First Day in the New Classroom

Today is the first day of school for many of my former colleagues. I feel kind of behind because everyone else seems to be starting up and I'm walking into my new classroom for the very first time.

It's currently 8:49 am and I'm on the 3 train up to 135th. I'll be filling out all of the  necessary paper work this morning, and then checking out my new home away from home.

By the way, I'm shocked at how many people still read the newspaper on the subway. 

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9:38 am

I just finished filling out paper work. I had a brief moment to glance at my classroom, but will not be able to start setting up yet. They are painting and adding new light fixtures to all classrooms. Here's what it looks like as of now:

I have workshops Tuesday-Thursday of this week. I guess I'm setting up Friday? The room feels larger than my previous classrooms.

Lazy Saturday

Mary and I enjoyed an easy Saturday. We slept in a bit, which is always nice, and then headed to the Union Square farmers market. As usual, the market was super packed (even at lunch) and the produce was moving quickly. 

We wanted pizza for lunch, so we headed to 2 Bros. Pizza, which was about a mile walk. We found this pizza place with my sister last weekend. A nice sized slice of cheese pizza is a buck. Can't beat that.

Four slices of NY pizza and two drinks = $5.50.

After pizza, we walked around the block to check out McSorleys pub, which is the oldest bar in NYC. Apparently, Mr. Lincoln came here once upon a time. However, karma rolled around and bird dropped a load on Mary.

If they were aiming for her Fresca can, they almost hit the jackpot. 

Until next time...

Poop, Fun, and Spiritual Guidance

It’s Wednesday, August 20^th and Mary and I have officially moved to New York City.  We really lucked out on a fantastic apartment in the financial district of Manhattan.  It’s been a thrilling eleven days thus far. 

Here are some highlights:

• ·         Had a blast spending time with family visiting
• ·         Witnessed Jimmy Fallon and Jason Statham race in human size hamster balls
• ·         Went to Central Park to see Florida Georgia Line play a concert for Good Morning America
• ·         Visited Coney Island (also had a hot dog, of course)
• ·         Went to a taping of Dr. Oz (I know, I’m embarrassed)
• ·         Enjoyed some amazing food
• ·         Spending time with Mary :0)

One of my key stressors has been:  What is Jon going to do in New York?

Honestly, I found myself at a crossroads when we arrived in New York City.  The opportunities seemed endless and it was a bit too much to take in.  I was overwhelmed. 

It hit me one afternoon that my time in education was not over.  I still have the desire and passion to teach.  Side note:  I’ve always told myself that if I lost the desire to deliver my very best for the students, then I would leave teaching.  The reason is I have seen to many teachers lose that spark.  When you lose the “magic,” then it’s over.  I believe all students deserve the very best education possible. 

The obstacle?  Teaching in a state that requires a master’s degree.

I believe it was some sort of a spiritual guidance that led to where I am now. 

I interviewed with a Catholic school in Harlem on Tuesday, August 12^th.  I thought the phone interview went well and we scheduled an in-person meeting at the school for the following Monday.

Mary, Dawn, and I visited St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday, August 15^th.  While we were sitting on the steps, trying to figure out directions to our next destination, a bird dropped a load right in my lap.  I’ve never been pooped on by a bird before, so I was pissed.  However, I frequently heard, “Jon, that’s really good luck.”  I must have heard that from 10 people.

Later that evening, a sweet old lady was riding the subway with us.  I had to stand and hold the bar because there weren’t any seats available.  The massive pile of dried poop was just inches away from this elderly ladies face.  You could tell that she was trying to hold it in, but she was laughing at me.  I apologized, and yes, she also mentioned that it’s good luck.

Now let’s fast forward to the job interview on August 18^th.  I was poised and ready to go for the interview.  I headed towards the subway with a 30 minute cushion incase of a delay.  However, I didn’t plan on the breaking of the rail at 96^th Street.  I arrived to the interview 30 minutes late.

The interview lasted 2 ½ hours and was incredibly interesting. 

I was offered the job the next morning.  I’m so fortunate to be in this position and I am ready to deliver.

I’ll talk more about the school and opportunity in the next blog post.

Until then.