for you to read. It is an excellent book and will help you tons in your first years of teaching. You probably have heard/read of it, but here it is: Teach like Your Hair's on Fire by Rafe Esquith.
Teaching is a most difficult, trying, frustrating, and awe-inspiring experience and profession. I hope you are dedicated to your students and this career as much as I am.
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