Becoming A Middle School ESE Teacher

One thing that I learned over the summer was that there really is a teacher shortage. After sending out some resumes and applying with the school district, I soon found myself inundated with interview requests. It was both an ego boost and a sad statement of our education system.

Anyway, I agreed to an interview at a middle school in a not-so-great side of town and farther away than I wanted to drive. I was conflicted because I was trying to stay closer to home. I was tempted to cancel but kind of made myself see it through because you just never know.

Interview Time

I soon found out that they were interviewing many teachers for all subjects. It was a little overwhelming with all the activity going on but I took a deep breath and headed into the room when it was my turn.

So I sat down with the dean and an ESE teacher who had been there for 12 years. The dean asked me a couple of questions, but it quickly dissolved into a conversation between the teacher and me. We instantly hit it off and I could tell that she liked me. She soon started to give specifics about the ESE program. She explained that the kids transition to different classes throughout the day. The exception being the self-contained class because these particular kids have more needs than the other kids and aren’t ready for transitioning. I instantly knew that was the one I wanted. At Mainspring, the classes were all like that because the entire school was for kids with special needs. And even though, I understand the importance of inclusion and all that good stuff; I still really liked the bonds that can form when you are with the same kids every day, all day.

She went on to say that the self-contained class is hard to staff. Without hesitation, I said “Actually, I was about to say that I would be interested in the self-contained class.”

Giving The Right Answer

She was absolutely thrilled. Part of me wondered what I was potentially getting into. But another part of me was on an interview high and felt like I could conquer the world. I had already been told that I would hear back in a couple of days so a few minutes later, when we were waiting for the principal to come talk to me. Since I had been told that I would hear from them in a couple of days, I just assumed she was coming to meet me and give her ok (or not) after the interview.

The principal comes over and asks a couple of basic questions. I gave the right answers and it was all good. Then the teacher said to the principal, “She’s interested in the self-contained class! And that one is hard to staff!”

The principal must have given a concerned look that she disclosed that information because she added “Oh, she knows!”

The principal and the teacher exchanged excited comments and then I joked “Wow, I guess I picked the right class!” 😁

Know Your Audience

Then because I apparently forgot that I was in the middle of an interview and that I should be acting professionally, I held up my hand to hive five the teacher. Thankfully, she didn’t leave me hanging and instantly hive fived me. Then the principal held up her hand to high five me, too. 😉

That’s when I realized that I might have found my people. ❤️

In hindsight, what in the world was I thinking? That was a major gamble and completely unprofessional. But it paid off so there you go.

I Was Confident I Would Get A Call

Anyway, I was confident I would be getting a call, offering me the job and was visualizing talking to my husband about my options. But then the principal said to the dean “Ok, we need to start getting her in the computer.”

I didn’t know what to say but it was clear, I was being hired. However, no one had asked me if I wanted it! Moments ago, I was the high five queen but now I was at a loss for words. I was soon hearing “Congratulations! Welcome to warrior nation!”

Unsure of what to do, I thanked them. I was aware that I could simply contact them and decline so I just got out of there. I was very intrigued but wanted to make sure that I was making the right decision.

Although, I had other interviews and offers, I kept going back to this school in my mind. I agonized over my decision and knew that it had to be made quickly because I didn’t want to leave anyone hanging. In the end, I was trying to choose between the school and a school that paid more, had a better schedule and was only 5 minutes away. For all the pros for the close school, I kept comparing it to the original school.

Accepting My Fate

That was when I had to accept that I wanted that school and that I would not be declining anything. It wasn’t a bad choice but I was just scared that I would make the wrong choice.

Anyway, this is all to say that I have signed up to teach kids with a lot of special needs and drive for almost 30 minutes for the pleasure.

But I am so excited. 😁

Follow Me For More Interview Tips

I learned a lot during my summer interview tour. Some went well and some not so much. Be confident. Be enthusiastic! Be prepared!

I don’t know that I would suggest that you should switch out handshakes for high fives. I’m just saying that sometimes it works in your favor. Apparently.