Working at Eliada

My director, the teachers in the on site Academy, the chance to work with families and students in need of support services in finding the appropriate next steps, identifying and building on students strengths while enlightening them that whatever is underdeveloped academically now doesn't have to remain that way, and the opportunity to bring what I am good at to those who need someone like me who understands mental health issues, alternative education settings, therapeutic schools, long-lasting psychological impact of living with Adoptive parents, why Foster care is sometimes the best choice to remove children from otherwise toxic family dysfunction, and the chance to let students who need a whole lotta love know that there are caring, compassionate adults who care about their academic shortcomings yet see the whole child as fully capable of overcoming barriers, obstacles, and interferences with learning to learn.

My role requires me to work individually and in small groups (wich I do like) with students on a rolling enrollment basis, and the 30-45 days I have scarcely seems long enough to both build trust, rapport, and a safe place where students who may be unfamiliar with academic success can, in fact, develop analytical skills in reading and writing that they can take to their next school or placement. Triage is valuable. TIme to see the impact of that triage in just 6 weeks is often daunting. But I learn with them, so they see how learning never stops. Salary federally funded, thus, my position is grossly underpaid in terms of what I'd earn as a CIty Schools teacher, or a County/District teacher with my years of service, Master's degree, and units of PD beyond.

Office with a fantastic view, a well stocked library of both professional develoment books and Y.A fiction, freesdom of choice in how to develop underdeveloped reading/writing skills, and a small practice driving range, wo I won't lose my swing over the winter months. Even 15 or 20 minutes of practice is both good for my short game,a nd good for my soul, and a wonderful stress reliever.