Left Turn for Opportunity

As the spring was coming to a close, I was feeling pretty settled in my role as an 8th grade science teacher. I drove to work one morning thinking about how much I have gathered in my scientific arsenal of labs and lessons over 3 years. At the same time, I was also feeling a little need for something new. Then, in mid-April, my principal called me into his office to ask if I would be interested in teaching 6th grade science next year. I thought to myself, "change is good!" and accepted right away. And so, I geared myself up for the drastic age change in students and began to wind up my last year with 8th graders.

So, last Wednesday, I decided it was time to tell my students about my job next year. In each one of my classes, I told them where they could find me next year and that I was excited to try something new. They took it well, asked tons of questions and promised to visit me in my new classroom.

And then 4:30 p.m. came.

Just as I was getting ready to leave, my principal came to talk with me. He had another opportunity for me to think about and this time it was big. Our technology coordinator had been given a promotion to a district level position thus leaving his position in our school open. There was a short list of who should fill in Ned's position and the job was mine if I wanted it. Whoa. I talked with my principal for quite some time about the job and what it entailed and then told him I would let him know in the morning. I was honored, to say the least and completely scared out of my mind.

I had some serious decisions to make. The tech coordinator position at Sky Vista is a huge, I mean HUGE job. First, it would mean NO MORE TEACHING SCIENCE! Crazy! Second, this job involves a ton of hardware and software knowledge. Third, I would be doing a tremendous amount of staff development. Lastly, I would be responsible for establishing, implementing and maintaining a technological vision to continue to keep our school one step ahead and provide our students with one-of-a-kind technological opportunities. In short, everything that is or is related to technology, I would be in charge of. I even would have an assistant! Again, whoa.

After a long night of discussions with Chris, my parents and some friends, I drove to school on Thursday with my mind made up. I decided to accept the job! There are several reasons behind the decision and I feel really good about them all. Luckily, I have an AMAZING husband who is willing to support me during the next few months of what will be an insane learning curve. One of the best parts of this new job is the flexibility it will provide with family life. I can bring Sofia to work with my any time I want to! If she is sick, I can work from home! I don't quite feel grown-up enough to have such a big job and have had to pinch myself a few times as a reminder that this is really happening. I have a SECOND NEW JOB in less than 6 weeks!

Summer will be short this year, but that's okay. I get a really kick-butt computer and an office that goes with it! :)