I Have a New Job!!!

**AmyBoz** · 11-04-2008, 03:26 PM

As most of you know, I have been a public school teacher for the past 14 years. The first five years were spent teaching 8th grade science, and since then I have been teaching history. My first masters was through Rutgers University and was in Social Studies education and I earned that in 1998. However, it was a mixed masters/certification program. I was already certified to teach, so when everyone else was taking student teaching type classes, I took classes toward my supervisors certificate, and earned that upon graduation. I am now finishing up my second masters in Educational Leadership, and when I am done with that in May, I will have my Principal Certification.

Anyway...a position opened up in our school for Instructional Leader of Mathematics and Science. I applied, interviewed with the Director of Math and Science for the district, and got the job! So, I will no longer be in the classroom, but will be coaching and teaching the teachers about the best practices in Mathematics and Science instruction. Kinda like teaching the teachers. I'll also be doing curriculum work and organizing all of the standardized testing for the building. There are about 50 other things that fall under my new job description, but I love all of them. I'm really excited about this new opportunity and it is an excellent stepping stone towards adminstration. In fact, the woman who held the position before me left because she got a job as a vice-principal in another district, and the superintendent there told her that a main reason she got the job is because she had held the Instructional Leader position which is an all-encompassing job.

I should mention here that I am a big-time math person. I've always loved math and have always been quite good at math. The director felt that I was strong enough, after interviewing me and going through some tough questions on math and science, despite the fact that I haven't actually taught math.

It is not more money, as it is not an adminstrative position. I do not lose tenure, but I do have to work an extra month in the summer, which I am fine with. I work in the summer anyway, so this just keeps me in the same job for the summer rather than working at camp.

The only downside is that I am really going to miss my students. I am more than ready for this challenge, but I develop such wonderful relationships with my students...all of my students...and I feel like I'm breaking up with someone I love. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone who hasn't been a teacher, but it is definitely hard. It's a step I would have to take eventually when I move into administration, so I guess better now than later, but it's still tough. Luckily, I can still be the class advisor, student council advisor and musical director for the play, so I'll interact with them in that capacity. It's not the same, but life changes and we adapt.

So, celebrate with me as I move into this new phase of my career!

**Lady_V** · 11-04-2008, 03:36 PM

Amy!

When do you switch over to the new position?

**AmyBoz** · 11-04-2008, 03:38 PM

My replacement starts on Monday and will shadow me for a few days as I transition out and she transitions in.

**forHISglory** · 11-04-2008, 03:45 PM

Congrats! And I know what you mean about your feelings in leaving your students. I always called my students "my kids" and dearly loved them. When I retired, so many of them came back to wish me well. It's a special bond.

I always loved working with best practices. Keep us up to date with some of the activities you do.

Again, WAY TO GO!!!!

**Darlene** · 11-04-2008, 03:51 PM

Wow, Congratulations! :happystars: And so happy to see your Principal Certification in sight. You've worked so hard. Awesome news! Woohoo! :happydance: