A New Opportunity

Anyone who knows me well knows I love my job. I haven't always though. Teaching is a very challenging job; one that is not a good combination with my personality. I give everything I do 110% and always get the job done. The problem is, that teaching is NEVER done. Therefore, over the past 5 years I have turned into a work-a-holic. Michael has been so supportive and has helped to calm me down a bit, but he has spent many a night at my classroom with me until 10 or 11 at night. There was a time I was going to leave teaching and look for something else. I was getting worn down from all of the hard work, emotional stress and long hours. I had a passion for it, but it was killing me. That's when my principal in Murray approached me two years ago and asked if I would be interested in teaching the Spanish Dual Immersion program our school was about to start up. I thought how this would be an amazing opportunity to use and improve my Spanish as well as utilize my master's degree in Second Langauge Teaching. I decided to give teaching one more try. And I'm so glad I did.

The past two years have been amazing. I have LOVED my career. There were still days that were hard, and there were probably even more late nights and long days than before. But I had found exactly where my passion lied. It was in a combination of the language and culture I loved AND education. I also excelled at this job. I have had well over 60 people come to observe my class in the past two years, including teachers, principals, district officials, national Dual Immersion specialists/trainers, newspapers, and t.v. stations. This really built my confidence and made me feel like the extra hours and hard work were worth it if I was doing a good job for my kids and others. On the other hand, over the past two years, Michael and I had been hoping for a family. It had often crossed my mind how I could manage a career and being a mother, while Michael finished school. I could neither give my career nor my family 110% and that would be a struggle for me. Mike and I just said we'd figure it out when we get there. And at least I'd have summers to spend with my baby. But the answer to my question of how I'd manage a family and a career really came to me in January.

I was approached by the state Dual Immersion Spanish Coordinator in January and was told the State Office of Education was interested in hiring me on as a Dual Immersion Specialist to help the Spanish teachers. She told me to take the next few weeks or couple of months to think about it while they worked out the funding and the details. At first, I felt honored and excited. I could not even believe it. It was like a dream come true. But then reality set it. I was not ready to leave my classroom. How could I leave a job I LOVE for the possibility of liking another career? The timing just didn't seem right. I talked to my principal and several of my close friends and family members. They reminded me that I could always return to the classroom and that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I still wasn't sold. I went to the temple with Mike where we prayed. Miraculously, we received a very solid answer...both of us. I was to take the job. I couldn't argue with that, but I could be sad about it. I moved forward to accept the position, truly hoping it was the best thing. It was weeks later that I found out I was pregnant. I was nervous to confront my new boss and tell her the news. But she, also being a spiritual person, told me that she already knew :) She told me she hoped that wouldn't influence my decision to join her team, and she informed me of the flexible hours and options for my maternity leave and being with my baby. I couldn't believe it. It was a huge answer to my prayers. I was actually going to be able to work and be a good mommy. And there wouldn't be many opportunities for late hours or long days. I could come home at 4 and be a mom. I could work from home, as I desired or needed. I could take more time to be with my baby. Perfect.

So now, starting in August, I will be working for the State Office of Education full time as a Spanish Dual Immersion Specialist. I will be coaching and training teachers, and developing curriculum. Two things I love to do. I am very excited for this opportunity, and I've gotten a taste of what it will be like as I've worked on some projects on the side over the past 6 months. I'll continue some small projects over the summer until I begin full time. This includes a business trip to Sacramento!!!

I will miss the kids and the classroom, but this is what is best for my family. As my family and friends have told me, I've been dedicated to other people's kids for many years, and now it's time to dedicate myself and my time to my own. <3