HELP!

[Kathy Wilson]

Hi all! Due to "regular" teachers being layed off in the two districts where I work, there is zero work for me, a "sub". I'm hating that word at the moment. I've been a teacher for 9 years and will finish (with God's help) finally in May of 2010.
Any suggestions of what to do? I'll even settle for a "poor baby"! ;)
I've always had work the first day of classes. This is the first year I haven't.

[Kathy Wilson]

LOL, yeah, but then I risk getting sick, too! I'll be getting a flu shot tomorrow but that doesn't cover the swine flu. I can only hope that they come out with a very effective innoculation soon!
I am finally getting about two calls a day. Sadly I was in the house and my cell phone had been left in the car! This morning I got a call to sub for an "outreach" representative. Anyone have any idea what that is? I turned it down. Beginning Monday, I will take any job that comes my way, no matter what the title!

[Kathy Wilson]

Dear Educator friends,

Sadly, I had to cancel my adoption of the puppy. I am heartbroken, but it was the responsible thing to do. Coupled with no work for the first three weeks of school, my 19 yr old kitty, Jerry, had to have dental surgery and the bill so far has been about $1,000. Keeping my fingers crossed for next year. I will get though this but it's been difficult. Lots of tears. That said, Jerry seems to be gradually pulling through and is gaining a few ounces and nagging me for food. He didn't eat for several days and I was beside myself. I am grateful for a wonderful vet and feel so blessed to have one who will also take great care of my doodle when I finally am able to adopt one. Hugs to all of you.
Kathy

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry, Kathy, both for Jerry needing surgery and you canceling your puppy. Maybe you were meant to get a rescue pup or dog!!!! I really can empathize with you about your kitty. Our Springer, Gordie ruptured his CCL (major ligament of leg) recently and had expensive surgery. He had quite a problem afterward with eating, digestion etc due to the medications - he even ruptured an anal gland. He has lost 8 pounds since August 5th - he started out at 58 pounds and now weighs a svelte 50 pounds. He hasn't weighed 50 pounds since he was about 9 months old! Have you had the TPA "test" yet? I do not know what an outreach representative is but I would guess it might be someone who goes into the community with the students (maybe severely handicapped or emotionally disturbed kids) when they go to their jobs.

[Kathy Wilson]

Nancy, thanks so much. I'm sorry I haven't checked in much lately. Having to cancel adopting the puppy had me quite 'down' for awhile. I'm doing better but still a bit sad. Jerry is doing much better and for that I am happy. He's eating again and snuggling with me at night. I'm so sorry about Gordi and hope he's doing better.
I'm still working in the TPAs but finally will be sending in TPA#1 the end of this week. I've started a bit on TPA#2 and am actually more excited about it in that I will actually get to work with students. I'll be working in a friends' first grade class. I have to give lessons and include how I am going to make the lessons relevant and helpful to an ELL and to a special needs child. I have those two picked out already and will see them later this morning.
Hopefully next year I will be able to adopt my labradoodle.
Oh.....the "outreach representative" does, among other things, the calling of parents to see why their child is not in school. It would not have been a good idea to accept the assignment as my Spanish is not good enough to have a lengthy conversation. Good news is I'm getting 2 to 3 calls a day now, so when I finish the TPAs, I'll have work.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thank goodness for the job calls! I am glad for you.

[Cindy and Mandy]

I did homebound and it paid pretty well. When I went back to teaching 4 years ago I went into special ed and had a lot of interviews and offers. It seems there are always openings for special ed teachers. In my district they are also short middle and high school math and science teachers. You might also look at working at a learning center or even doing some adult ed classes? How about tutoring?

[Kathy Wilson]

Tutoring is a great idea! I've been remiss in getting my business card out there, but I must get 'hopping'. Thanks for the reminder.
Substitute jobs are beginning to trickle in. It's been very tough on the pocket book.....my brother and I are struggling, but we are meeting our bills, thank God. Also, I'll feel LOTS more secure once I've been able to get a swine flu shot! I don't even consider teaching kindergarten right now.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

My friend who is a career substitute says jobs are starting to come in. She said that many of the laid-off teachers who were promised first dibs at the sub jobs have been re-hired, hired elsewhere or are no longer subbing, so more jobs are available for her.

[Kathy Wilson]

I'm finding that to be true as well. Happily, last night I got an assignment for Friday and turned down one for Thursday hoping that a non-kindergarten assignment comes through for tomorrow. The one for Friday is special ed at my favorite school. Anyone have advice on how to get the word out for tutoring jobs?