I will be a three hour plane flight from Miami directly to the town of Barcelona, Venezuela which is adjacent to Puerto La Cruz. There are some South American based airlines that carry good deals on this flight. Also check out Margarita Island (www.margarita-island-venezuela.com)-a short ferry ride from Puerto La Cruz. Tempted yet? Get a passport and come visit!
NOTE: The school website is www.ciplc.net. Check it out!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
ON MY WAY!!!!
The recruiting fair is over, the contract is signed, I leave at the end of July!
Thursday I had two interviews in the afternoon and ended up getting a job at both schools-Puerto La Cruz and Curacao (an island near Aruba). The fair officially started that evening with registration and an orientation. Friday morning the 45 schools from Latin America who were here to find teachers to hire were set up around the ballroom at tables. Candidates stood in line to have a five minute chat with the recruiter who would then decide to offer an interview slot or not for later that day or the next. I was able to secure an interview at all the other schools on my list-Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Curitaba, ....I had to rush out of the sign up session after only 40 minutes, though, because I had a SKYPE (vidoe chat) interview with a school from Yugoslavia online. As soon as I finished that interview, I was off on a five hour run of back to back interviews. By this morning, I had two contracts in hand, and three other firm offers. I was fortunate to have so many options-some candidates were not even offered more than one interview.
So, ......I am headed to Puerto La Cruz Venezuela at the end of July. It is a Caribbean beach resort town. Get your passports ready and plan to come visit me please!
Thursday I had two interviews in the afternoon and ended up getting a job at both schools-Puerto La Cruz and Curacao (an island near Aruba). The fair officially started that evening with registration and an orientation. Friday morning the 45 schools from Latin America who were here to find teachers to hire were set up around the ballroom at tables. Candidates stood in line to have a five minute chat with the recruiter who would then decide to offer an interview slot or not for later that day or the next. I was able to secure an interview at all the other schools on my list-Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Curitaba, ....I had to rush out of the sign up session after only 40 minutes, though, because I had a SKYPE (vidoe chat) interview with a school from Yugoslavia online. As soon as I finished that interview, I was off on a five hour run of back to back interviews. By this morning, I had two contracts in hand, and three other firm offers. I was fortunate to have so many options-some candidates were not even offered more than one interview.
So, ......I am headed to Puerto La Cruz Venezuela at the end of July. It is a Caribbean beach resort town. Get your passports ready and plan to come visit me please!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Detours, Blind spots, and Road Blocks
So, the recruiting season is beginning in full force in November. Much to my own distress, I have made my share of blunders so far-putting Mr. instead of Ms. on an email because I can't tell the gender of a name of a director or even putting the wrong school name on a letter. I feel so "freshman" when I do these things...yet it excites me. It makes me feel that sense of adventure I so long for...that out-of-the-box experience which almost promotes making mistakes and teaches everyone to laugh at themselves more often. Thus, although I am humbled, I do not lose hope...I just learn to be more patient in all things.
I am attending a recruitment fair for Latin American schools in December here in ATL with two friends. Hopefully we will be able to interview at schools that interest us and we will come out of there as strong candidates for available positions. After that, it's a wait and see game. In the meantime...one detour on this road has been-reconnecting with some old friends from my HS and Auburn days....and wondering if I am to stay and build on some of those relationships rather than leave. Another issue that has come up is that my daughter graduates from college next December and my son from HS in May- some have implied that I am being selfish-that the needs of my kids during these transitions to the job force and college are a blindspot in my thinking and reasoning. Then there is the pesky little detail that lurks in the back of my mind-I might not even be offered a resonable contract for a job-THAT would be a roadblock for sure.
Yet, I press on. Like my dad often says, "everything always works out the way it's supposed to"...so, for what it's worth, detours, roadblocks and blindspots be darned....I'm just waiting for it all to just "work out".
I am attending a recruitment fair for Latin American schools in December here in ATL with two friends. Hopefully we will be able to interview at schools that interest us and we will come out of there as strong candidates for available positions. After that, it's a wait and see game. In the meantime...one detour on this road has been-reconnecting with some old friends from my HS and Auburn days....and wondering if I am to stay and build on some of those relationships rather than leave. Another issue that has come up is that my daughter graduates from college next December and my son from HS in May- some have implied that I am being selfish-that the needs of my kids during these transitions to the job force and college are a blindspot in my thinking and reasoning. Then there is the pesky little detail that lurks in the back of my mind-I might not even be offered a resonable contract for a job-THAT would be a roadblock for sure.
