The lost years

Today I was in a school setting and happened to run into the guy who would be my "Big Boss" at the District Level, if I was still teaching special education. It started me thinking about what I would say in a job interview if I were asked about "the lost years" on my resume. 

Interviewer: "So, Mrs. M...what have you been doing for the last four years since you left the District?"

Me:  "Well... I've been teaching full-time in a self-contained, cross-categorical program. I'm working with individuals from infancy through the college level. We work on some academics and educational enrichment activities, but mainly focus on speech, physical development, behavior management, functional life skills, and vocational training. 

There are five children currently in the program, with one recent graduate who has successfully transitioned to a foreign exchange program for young adults. They have varying exceptionalities including speech delays, developmental delays, behavioral disorders, ADD, learning disabilities, and exceptionally high intelligence. 

Each child has a completely individualized program designed with their special needs and abilities in mind and modified regularly to keep up with their current stages of development in order to maintain challenging goals. I also modify my teaching style and techniques to the varying needs and developmental stages of each individual. 

Since the children that I work with are on vastly different levels and have varying ablilities and requirements, I have had to consistently modify my teaching style, persist in improving my teaching skills, and seek out continuing educational opportunities for my own growth and development. 

I'm also responsible for facilities management and maintenance, all nutritional programs, extracurricular activities, health and hygiene, guidance counseling, and discipline. While I have a part-time instructional assistant, his mind is frequently occupied with his other (higher-paying) full-time position.

It's been an extremely rewarding job and has excellent benefits. I'm sure I'll continue to work full-time in this position for at least the next 18 years, while continuing my education and seeking further learning and professional opportunities."

*I did take the opportunity to ask about special ed. job prospects in the District for next year. He said there are possibilities for openings and asked me, "Are you "Highly Qualified"?" 

LOL! "Why yes. Yes, I am!"