Last year, I had a former boss contact me from a school I had worked at as a special education aide. She said there were teaching opportunities available. I was not certified yet but she encouraged me to try another alternative certification path. I did and literally, overnight I was accepted at Teach Us.
Before this, just for fun, I had applied for a few different elementary teaching positions. To my surprise, one of them called me for an interview! Shortly thereafter I got the job! I was elated! I had my own classroom and a class of 20 third-graders.
I don’t really want to go into detail about the things that happened from November 2024 – March 2025 in that third grade classroom. I don’t want to speak ill of anyone or give any school or person a bad name. It turned out to be a less than pleasant situation, to the point where I had to resign for my own mental health.
The good news is that I learned a whole lot and got to bring my love and kindness to twenty children for a few months. The students gave me lots of hugs, notes, and random cookies, candies, rings, etc. to show their love. They cried when I told them I had to leave. It was sad, but it had to be done.
In spite of everything that went on, there were some breakthroughs with some of the children, in particular one little girl. I wish I could tell her story…maybe someday. She just confirmed to me where I belong, working with children with special needs. She blossomed when I treated her differently than the other teachers did. She needed and deserved love, dignity, and respect.
So, here I sit, once again, in the liminal space. I do have ways to make money temporarily or I would not have quit. For now, I will be substitute teaching. I have a job interview lined up in about 10 days and also plan to attend the Temple ISD job fair on the 22nd of this month. I am still working on getting certified to teach but it may take a little longer since I want to be in the sped department. Those kids are worth the wait, though!
