Above and Beyond

Drats.

Hmmm..., thought that interview went well. Except for the part when I got a little choked up at the end, but that's because it seemed like it was going so well and it would be a great grade at a great school in a great district and I. Want. The. Job.  Otherwise I thought I was confident, spoke clearly, used relevant examples, had nothing stuck in my teeth... But the ol' lack of experience probably cost me. Someday.

What I Bring to the Table

Another interview tomorrow.  5th grade. My friend/mentor suggested I write out answers to possible questions, including how to sum up who I am as an Educator and what talent/skill/attributes I would bring to a classroom...

• Experience with children in many forms: parent of 3 boys, (5th/9th/12th, loud/quiet/goofy, GATE, ADHD); parent volunteer at school, sports, cub scouts; football and basketball coach Kinder through HS; Substitute Teacher K-9; P.E. Teacher K-8; English Learners to Gifted... so I've seen 'em all and from every angle, I understand how to communicate, how to listen, how to motivate, how to instruct, how to help them reach their full potential.
• Communication skills -- the ability to listen well, to express thoughts and intentions clearly, to find a new and/or different way to say something if needed; customer service expert, parent liaison, project group presenter... 

One Word Descriptions -- Hyphenated Addition

Well-Read:  In an eclectic sense.  Last 10 books I've read, largely while waiting by the phone like a teenage girl, pouncing on it before the first ring has finished, trying to control my hyperventilation while sounding cool and teacher-like as I say "Sure, I'd love to stop by for an interview"...

1. A Nation Rising -- American History
2. Bigger Than the Game -- sports, culture, and marketing
3. The Neverending Story -- classic children's fantasy lit
4. Marooned -- music
5. The Martian Child -- adoption of a troubled child
6. Making the Grade -- 3rd and 4th grade editions
7. Meanwhile Back at the Ranch and
8. Baltimore Blues -- both mysteries 
9. 101 Ways to Bug Your Friends and Enemies -- humorous children's
10. Writing Sense -- writing for ELL