Job Hunting

Job hunting is a a grueling experience.  Sometimes hopeful and sometimes discouraging, going on the job hunt is always tiring.  Since my current teaching position is only until the end of this month, and my summer employment ends August 9th, I am on the hunt for a new teaching position.

So, yesterday, I made sure I had plenty of copies of my resume and cover letters, along with my newest Praxis scores and my final transcript.  Unfortunately my printer ran out of black ink half way through what I wanted to print, but I thought I could stop half way through my planned loop of schools and print more at my parents' house.

I started out by going to Hoxie, then to Walnut Ridge.  Lawrence County was the farthest out, and so I went there first.  Then, I drove to Paragould and went to Greene County Tech and Paragould.  The Lawrence County schools had nothing particularly hopeful to say, although everyone was incredibly nice and giving of their time.  I did hear some hopeful news at PJHS, so maybe something could come of that.  Then, I stopped by Brookland on my way to Trumann.  It took a while to find the new high school in Trumann, but that helped me to wind up at the Junior High school.  The vice principal there was very nice and directed me to where I needed to go as well as asking me a few standard interview questions.  Finally, I went by Harrisburg.  They were planning their graduation for 5 pm, so I didn't get much accomplished there, but I'm glad I stopped by.  

Today I wrote thank you notes to all of the secretaries and principals and superintendents that met with me.  Nothing will come of that, but I do believe that thanking those that met with me is a necessary step in the application and job hunt process.  It is a nice reminder a couple of days later of my visit and also shows professionalism and a desire to finish what I start.  

I am trying my hardest not to feel desperate.  I'm sure that something will open up when I am ready for it and when the district is ready for me.  I do not believe in coincidences.  If no teaching position opens up, then I will continue to substitute and perhaps start my master's degree.