Find Chick!

Sunday was the day of the job fair. I arrived promptly downstairs at 9:00 and was the fourth applicant to walk through the door. I dressed smartly, but didn't want to look high maintenance. I looked comfortable and pleasant. 

I visited Southwest first and introduced myself to the gentlemen by the poster board. One had previously interviewed me on the telephone. They called the Principal in Alaska in order for me to talk to him. 

Next it was time to talk to Bering Strait. They were very honest and up front about everything. They declined me, but accepted my application for the future. They pointed me into the direction of other districts. 

Annette Island set up an interview with me and gave me some great swag. 

Fairbanks and Denali had nothing for me, but they still got my resume, handshake and smile. 

Two districts were no shows to the job fair. I checked ATP website and there were no science openings with them. 

My favorite district to talk to was St. Mary's. Its a small district with huge hearts. They love education and want their children to be educated. I spoke with one representative after the fair about his life and all things Alaska. He gave us insight on how to connect with communities and fit in. 

Lower Kuskokwim interviewed me just in case there was a future opening. 

And here's were things got real....

Lower Yukon, Northwest Arctic and North Slope were interested in me. All three districts are located beside each other in northern Alaska and all three tables were beside each other at the fair. All three sought me out and spoke to me about opportunities. 

North Slope made the first move by handing me a Letter of Intent at 1 pm. They were serious about hiring me after my interview. I had a great time being interviewed by the Principal of Barrow. She was easy to talk to about my teaching style and method. 

I stayed at the fair until it was almost finished. I left in a quandary. I no longer wanted to work for Southwest. I was interested in three school districts that were at the bottom of my top 10 list. What was a girl to do? 

I sat in the atrium in the middle of the hotel with all my packets, swag and notes. In the middle of that mess, I met Chick. A really helpful retired teacher that worked for ATP. We spoke about comparing my needs with the various districts. 

Monday was going to be a long ride home and tonight's reception was going to be interesting. I had to think through lots of information. 



** reprinted from my journal.