Settling in and a new blog!


Well we've been in Indiana for a  whole week and I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel of boxes! Things are getting put into place, all except my classroom stuff :(

I have a job here - teaching special education K-12 again, and you'd think I would just be satisfied that I was able to land a job right now!!!

Buuuut (it seems there's always a but in all good things for me) it's 40 miles from our new home - about an hour drive each way and I'm not feeling real good about that come winter.

What do you think, is that a long drive to you? I know some people drive a long ways to get to their jobs and I feel like I'm being a little greedy here looking for another position.

The other part of this dilemma is I really want to teach elementary only. K-12 is a huge stretch and takes so much work! I've been applying for several jobs closer to home and at the grade level I would like but I just want to be settled, and get started on getting ready for a new year. I hope I don't sound totally horrible...I am appreciative of being able to get a job, but I don't feel great about it.

On a much better note, I'm joining fellow bloggers on a brand new blog created by Tanja aka Ms. T from Journey of a Substitute Teacher. It's dedicated to all the wonderful pins we've been finding on Pinterest....


Endless Pinabilities!

head on over to check out what I've got in the plans for this summer...see ya there!
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20 comments

  1. I teach in the county that I live in, but it is about a 25 minute drive to my school from my house. Luckily, any time we have bad weather school is cancelled, so I never have to drive in it. Good luck with your choice!


    Meagan
    oodlesofteachingfun

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  2. I'm spoiled because my farthest sub job is about 20 miles, so about 15 minutes to drive there.

    A lot of teachers in the school district drive from a city about 45 minutes away. It can be done, but I see the toll it takes on them.

    And yay for EP. So glad you are a part of it!

    Journey of a Substitute Teacher
    Endless Pinabilities!

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  3. Welcome to Indiana :). I'm an Indiana teacher too...where did you move to? I completely understand about wanting to be closer to your home. I only have a 20 minute commute but it still FREAKS me out to drive to my school in bad weather. Certain districts in Indiana do not always jump on the chance to cancel school. I would say to just kinda feel out the other opportunities out there and see what the schools are like...they might not be a good fight for you...just have to see and if you are close to me...I might even be able to give you some advice on the different districts!

    Growing Up Teaching

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    1. Thanks Kim! We love it so far!! We are in the Elkhart/Goshen area so we're pretty far north, I am not expecting winters to be much different than we had in Michigan. I know the district I have a job in does not like to close because they have to make up all the days they take off, In MI we only have to make up if we are off more then 5 days. Thanks for commenting!
      Amy

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  4. I also drive 45 minutes each way to work. I would like to get a job that is closer to me but its not so easy in this county so I am getting ready to do my 3rd and hopefully last year with the commute! It is possible but it does take a toll on you although I guess having a job is better than not! Good luck! :)

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  5. I live only 7 miles from where I teach, but it can takes as much as 30 sometimes 45 minutes to get to work or return home. So, I pray that you find something closer especially if you have children at home!

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  6. I don't blame you for looking for another position. You have to do what is best for yourself and Indiana weather (that is where we are) is very fickle...you could go to work and by the end of the day have 1 inch of ice to get home on.

    I will definitely be checking out the Pinterest blog. Our blog Pinterest account has become addictive. I have tons of projects pinnned. I just said today to some fellow teachers that my "Pinterest Classroom" looks awesome...now just to do it in my real classroom. I have 4 projects (toolbox supply holder, painted chairs, bucket & crate seats) in the works right now!

    Wow, that was a long comment! Sorry!

    Stephany
    primarypossibilities.blogspot.com

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  7. I have moved this summer to a new town, about 1 1/2 from where I used to live, I am looking for a new job so that I do not have to drive that everyday (3 hours round-trip). I was lucky this past year that I lived only 10 minutes from where I work, and am praying that I can find a job close to my new home too.

