What's Gnu With You?

I'm a bit tired, but I felt I should give a "gnus" brief on what's been going on in my life (mostly because I can't remember who I have told and who I have not told...)


What's gnu with my job: Up until this summer, I have been teaching with an emergency teaching license, one that expires every year, but is renewable for up to three years if there is still an emergency need. Well, after some intense work the last few months (April and May were pretty insane, not to mention the Praxis II in June), I now have a permanent license. Unfortunately, the school I was at does not currently have an open position (nor the funds from the district yet to create the much needed Spanish teaching position I know they would like to have).

So. Here is what I am currently doing. I am part of a newly developed teaching cadre, made up mostly of displaced teachers (mostly RIFed teachers, newly graduated teachers, or ones in my type of situation). We have been getting trained in various areas during August- mostly involving IPS policies and what the district feels are the "best practices" for all teachers to utilize in the classroom.

What we will do come September 1st is fill in for teachers who will be called out to receive specialized training in Language Arts and Math. Yes, technically, we are substitutes, but not your average sub. What makes us different: 1. We won't be filling in just because a teacher called in sick or has a family emergency. All of our assignments are pre-planned on a monthly basis. 2. Unlike most subs, we are all licensed teachers, many of us with experience in the classroom. 3. We are primarily focused on the Language Arts and Math content areas (though we will also have to help elementary teachers get professional development, so on those days, we will obviously be covering all subjects that elementary teacher normally covers).

Now, since the district may still have positions that open up (either because of numbers that are larger than anticipated or because of surplus funding or whatever), we will generally be the first ones to be considered for those positions. So, this means I might be doing this for the whole year, or a matter of weeks or months. It's hard to say. Still, I am fine rolling with the punches for right now. For me, the biggest plus side is that I don't have to worry about grades or grading, and only minimal worry about lesson plans (teachers are supposed to provide those, but I know from experience that not all do, so I will need to be prepared in case that happens...).

So, that is what I will be doing for work this school year (oh, and I will still be putting in hours at the ol' Barrel on Saturdays, as usual...)

What's gnu with church: Okay, not much really in this category. Since I turned 30 this year, I have until my next birthday before they kick me out of the singles' branch (unless I miraculously find one with whom I would gladly spend eternity and we get married before that next birthday... but don't hold your breath, Mom). Rather than stay until I am kicked out, my plan is to slowly transition out. I will go to the Carmel Ward with Rachel about once a month until the end of December. Then, in January, I will make the switch official and complete and have my records transferred over.

What's gnu with other things: Well, I know I told at least some of you that I would be auditioning for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. I was really rather nervous- it's been awhile since I have done singing outside of a church choir. But the audition went relatively well, and I was notified a couple of days ago that I have been invited to join! I am really excited about this! I love singing, and I am looking forward to singing challenging music that will help me develop this talent! I will also be re-joining the handbell choir I joined in April, so that is another talent I look forward to improving.

I think that pretty much covers what I will be doing with my life this coming year... if you feel I have missed something, you are welcome to let me know and I will fill you in on whatever you want...

I'm done now.