As I mentioned in the other thread, Sept. 11, yesterday, happens to be the birthday of DW's daughter, Elise. Well, I have another good thing to connect with Sept. 11. I got the job as electrical instructor at the special school in McKinney. I will be making just a few pennies shy of what I used to make plus outstanding benefits. It's a yearly salary figure. It's more than what I made last year and that other job didn't have bene's. This one has a comprehensive medical, holidays, etc.
I have to undergo some teacher training, which they pay for. That's my one weak point. I don't have academic or formal teacher training. But they were expecting that, as they were really looking for an instructor with field experience and I have a couple of decades of that. And it's a long-term job, a career. Their previous instructor was there for 15 years and then retired. They hired another instructor who was an engineer. He was adequate but didn't have the skills I have learned the hard way.
The program, which procides certification in a number of hard trades, such as electrical, dry wall, masonry, gives these young people a fighting chance at getting a job that will eventually pay well. These young people have had lives like I had. Being poor, many times without a father around, and some of these people haven't had the greatest of grades. So, they are high risk for not being able to go to college and would normally be lucky just to have unskilled labor jobs. Which is no shame, by itself. But given the chance to learn an actual skill that will get them a job that starts above minimum wage, even in a non-union environment such as Texas, many can excel.
I have envisioned myself teaching before and this is my chance to make that a reality.
And let this be a lesson to others that have doubts or hit low points. I was laid off 3-17-09 and went a few months without a job and went flat broke, something I haven't been in 25 years. Then got the job I have been working, at a lower pay rate. But you can't give up your hopes and dreams. Always recognize an opportunity when it comes your way. I was on several job search sites when I was unemployed. Several still send me email notifications of postings. And that's what this one was. And email about an electrical instructor position available in McKinney, Texas. All I had to do was respond with an email submitted resume, which I did.
That led to two interviews. One with the trades director, and then one, on Thursday evening with the head director of the facility. I had good interviews both times (obviously). Nor am I intimidated by the challenges these students can present. I accomplish the objective regardless of obstacles. And I think I can make a difference in some people's lives.