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  8. I would look for other jobs! If there is another opportunity, take it! You wouldn't want to get stuck in a district if it is soooo far!!!
    I drive about 10-15 minutes and that is far enough for me but if there is no other choice, what are you gonna do??? ;)
    Good luck with your decision!!!
    ❤ Sandra
    Sweet Times in First
    sweettimesinfirst@gmail.com

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  9. I drive about 45 minutes each way. I gathered a few friends and we carpool! It makes the ride go by much faster and I only drive 1-2x a week. It's great. We also have NO jobs available near where I live (they are actually closing schools). A long ride is a sacrifice I need to make for a job! Good luck with your decision!

    Sara :)
    Smiling In Second Grade

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  10. Sorry about the long commute. I only have about a 5-10 min. drive to school. After I was hired, my husband and I searched for homes in the district. We were lucky to have that option.
    Good luck!
    P.S. Thank you for checking out my blog!
    Amy
    Where Seconds Count 2nd grade blog

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  11. Amy,
    Thanks for following my blog! I'm now your newest follower. I read that you recently moved to Indiana. I live in eastern Indiana! Small world!
    Aimee
    www.pencilsbooksanddirtylooks.com

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  12. I worked for 2 years in a district that was 45+ minutes from where I lived. I agree with everyone who says you're doing an 'ok' thing looking for something closer. It was such a hard way to start the day...especially if my morning got started late!

    I hope you are able to find something that is closer to where you are now!! Good luck :)

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  13. Just curious, I too teach in Indiana (Fort Wayne to be exact) where are you located? If you are close to Fort Wayne you might want to look into postings here! Sometimes postings become available after the school year has started and they realize that they need more teachers. That is how I got my job - 2 weeks into the school year. We start August 20th. Wishing you the best of luck. Welcome to Indiana (last winter was very mild!)

    Mrs.Egley’sKindergarten

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  14. We live in the Goshen/Elkhart area, so were are still pretty far from Fort Wayne, I am keeping my eyes open here though, there have been quite a few openings, just waiting to actually get an interview for one!

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  15. There is nothing wrong with looking and applying especially if you also think you'd be happier doing K-5. I wouldn't want to make a commute like that to work either, especially in the winter months. Don't feel guilty. Sometimes we gotta do what we gotta do. If you do find a position closer to home it will ultimately free your current spot for someone else who is looking too.

    ❤ - Stephanie
    Falling Into First

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  16. Found you from endless pinabilities. I'm blogging there too.. isn't it going to be a blast?! So excited!

    My first year teaching I drove 1 1/2 hours to get to school, and home. It was a 40+ mile drive, but in Phoenix traffic (which starts around 6am and causes you to move at 5-10mph.. ugh). I definitely understand you're feelings on long drives. Lucky for me it doesn't snow here, so that would be worrisome. Despite the long drive, I didn't HATE it. For me it was a great to wind down from school and pump up the jams in my car and dance party! Don't get me wrong, there were days that I absolutely HATED it, but for the most part I got used to it. But I also LOVED going to work every day. It's definitely going to make it tough if you're driving far for a job that you aren't 100% excited about. I don't think there is anything wrong with looking for something closer and knowing that is a priority. And what was said above, I feel like things happen for a reason. If you stay, than I believe you were meant to be there this year. If not, then it was in the cards for someone else to land the job.

    I wish you luck :)

    Amanda
    Reaching for the TOP!

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  17. Thanks Amanda, I really appreciate your comment :)

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  18. I think it all depends on how much you like your position and how much you like to drive. I'm in Phoenix and live about 30-45 mins away from work depending on traffic. I love my position but hate to drive. Even though it's sometimes only 30 mins, I still dread that drive. And when I'm running late, it is stressful. I don't think there is anything wrong with you looking for a position that is going to give you more time to plan or to relax at home and also is going to give you more enjoyment. Good luck on your search:)
    Mrs. Sheehan
    Learninginwonderland.com

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  19. Ok many a thing, one I just found your blog and you may be my new inspiration. I am in a super similar situation, I am moving to the mountains of northern Arizona, with pretty much the exact same commute to work that you are looking at. But even bigger then that, I just got a 3-8 resource job, I taught 3-6 last year and thought that was rough. How on earth do you handle such a large range? Im nervous beyond belief!!

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