The Life of Bon: Setback.

Wednesday, May 08, 2013

Setback.



Hit a major roadblock today in the whole "We're picking up our lives and moving to another state" drama.  I have been beyond frustrated as I have applied for endless jobs and have heard nothing back.  Turns out there is a reason.  Every teacher in California must have his or her ESL endorsement- English as a Second Language, or as California likes to call it- the CLAD.  Every single teacher.  In my school now there are maybe three teachers out of a hundred that have this.  It simply is not a requirement.

My teacher friend called her teacher hiring friend in California to ask if I would maybe kind of sort of need this.  She replied with, "We don't even consider an applicant who doesn't have his or her CLAD."

So there it is.  The gaping hole in my resume.   Don't even consider.

And so now I begin the process of getting an ESL endorsement?  Which is 18 credit hours, takes at least eight weeks, and probably cost $500?  Meaning the soonest I could be done with it and in the process of getting hired is mid July?  Which makes the odds of finding a teaching job that late quite slim...

Sometimes you have these big dreams and exciting plans and wild adventures and then turns out there's a bunch of crap in the way of the big dreams and exciting plans and wild adventures.  I'm trying to keep my head up and stay positive, but I would be lying if I didn't say that this isn't totally discouraging to me.  I'm not ready to be done teaching.  I'm not ready to not be a teacher come September.  I don't want to give it up yet and I don't want to take a year break.  I want to teach.

Of course, there's the now pretty alluring option to beg my boss for my job back, move to a nice apartment in Salt Lake, and have Greg continue acting at the local theater and auditioning for film rolls here in Utah.  It isn't California, but it's not unemployment either.  \

I have to wonder, though, if we don't make the move now- the big jump to the land of sunshine- will we ever make it?  Or will just stay here- never quite daring to go for something so risky?  Are we looking for an excuse because we're afraid?

Sigh.  When did growing up get so complicated?

Please just tell me that everything is going to be fine.

84 comments:

  1. Is it possible private schools do not require this certification? Then you could teach for a year while you get the necessary certification. Chin up!

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    1. That is a great idea! One I will have to look into more extensively. That may just be the ticket!

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  2. I am sooo sorry Bonnie! It's going to be okay :)

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  3. I didn't get my teaching job two years ago until the last week in August, after school had already started, and it was my 175 application that summer. It wasn't ideal but it worked out in the end. As cheesy and annoying as the saying goes, it will all work out exactly the way its supposed to. Good luck, fingers crossed!

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    1. You are kidding me! 175?!? Was it in California? I don't know if that gives me hope or makes me extremely depressed!

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  4. everything IS going to be fine.

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  5. It's so hard to be in limbo! I'm sure in the long run everything will turn out fine.

    I live in SoCal, about an hour away from LA county. The state's budget is a mess and over the last 6 years or so schools have had a hard time getting the money that they need. There have been lay offs, furlough days, class size increases and a shortened school year for many school districts.

    I think the outlook is slowly starting to get better. The economy is finally improving here.

    I don't want to be a discouragment to you following your dreams. I really do think that you will have a much better chance if you wait a year or two. I have to say, living in SoCal is pretty awesome and it's worth holding on to your dream for a bit longer to get here!

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    1. YES! I can't stand the limbo. Good to hear the economy is improving, but yes, I feel like it's "safer" to do it in a year or two but I don't know if we can stand that long to wait. So complicated!

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  6. Hugging. And I agree with Sarah- what about private schools? Or is there a way to do some other sort of teaching job while you are getting your ESL? Or even just another job in general in the meantime?

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    1. Yes, I have considered other jobs. Ain't no shame in going back to waiting tables, I guess?

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  7. Anonymous8:46 PM

    I completely understand where you are coming from. My husband and I picked up and left PA a few months ago and moved to CO because we love the West. My husband got a job out here, which is great, but I had to leave my job behind and still have not found a job here in CO. But you know what, we both felt a calmness about moving out West, and took the jump. And I honestly know that God has us right where he wants us to be. Pray about where God wants you to be, and start taking steps in a direction. Sometimes you just need to start moving in a direction.