Yet, I press on. Like my dad often says, "everything always works out the way it's supposed to"...so, for what it's worth, detours, roadblocks and blindspots be darned....I'm just waiting for it all to just "work out".
Thursday, September 11, 2008
conformity gets a smiley face
Just a thought...funny how people react to someone doing something "outside the box". I have noticed that my effort to try to chase this dream has created lots of gossip in certain circles. Somehow "outside the box" in my world is equated, by others, with me actually being morally/spiritually/emotionally flawed. It reminds me of kindergarten. If the ocean was supposed to be blue but I speckled it with colorful dots because that's how it looked to me when the sun reflected off of it, I got a red X and a re-do and the other kids with blue oceans got smiley faces. For once in my life, though, I am not looking for that smiley face... from anyone else...!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Imperfect and clumsy...but it's finally resembling me
I have a favorite book that aptly describes me and my journey and one of the 50 or so quotes I highlighted in it paraphases an ancient yogi text ...."it is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody elses life with perfection".
Those who know me well, know that I tend to do things to perfection...I was the "perfect kid" building my college application resume through class selection and extra-curricular activities from the time I could first spell college, and a "perfect teen" by doing all the "popular things" like be a cheerleader and be skinny and date the all-American looking quarterback, and a "perfect christian" by being a missionary in an African village, and a "perfect mom" by raising two kids who were literally superstars-even carpooling and cooking for all of their friends at all times of the day and night, and a "perfect friend" by always being upbeat, sweet, nice, and looking at the bright side so as not to be a burden to anyone, and a "perfect hostess" by opening my home to dozens of peace corps volunteers in Africa as well as a steady stream of friends in America, and even the "perfect ex-wife" by not demanding a big settlement and by just moving on with my life quietly,... there you have it...proof of my tendency to be seen as "perfect"....
Well, get ready to know the REAL me! Until now, I have tried to predict what others expect of me and live up to that expectation...perfectly. Not any more...
There have been two times in my life when I have felt like I have let down all my ideas of "perfection" and literally lived every moment as fully as possible-without any thought of being perfect or not-just thinking of fully being me. One of those times was during my time in Africa. Each morning I woke up knowing that every one of my senses was going to be challenged/assaulted and I was going to make A LOT Of mistakes...and I felt as alive as I have ever felt. I never felt I had to be perfect (probably because I knew that would be impossible), I just felt like I was using every God given gift I had to its fullest at all times. Part of my reason for wanting to go back overseas to teach is the desire to push myself in this way again.
Those of you who know me also know that I am a gypsy in a true sense-I am not a person who finds it comfortable to settle into small town social groups and patterns of behavior and predictable schedules and a comfortable way of life. I like things to change, be a physical/emotional/intellectual challenge, and make me have to work hard in some way to get through each day.
Thus, I have embarked on this path...to that end, I initially wrote letters of inquiry to 5 schools in Latin America....since then, I have contacted 15 other schools in 15 different countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, and other locations in Latin America. Several schools have already responded to me and experessed interest in interviewing me at a recruiting fair (which are held all over the US and the world in Dec. -Feb.) or via video conference. Later this month, I plan to follow up my initital letter with a note to each school telling them which fairs I will be attending and telling them what exactly interested me about their school (since I spent over 50 hours online researching the schools, cities, countries....narrowing my search to these 20). I have also created a "resume' web page" and my follow up email will direct schools to this page for further information about me.
I am open minded. I know that my initial placement may just be a way to get my foot in the door of overseas teaching and, to that end, I am prepared to entertain offers from schools who are not on my list if they find my resume' online or interview me at a recruiting fair and offer me an attractive salary/benefit package. The process is laborious and difficult due to distance and further complicated by language and cultural barriers. I like that challenge...and look forward to this journey. I hope you will stick with me....learning about me, my journey, and the joy of living our own destiny- imperfectly.
Perhaps you too, will find the courage and freedom to shed the veil of perfection in your own life to reveal the truth of your less than perfect journey and share that with those who are watching you. It is the greatest gift you can give-not to live with the "lie" of being perfect but to live in the reality of making and overcoming mistakes as you attempt to navigate what life throws at you.
