The morning scene, a roadblock due to an accident, seemed symbolic of my career the past year. It started with an inquiry at a school in East Lansing. This inquiry led to submitting an application, a phone interview, an interview at the school that included me teaching an actual lesson, and then waiting for seven weeks until I heard the answer: no. Michigan’s requirement for an early childhood license kept me from that position.
When we decided that Lansing housing would not work, northern Grand Rapids became the next focus point so I interviewed for a wonderful position that would involve working with Mitch’s cousin. The interview, a fantastic time with his cousin and the principal, seemed positive. I would be teaching homeschool students who attended their hybrid program. The email arrived a few days later. Due to a school policy stating that relatives may not hire each other, this door was closed. I reminded myself that the winter drive to the northern part of Grand Rapids might be challenging.
When we moved to 1891, my rental house name, I spotted the charter school on the corner street and applied for a long-term substitute.It excited me to think of teaching in a charter school! I learned through the staffing agency that they hired internally.
Focusing my efforts elsewhere, I contacted three feeder schools of South Christian and tried to meet with the principals. I met with two of them and enjoyed the visit. One assured me that I would be on the top of the list and indicated there might be a need for a long-term position. That particular school did contact me to sub, but it was the day of my mother’s funeral. When they called and asked, the emotion spilled out on the phone. I haven’t heard from them since that phone call, which makes me kick myself for not controlling myself.
At last, one school contacted me to teach Art. Why not? I thought. I love art, even though I am not an artist. Thinking it was a simple task of signing up, I immediately agreed. The secretary’s email, though, asked me to complete another task.
“Since the position is Shared Time, you need to sign up with Edustaff”, she instructed. I had to reread Michigan’s policy on Shared Time. This article, explains it in more detail. https://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2019/05/10/private-schools-teachers-michigan-pays/1128285001/ Signing up for Edustaff required taking a quiz, filling out online paperwork, watching a series of tutorials, and attending a two hour workshop. At this point, I am awaiting official approval.
Another email arrived in my inbox which asked if I could also sub in a regular classroom setting. I agreed and found myself eager to meet the students as it has been some time since I stood in front of the classroom.
It felt like another roadblock as the day progressed. I quickly learned how different it is for a substitute teacher to step in for a teacher. The day ended with me feeling defeated, disenchanted, and wondering if this is another barrier to the year. I found myself wishing I could crawl in a hole and pretend the day never happened. As I deconstructed the days’ events, Mitch pointed out that I needed to keep my focus on the main goal of this journey: taking care of my parents and now just my father.
Even though I know this is the focus, I cannot help thinking about my career. What will happen to it? Was walking away from my third grade classroom this past May permanently leaving education? Should I be thinking about a different path, like one in geriatrics? At the end of October, I will be completing training in SAIDO, the memory- based learning system for patients with dementia. Should I be focusing my efforts here and start training to become a certified nursing aide? The financial part of this Michigan adventure, increasingly more expensive as the year progresses, makes me consider being a Meijer personal shopper. It would also be something I could do back in Lafayette because of Meijer’s presence in both Lafayette and West Lafayette.
As the journey continues and my questions abound, I have to focus on the truth: God’s plan is not mine. I need to rest in His sovereignty. I need to remember Natalie Grant’s lyrics: When did I forget that you’ve always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so small
When you’re the one who holds it all
When did I forget that you’ve always been the king of the world
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Becca Mizell / Natalie Grant / Samuel Mizell King of the World lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Music Services, Inc
A Journey Worth Remembering 