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    1. Wow! You definitely understand the complexity of it. It makes me happy to hear that you still feel good about making the jump and that you know you did the right thing.

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  8. Everything will be okay! You can do this.

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  9. Everything will be just fine! You are amazing. Also? Being California born (to a teacher) and grown, try applying at private and parochial schools...not sure if they have to follow the same criteria as public CA-funded ones. They never had to when I attended them, so just a thought?

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    1. Perfect idea. I am definitely going to look into this over the weekend.

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  10. It WILL be fine! And if it's meant to be, it will be. If you're fully feeling the pull to CA, I say do it. Jump in and conquer the obstacles. I know you can!

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  11. Trust your Father. Support your husband. The rest will fall into place.

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  12. This is the time to pray pray pray and keep your trust in God!! His plan may not be your plan and he may be trying to show you a different path that you never envisioned. It will all work out if you keep looking for His direction!

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    1. Yes, I know you are right. Hard to always believe that in the moment, but of course you are right.

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  13. It will be ok. Trust in God. Trust that he knows what is best for you and your family. Do your training get it taken care of. Don't assume that you can't find a job after mid July! You can do it :)

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  14. Hang in there girl! Private schools are always a good bet. A minority of the private schools in CA are catholic or Christian run schools so I don't think they would have the same requirements (I live in Provo for school right now but I am born and bread California girl, both my little brothers go to private catholic schools in southern CA). Also, both private charter schools and privately run home schools are almost... Trendy... In SoCal right now so definitely look into those! But most of all keep praying and do what you and your husband ultimately think is best! Good luck!

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    1. Interesting! Thanks so much for this info. I never thought about privately run home schools... so interesting. I think you are right- there are so many options it's just a matter of figuring out which one will work best.

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  15. I am just finishing up getting my teaching credential in Cali and it is the hardest state to transfer into teaching from somewhere else. It sounds like you are on the right track though!

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    1. YES! I agree! The worst! So did you take classes to get your ESL endorsement or was it inbedded in the program?

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    2. It was inbedded in the program...it is almost impossible to do student teaching here without it.

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  16. Is it possible for you to call the people recruiting the roles before you apply, explain your situation and let them know you are currently doing your CLAD? That way you will have it before school starts and you might be considered for the role?

    Just a thought, because they might consider you if they know you have started the process and will be ready when school goes back.

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    1. See that's the thing I feel like there are so many applying for the jobs that they don't have to go through the inconvience of considering applications that aren't totally complete. Perhaps I'm just being a pessimist. It certainly is worth the shot and I will try!

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  17. You can do it! The things that scare us have the best rewards in the end!

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  18. If you do start everything it would be a big plus. My first position I wasn't hired until Aug. 1st! If you can't get a position you can always sub. That would be a great way to get your name out there and see which schools/district you'd like to be in permanently. I know the frustration, but things here in CA are stabilizing a bit in education so you'll find something!

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    1. August 1! Wow! And yes, subbing may have to be the way to go for awhile. It just feels like lots and lots of hoops I suppose and I am getting tired of hoops.

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  19. It is gonna work out even it it isn't fine for a while it will be eventually. I have never gotten anywhere near a job I wanted and have just had to take whatever after getting my bachelors degree. I am supporting my husband while he is grad school and sometimes it is hard to not get what you want I'm the job area. When I applied for jobs last September I sent out at least 500 applications and didn't hear from anyone except from the job I have now. That was the second year in a row of doing that to support my husband. The job always took 6 months to adjust to and everything was so not done for a while but we knew we were wheeee The Lord wanted us so it was just my trial to for gyre out how to be happy when I was sacrificing everything for my husband.

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    1. 500 applications?!? Girl you are kidding me! You have got some mad tenacity. What is your job field in?

