#lifeofaneducator

[lifeofaneducator]

Trying to get into the counseling field is hard.

I graduated a year ago from my master's program in School Counseling. I am licensed to work in schools and to help students whether it be with schedules, making friends, mental health, or just being a friend. I have applied for a counseling position 17 times, and was denied 16 out of the 17. The 17th application I find out about on Monday.

When you go to school for 6 years and she'd tears over homework, frustration over independent class work, and pride over the accomplishments, getting denied/rejected just feels worse than the F I got on a test in college. Out of my 17 applications, 2 of them were to my dream job and I got rejected both times--I was told I would be in "high consideration".

Now that I have been rejected so many times, my hope and belief in myself is steadily decreasing and I always question, "Why should I put in so much effort if I'm going to get declined?" Even thinking about my interview Monday has me on the verge of tears.

"You need to be more confident." "It was just your dream job." "Keep your head up." This isn't just a dream job, this is a dream profession that I want to be successful in. I want to get my doctorate and teach these counseling skills at the baccalaureate level. Getting the position means more to me than life itself. I know people are trying to help me stay positive, but how can I be when it's always, "Unfortunately we went with another candidate."

If I could change one thing about the field, it would be for administration to give people a chance. "Your portfolio is beautiful." Then let me show you my skills and my beautiful personality. I may only be 25, but I'm hardworking, passionate, empathetic, and all I want to do is help people. I just want to be given a chance.

~Author

[lifeofaneducator]

So I haven't updated since the beginning of the school year🫢 whoops. I'm so sorry! I hope your school year has been a good one so far. I wanted to come here and say that the best part about being an educator is not the impact we make on the kids, but the impact they make on us. The fact they still think about the lessons we taught them, the laughs we shared with them, and the hope we have for them. The amount of times former students have either reached out to me or I physically saw them and the things they said about how they use what they learned. Like YOU did the listening. You changed my life for the better for putting the skills taught into action.

One of my former students wants to be a lawyer and I get to see her tomorrow. I want to see her before she leaves and be like, "Girl you got this. College is going to be hard, but you have been fighting for what's right since I've known you and you were meant for this career." If there is anyone who deserves to be a Supreme Court Justice someday, it is her. She is still chasing her goals and caring for her mental health--she literally told me this and I couldn't be happier.

Today was a blessing in disguise. I have faith. Today was one of those days where it showed I was MEANT to be in this field.

~Author

[lifeofaneducator]

I apologize for lack of content. I should be getting more teacher feedback soon with school starting back up! Please enjoy whatever summer you have left❤️

~Author

[lifeofaneducator]

To all of my students and the future generation of students to come,

Stand up for women's rights as the Supreme Court just made a decision over what a woman can do with her uterus. Just like men, women have the choice of what they can do with their bodies and what medical procedures they want/need.

Pay attention in your history classes that discuss Roe vs. Wade and how that impacted society and how overturning it is ruining possibilities. Learn more about the female body and how pregnancy is traumatic on the body. Learn about how abortions are helpful, and ask why the government wants to make decisions over body parts and medical procedures.

I pray for my current and future students and hope Roe vs. Wade even though it's overturned, will somehow protect them and their rights. I pray that my current and future students learn more and are able to stand up for what they think is right no matter how they identify. I pray for the next generation to be leaders and create a change for this country. I pray that I, as a woman, will have others alongside me when it comes to protecting my rights.

~Author

[lifeofaneducator]

As the end of the school year is nearing, I'm hoping that my students take what they learned this year and transform it into something better next year. As an educator, I hope the students learn more about their mental health and use the skills that were taught to help them mentally.

As summer approaches, make sure to take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself is brushing your teeth, telling yourself you're beautiful, being with friends/family, being alone and resting, or being outside. Taking care of yourself includes boosting your confidence! Kiss that person you like in the rain, approach a stranger and say hello, grab a meal for the homeless, or volunteer for a charity.

Please take care of yourself this summer. If you're an educator, do the same. Get recharged for the next school year when the time is right. Love yourself because you're doing the best you can do.

You're strong. You're brave. You're beautiful.

~Author

[lifeofaneducator]

Inspiration and Change #1

What inspired you to work in education? I had a traumatic experience in high school and wanted to help kids going through similar experiences. I work at a recovery high school and alc (area learning center), so it’s been really healing.

What change would you like to see in your educational career? I think a change I would like to see is universal maternity leave and pay raises. My district offers no maternity leave so when I have my baby in September I have to use all my sick time and it won’t be enough to cover 12 weeks… so I have to go back to work pretty early for being a new mom which is very disappointing. The most disappointing thing about having no maternity leave at my district is that even if I were to take unpaid time off to cover the rest of my time off, I would then have to pay my insurance and sub each day I’m gone, totaling over $500 a day. So our lack of maternity leave or support is really a mess. I wish the gov could step up and just enforce it for every school district in America but I know that’s probably wishful thinking.

~High School teacher, Minnesota

[lifeofaneducator]

Welcome to Life of an Educator!

Hello world! Welcome to Life of an Educator. This blog is meant for educators to anonymously tell their stories about what inspired them to become an educator, what an average day of life may look like as an educator, and the secrets that may revolve around education. Stay tuned for stories!

Also, this blog is BIG on mental health awareness, so stay tuned for self-care tips and activities you may do at home.

~Author.

[iamsoclaude]

Teachers, are y’all okay??? Parents, how is it going??? #LifeOfAnEducator #HomeFrom #TheCoronaVirusPandemic (at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort) https://www.instagram.com/p/B92oic-F-Ao/?igshid=1295piqiyppox