The Story of My Life

Los Angeles Unified School District called my cell phone a couple weeks ago.

The message said, "My name is "so and so" from Local District 2. I'm calling to let you know that your job number is up for immediate rehire. There are several openings at our schools. If you are interested in employment call me back at blah blah blah as soon as possible."

I was sitting in my car, jaw open, eyes wide. I closed my eyes took a deep breath, and a huge grin came across my face. Of course, LAUSD calls to hire me back...... I was just getting used to this stay at home, house cleaning, dinner cooking, laundry doing wife that I have turned into. I just signed up at YogaWorks, I just decided that every girl deserves to get her nails done at least once every couple weeks, I just found happiness in contentment.

So, what did I do?

I called so and so, got transferred to the Local District 8 (LAUSD is so huge it is separated into GINORMOUS sub districts) office because it is the closest Local District to our new home. The guy over at Local District 8 gave me two pros and two cons. Pros: 1) There are schools that are looking for teachers immediately. 2) I am number 25 in the "pool" of swimming (treading) teachers waiting for the phone call that I just got. Cons: 1) If I haven't been offered a position at a school by the time my job number comes up I will be placed at any school with an opening. 2) If my number comes up or I decline a job offer this opportunity for rehire will never be offered again and ultimately I get kicked to the LAUSD curb for the last time.

So, what did I do?

I researched the names of the schools I was given by the Local District 8 guy, talked it over with Tucker, slept on it. A school called Normont Elementary wanted me to interview (not wanting to look bad) and I said yes, thank you. I didn't want to work there. I called the school where I wanted to work, Point Fermin Marine Science Magnet, faxed over my resume, the principal called me back an hour later wanting me to come in for an interview, an interview sooner than the school I didn't want to work for.

I went to the interview thinking 1) if I don't get an offer, I really don't want to go back to work anyway 2) if I do get an offer I'll have a feeling if it is or isn't the right fit at this point in my life.

I guess I nailed it because they offered me a job on the spot.

I said yes.

It's 3rd grade. My classroom has a wall of windows with an ocean view of the Long Beach Harbor. (<- that pretty much sealed the deal.)

But, the best part of the whole deal is that when I walk out of Point Fermin Magnet tomorrow afternoon I will be a permanent LAUSD teacher. No more layoffs, no more getting kicked to the LAUSD curb.