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  20. It will all be fine.

    I'd say probably half the teachers I know got hired the week before school started in August. So you're good. Just hang in there.

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  21. Maybe look into tutoring companies that you could work for in the mean time so that you don't feel stagnant in a non-related field.

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    1. Yes, tutoring is a great idea and something I might have to do. I guess i was hoping for the full time + benefits package. Definitely preferable!

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  22. bonnie! it'll work out - praying for you over here in ohio.

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  23. Bonnie, could you teach at a private school next year while you're getting your ESL endorsement for public school? Or do the private schools in CA also have the ESL requirements? This would let you move & teach this year. Just an idea!

    Good luck - make the big move! It'll go wonderfully! :)

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    1. Thank you for your encouragement! I will definitely be looking into private schools!

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  24. Keeping you in prayers!
    morrellfairytale.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Tayler! So fun to meet you last night. You are a doll!

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  25. I don't have any advice that hasn't been given yet: look into private schools, substitute teaching, and tutoring, go ahead & get certified, let your top schools know you've started the process, PRAY, and trust that everything will work out because God is great!

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  26. Oh Bonnie, no! I'm so sorry you've hit this roadblock. I won't repeat what everyone else said, but just try to remind yourself that whatever happens is God's plan. Everything will be okay!

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  27. Ugh sorry friend! I pRomise everything is going to be fine & you'll be happy no matter what!

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  28. Most new hires happen last minute due to budget cuts. Districts wait until last minute counts of students and hire as needed. Don't give up!

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    1. That is totally insane to me. How do people plan? Doesn't it drive everyone crazy?

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  29. Look into Americorps! Since it's government service the pay is really low, but at least it's not unemployment. Many of the jobs are located within schools working with youth in after school programs. It's not exactly teaching, but you could use your teaching skills. Plus it looks great on a resume. Just a thought!

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    1. Does Americorps do benefits do you know?

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  30. Could you put the ESL thing on your resume and just write: In Process?
    And what about substitute teaching for a year, so that you get in the door and get comfortable with the new city/state? I've been in your potentially-unemployed shoes and it sucks big time. Keep your chin up, it will all - somehow - work out in the end!

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    1. Yes subbing is the back up plan but it's hard for me to want to. I feel like it's babysitting instead of having my very own kids to train and raise. But I suppose beggars can't be choosers.

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  31. What a bummer! I would still probably try to get the ESL endorsement and just pray like crazy it all works out. If you've prayed about and felt good about going to California, then God will provide the way for you.

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    1. HA! Pray like crazy. Yes I suppose that is where we are at.

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  33. That sucks:( You're totally right about all those pesky things getting in the way of big dreams. Why does everything have to be so hard and complicated? Being an adult really blows sometimes. Maybe just prolonging it a year isn't the worset thing. Then you would feel like everything is in line when next spring rolls around. It's a tough balance between being adventurous and taking risks and doing the responsible thing. Don't limit yourself, but go with what your gut is telling you. Good luck! Whatever you decide will be the best decision for you guys:)

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    1. Yes! Being an adult can seriously be so much harder than you would ever think! I think you hit it right on... it's the balance of taking risks and being responsible. I still want to continue on with plans to move but then I wonder if we are just being stupid.

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  34. Even though the media would not have us believe it, teaching jobs are hard to come by these days...even just moving within a school district. Moving state to state has become much more complex, as you well know! Change is scary...and bureaucracy makes it that much more difficult. You are an AMAZING teacher! Keep pushing girl...you are strong willed and smart! You'll make it!

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    1. Yes! Moving states is out of control for teaching! I had no idea it would be this complicated. Such a weird system- if I am qualified to teach the core in one state that has the same core as another state why wouldn't I just be qualified to teach in both states? So frustrating.

