Back to School

 As I embark down the magical road of being 31, a less than glorified age, I have had time to reflect on the wild journey I have been on the past few years.  In a nutshell:

-I graduated college in 2011 with a degree in English Education

-Started my teaching career in 2011 in a small school district in Iowa

-Married my wife in 2012

-Had our first child in 2013

-Left the classroom and became a Technology Integration Coordinator for a neighboring school district in 2014

-Left education all together in 2015 to pursue a career in retail

-Had our second child in 2015

-Ran my own business from 2016-2018

-Moved to Marion, IA and began a career as a Project Manager for my father's landscaping business in 2018

-Bought a house in 2019

-Started moonlighting at a small restaurant/bar in 2019

-Began the journey to pursue education, again in 2020

Yes, it has been a busy life, but I couldn't be happier.  I have a happy and healthy family.  We are better off financially than we ever have been.  And despite the fact that 2020 seems to be bumming everyone out, I am extremely optimistic about what the future holds for me and my family.

Over the early Spring months on 2020 I decided I wanted to get back into teaching.  My teaching license was expired and the outlook looked grim as I started applying for teaching positions, and not a single district would get back to me.  I pushed on and took classes to update my teaching license, and finally a call to interview.  I was ecstatic, until I bombed the interview and didn't get the position.  Weeks rolled on and as the school year was approaching I had pretty much thrown in the towel for this school year and decided to try again for the following school year.  Well, God has a way of working with hopes and dreams.  

On August 20th I received a phone call about a teaching position (long term sub to be specific), at a school district close by.  I was excited, but reluctant, as this only gave me 10 days to prepare for the start of the school year.  I wasn't for sure on whether the position was mine until August 24th (a week before the first day of school).  I was told to report to the school the Thursday and Friday before the start of school just to observe and get to know people.  Alas, the school year has started and I am possibly the most confused and overwhelmed individual in the building, students included.  I am having a great time, and I couldn't be happier with the opportunity.  The following blog will detail out my observations, challenges, and successes as the school progresses.  Thank you for tuning in.