Those who know me well, know that I tend to do things to perfection...I was the "perfect kid" building my college application resume through class selection and extra-curricular activities from the time I could first spell college, and a "perfect teen" by doing all the "popular things" like be a cheerleader and be skinny and date the all-American looking quarterback, and a "perfect christian" by being a missionary in an African village, and a "perfect mom" by raising two kids who were literally superstars-even carpooling and cooking for all of their friends at all times of the day and night, and a "perfect friend" by always being upbeat, sweet, nice, and looking at the bright side so as not to be a burden to anyone, and a "perfect hostess" by opening my home to dozens of peace corps volunteers in Africa as well as a steady stream of friends in America, and even the "perfect ex-wife" by not demanding a big settlement and by just moving on with my life quietly,... there you have it...proof of my tendency to be seen as "perfect"....
Well, get ready to know the REAL me! Until now, I have tried to predict what others expect of me and live up to that expectation...perfectly. Not any more...
There have been two times in my life when I have felt like I have let down all my ideas of "perfection" and literally lived every moment as fully as possible-without any thought of being perfect or not-just thinking of fully being me. One of those times was during my time in Africa. Each morning I woke up knowing that every one of my senses was going to be challenged/assaulted and I was going to make A LOT Of mistakes...and I felt as alive as I have ever felt. I never felt I had to be perfect (probably because I knew that would be impossible), I just felt like I was using every God given gift I had to its fullest at all times. Part of my reason for wanting to go back overseas to teach is the desire to push myself in this way again.
Those of you who know me also know that I am a gypsy in a true sense-I am not a person who finds it comfortable to settle into small town social groups and patterns of behavior and predictable schedules and a comfortable way of life. I like things to change, be a physical/emotional/intellectual challenge, and make me have to work hard in some way to get through each day.
Thus, I have embarked on this path...to that end, I initially wrote letters of inquiry to 5 schools in Latin America....since then, I have contacted 15 other schools in 15 different countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, and other locations in Latin America. Several schools have already responded to me and experessed interest in interviewing me at a recruiting fair (which are held all over the US and the world in Dec. -Feb.) or via video conference. Later this month, I plan to follow up my initital letter with a note to each school telling them which fairs I will be attending and telling them what exactly interested me about their school (since I spent over 50 hours online researching the schools, cities, countries....narrowing my search to these 20). I have also created a "resume' web page" and my follow up email will direct schools to this page for further information about me.
I am open minded. I know that my initial placement may just be a way to get my foot in the door of overseas teaching and, to that end, I am prepared to entertain offers from schools who are not on my list if they find my resume' online or interview me at a recruiting fair and offer me an attractive salary/benefit package. The process is laborious and difficult due to distance and further complicated by language and cultural barriers. I like that challenge...and look forward to this journey. I hope you will stick with me....learning about me, my journey, and the joy of living our own destiny- imperfectly.
Perhaps you too, will find the courage and freedom to shed the veil of perfection in your own life to reveal the truth of your less than perfect journey and share that with those who are watching you. It is the greatest gift you can give-not to live with the "lie" of being perfect but to live in the reality of making and overcoming mistakes as you attempt to navigate what life throws at you.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Offers and EXCITEMENT!!
Offers for this school year (starting ASAP...obviously, I can't and won't go but I am flattered!)-American School of Georgia (the country), International School in Kuwait, Private School in Cairo, Egypt (it's quite an amazing school at that-400 staff, 50 countries, 3000 students, and a campus that is like a college!)
Interested in interviewing me as a "strong candidate" for next school year (2 of my top 5 schools have responded so far)-School in Puerta La Cruz, Venezuela (a seaside resort town), and American School in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (a resort town on the Pacific)
Every day it sinks in more and more...I am really on my way....the dream is coming true! How cool is that??
Interested in interviewing me as a "strong candidate" for next school year (2 of my top 5 schools have responded so far)-School in Puerta La Cruz, Venezuela (a seaside resort town), and American School in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (a resort town on the Pacific)
Every day it sinks in more and more...I am really on my way....the dream is coming true! How cool is that??
Thursday, August 21, 2008
once upon a time...
a dream reawakened....
the call of adventure and challenge and change could no longer be ignored...
The quest began...
A few months ago...
I signed up for online services that told me how to navigate the path of employment that would take me across the seas.