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  35. Oh have I been here!!! Something very similar like this happened to me when Trevor started Law School. I wrote a whole post about it called disguised blessings. At the time it feels like such a huge hurdle, or burden... but sometimes its God's way of creating room for a new blessing. I have a feeling this only means great things and maybe new experiences are going to be happening for you. I have no doubt you will teach again and find a job in California, but maybe this is a new opportunity to try some new things that you didn't even know were possible. Chin up. Sometimes we can't control our circumstances, but we can control our attitudes - easier said then done of course :)

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    1. Thanks for this Alycia! I really appreciate it and I know you are right. It is difficult when you can't see the blessing down the road and only see the hurdle but I love your attitude. God is opening the way up for other opportunities. You're the best. See you tomorrow?

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  36. BAbbling Box and Kali are right!! Don't give up all hope!! Everything will work out...in some way or another. If mid-July it is, then that's what it is!!
    Sorry about this road block but it's an "easy" fix and you have time!!
    *Hugs*

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  37. Anonymous10:50 AM

    I have three comments today:
    1. Things work out. It might not be what I envisioned but I look back and say, yes, that was right.
    2. Look into JobCorp. I worked there as a counselor after college and as a federal program they have different requirements.
    3. You are a driven, seemingly fantastic human being and you will impress upon the lives of many.

    What about a literacy program, educational not for profit, or curriculum writing?

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  38. I have a friend who had to go through the ordeal of getting certified in CA once she was certified in South Carolina :/, I know she was frustrated too! But God will absolutely see you through this, and it didn't take her too long! I selfishly hope you do move to CA :)

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  39. I liked Alycia's comment, it's similar to what I was going to say. Seems that you are such a go-getter and so enthusiastic at whatever you do, that there's something out there that would be perfect for you. Maybe it's time to ratchet up the blog to the next level of profitability, or writing, or starting some sort of other business. A California girl myself, (who is 'temporarily' living in New Jersey, California is definitely a dream and awesome in so many ways. But as others have said, there are tons of private and religious schools around, and hopefully, they have different requirements as you get your ESL training. Don't forego your dream! Do it while you're young and don't have kids yet... it will get harder, that's for sure! You'll have a wonderful adventure!

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  40. I liked Alycia's comment, it's similar to what I was going to say. Seems that you are such a go-getter and so enthusiastic at whatever you do, that there's something out there that would be perfect for you. Maybe it's time to ratchet up the blog to the next level of profitability, or writing, or starting some sort of other business. A California girl myself, (who is 'temporarily' living in New Jersey, California is definitely a dream and awesome in so many ways. But as others have said, there are tons of private and religious schools around, and hopefully, they have different requirements as you get your ESL training. Don't forego your dream! Do it while you're young and don't have kids yet... it will get harder, that's for sure! You'll have a wonderful adventure!

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  41. Could you sub and work another job while working on the credits?? And then you could apply for a full time teaching job for the next year?

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  42. That is so frustrating. I have no advice, just sympathies and hopes that it will work out soon and quickly.

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  43. thank you for describing my life for the last 3 years oh so perfectly. Here's to hoping it will get better!!!!!

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  44. We have been trying to buy a new house for years and ran into roadblock after roadblock and it was devastating. Each time we would revise the dream and when the heartache eased we would go back to working toward the dream. Two years ago the house on the adjoining property foreclosed - we were outbid after months of dreaming and watching it sit empty. At Thanksgiving we noticed the folks there had deserted the place and started doing our homework. This time we were pushed to the limit of taking that leap to make things happen - its outside our normal comfort zone but we are much better prepared to handle the challenges this time around. Sometimes it isn't that the dream is wrong but the timing is off for good reason. Go with your gut and realize that no matter what you just keep making steps forward together! :)

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  45. Is the CLAD a requirement for private schools, as well? Montessori? Church-based education groups? How about outdoor education? Private tutoring while you get your CLAD cert? It'll be OK, just means more options to explore!

