Best Job Ever...

In contrast to the dreary, exhausted, and overworked posts of the last year or so (and thanks to all who kept reading them!) I have some fabulous news.

Serendipity struck when I got this new teaching job. It did so in more than one way. Not only am I in a school that really is amazing, but the district is too!!! Public education is no picnic. Teachers have made strides (in some areas) over the last few years but they really do have a tough job. I am so excited to be teaching, but am also very nervous. The amount of information one needs to know just to teach + all the stuff you actually teach + people skills (managing parents, kids, and colleagues) is ENORMOUS. It is all very humbling. What makes it easier is the amount of support you get.

I am so enamored of the people in my school and in the county. There are so many resources!!! I have been attending New Teacher Orientation all week. It has been so much fun! While the amount of information is completely exhausting, the people have been amazing. I am meeting new colleagues, making friends (some gay ones too!), and learning a lot. You can't walk 5 feet without someone welcoming you, offering you assistance, giving you a new something or other (new textbooks, tools etc!) or feeding you (breakfast and lunch provided all week). Oh yeah, I got paid for this too!!! In other counties they expect you to do all of this for free!!!

I am going to my final child abuse training today (sad we need to worry about this) and I'll also be setting up my room. Expect dorky pictures of me putting up borders, arranging desks, and outfitting the classroom.

Just one last thing, I am lucky lucky lucky. What am I experiencing is the result of good karma. The reality is that very few teachers will be lavished upon in the way that I am describing. I work in a small, ultra-liberal, progressive, diverse, affluent, and supportive county. Most teachers don't have these luxuries. I'm a lucky bastard. Make sure you hug a teacher the next time you see one. Here's my big hug for Glenn!

P.S. My school is way too happy and Disney, their motto is "we sing, dance, and eat chocolate" - could I be in a better place? Hellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllo! Finally a venue for my butch knowledge of showtunes!