After a summer of "talking big", I put a map up on the wall and stuck tacks in all the countries that had schools who came to interviews at major international recruiting conferences in the US last year. During the week that followed the ceremonial map posting, I poured over atlases, state department reports, yahoo travel blogs, and lonely planet descriptions to narrow my initial options down to 10 Latin American countries (although I am open to teaching almost anywhere, I am focusing on Latin America initially). Every day during this process I updated my two single, teacher friends on my quest-Kenni and Amanda-in the hopes of enticing them to join me for some part of the journey. I'd send them pictures of beautiful beaches with captions like "don't you want to be here with me next year instead of just wishing you were with me?" Or I'd send emails like..."consider the possibilities...beaches, mountains, free Spanish lessons, exotic places, and friends to share it with....all on a teacher's salary!" I was quite evil in my tactics, FOR SURE! I held nothing back.
The next weekend I made lists of schools in each of those countries-salary, benefits, expectations, student-teacher ratios, and any other pertinent information that would help me get a "feel" for the schools....and I narrowed my search to 10 schools.
Then I researched the cities each of those schools were in-cost of living, safety, things to do, proximity to mountains/beaches/other recreation outlets, ...all that information gathering meant a virtual trip back to yahoo travel and lonely planet for pictures and first hand reports. I narrowed my list to 5 schools in 5 countries/cities-good schools, safe countries, interesting cities....this adventure sounded better each day.
My excitement pushed me forward-I was consumed with thoughts of the "possibilities". So, I gathered my resume and other documents and wrote cover letters to my top five schools. With a deep breath at the realization of all this might entail....traveling away from friends and the familiar, leaving my kids behind in college, navigating a foreign country in a foreign language all by myself....I emailed the letter and resume to those five schools this past Sunday night!
One of my top five schools has already asked for an interview and another(from the Middle East) who saw my resume posted on an online clearing house for teaching internationally, called today and offered me a job-starting in 4 weeks!! It's all very encouraging...
I am on my way....where the road into the sunset leads is just not clear....yet!
I invite you to share my journey....virtually (and please visit me no matter where this adventure takes me!)
the call of adventure and challenge and change could no longer be ignored...
The quest began...
A few months ago...
I signed up for online services that told me how to navigate the path of employment that would take me across the seas.
After a summer of "talking big", I put a map up on the wall and stuck tacks in all the countries that had schools who came to interviews at major international recruiting conferences in the US last year. During the week that followed the ceremonial map posting, I poured over atlases, state department reports, yahoo travel blogs, and lonely planet descriptions to narrow my initial options down to 10 Latin American countries (although I am open to teaching almost anywhere, I am focusing on Latin America initially). Every day during this process I updated my two single, teacher friends on my quest-Kenni and Amanda-in the hopes of enticing them to join me for some part of the journey. I'd send them pictures of beautiful beaches with captions like "don't you want to be here with me next year instead of just wishing you were with me?" Or I'd send emails like..."consider the possibilities...beaches, mountains, free Spanish lessons, exotic places, and friends to share it with....all on a teacher's salary!" I was quite evil in my tactics, FOR SURE! I held nothing back.
The next weekend I made lists of schools in each of those countries-salary, benefits, expectations, student-teacher ratios, and any other pertinent information that would help me get a "feel" for the schools....and I narrowed my search to 10 schools.
Then I researched the cities each of those schools were in-cost of living, safety, things to do, proximity to mountains/beaches/other recreation outlets, ...all that information gathering meant a virtual trip back to yahoo travel and lonely planet for pictures and first hand reports. I narrowed my list to 5 schools in 5 countries/cities-good schools, safe countries, interesting cities....this adventure sounded better each day.
My excitement pushed me forward-I was consumed with thoughts of the "possibilities". So, I gathered my resume and other documents and wrote cover letters to my top five schools. With a deep breath at the realization of all this might entail....traveling away from friends and the familiar, leaving my kids behind in college, navigating a foreign country in a foreign language all by myself....I emailed the letter and resume to those five schools this past Sunday night!
One of my top five schools has already asked for an interview and another(from the Middle East) who saw my resume posted on an online clearing house for teaching internationally, called today and offered me a job-starting in 4 weeks!! It's all very encouraging...
I am on my way....where the road into the sunset leads is just not clear....yet!
I invite you to share my journey....virtually (and please visit me no matter where this adventure takes me!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)