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  46. I really hope you find something love, (which I'm sure you will!) - could you not perhaps tell the schools that you are " in progress of getting this CLAD, but will be done with it by July" ?? This could perhaps work...

    Good luck though and chin up :)

    Anna xo

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  47. I really have no useful comment here to help you make a decision but I can say this.. God has a plan, turn it over to him. It will all work out. :)

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  48. Bless your heart! Everything will def be ok! Fingers crossed that you find something that you love!

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  49. Everything happens one way or other for a reason. I have had things like this happen to me before and it's the scariest thing ever at the moment and your heart truly drops when you find out. When we both graduated college Andrew had tons of interviews at architecture firms in Philadelphia. I didn't get the teaching jobs I applied for in Philly, but Baltimore City accepted me. I took the job knowing that we would probably have to live two hours apart. Literally a month before I was getting ready to move, he got a call from the one firm in Baltimore that he'd interviewed with and got the job which is still his job to this day. So despite it being scary at first, I'm pretty sure I was meant to be stuck with Baltimore schools so he could have the job he loves today. Things end up being ok. They will fall into place even if it seems super scary at first. Things will work out for you, I'm sure of it! Keep your head up!

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  50. People have said this already, but definitely check and see if they will take applicants who are currently taking the course to get their ESOL endorsement. Florida is a pretty heavy ESOL state and the endorsement is a requirement here, but they do hire people without it as long as they are in the process of taking all the classes. So I would think California would have a similar process?

    If it makes you feel any better, at least its only 18 hours and 8 weeks...in Florida the endorsement takes a lot longer than that to get! And just keep praying. It will all work itself out!

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  51. Anonymous6:37 PM

    That is so frustrating!! The only jobs i've actually been contacted about have asked me what my esl experience is... It's so annoying. I totally know where you're coming from though. I couldn't find a job when we first came to colorado, so i've been nannying- and i'm not a big fan. There's just so much satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from teaching. Keep trying to find something! Even if you have to be a teaching assistant or something else in the school while you get endorsed, It will be worth it!

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  52. follow your heart and it will work out... i am moving at the end of the month to California with no job if that helps ;)

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  53. I completely understand where you're coming from. Being a grown up is hard and it sucks so bad sometimes. You just want it and you want it right now! I'm a teacher, too, and additional certifications are a pain in the ass. But they are worth it. If California is the goal, then that is the goal and that's where you're going. If it means staying in Utah another year, do it. Do what you have to do to get where you wanna go.

    I believe and have faith in you and the hubs. You are awesome (and also clearly California bound).

    Have faith!
    Ace over at Eat.Pray.WOD

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  54. Maybe you would be able to state that you are working towards getting certified on your resume? Good luck! I understand how frustrating it is to have a plan and then have big yucky things get in the way like that. You just have to say lots of prayers and eat lots of chocolate.

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  55. Don't let it stop you. Move. Trust that it will all work out. If you never try it you might always regret it you know? Also, if you get started with the training just update your résumé to say ESL- in progress. That should appease them.

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  56. Have you thought of online school as a teacher...or subbing full time till you get a job.

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  57. Everything will be fine. I don't know much about the ESL requirement, but if you work very quickly at it, perhaps you can get certified before July. Or add an addendum on to your resume or in your cover letter that you're in the process of receiving it and are positive you will have it before the next school year?

    - Heather

    www.sarcasmandstilettos.com

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  58. I have been teaching for 6 years (in northern Ca) and for the first 5 I was pink slipped every year, had to move schools and didn't know where, or if, I would be teaching until the week before school starts. In Ca, it is like that! Because of budgets mad down sizing things are crazy but they are getting better! Clad is worked into our credential so most don't even think about it anymore- i can't imagine what that test is like. What is on it?! Sheltered content and scaffolding? Good luck and don't let your nerves get the best of you. My husband hated every summer between July and the middle of August because i was a basket case waiting and hoping for a job. Subbing isn't great but at least it will get you into schools and get your name out there if necessary.

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