The Decision

When I was working on my Specialist degree, I realized I was ready for a change.  Don’t get me wrong – I loved my job and enjoyed seeing the fruits of my labor but I knew there was more out there for me to explore. I have been going to school all my life – started to Montessori school at 3 years old; elementary, middle and high school (12 yrs); Bachelor’s degree (4 yrs), Master degree (2 yrs), Specialist degree (3 yrs).

While I never considered myself “adventuresome” or “ready for a new environment”, I was intrigued by the possibility of teaching overseas.  I heard that a former colleague, Mrs. Jones, was teaching in the United Arab Emirates and loving it.  I started reading and researching and decided to go for it. I remember working on my Bachelor's degree and a professor telling us if we ever had the opportunity to work and travel to take the opportunity and not let it pass. So, with those words in my head, I knew it was time to take the leap and apply.

So, on a Sunday night, I logged onto www.teachaway.com and submitted my letter of interest and an online application. By Monday afternoon, I had an email from Tammy at Teach Away requesting that I complete the more in-depth application online. So, Monday night I completed that and very excited that this adventure may some day come true. By Tuesday afternoon, I heard from Tammy that Teach Away was very interested in completing a phone interview with me. So that was scheduled for the following Monday. So within a week I will have completed all online information and a phone interview. The interview went smooth. Tammy was easy to talk to and asked many questions about my classroom management and integrating curriculum in reading, math and science. It was at the end of that interview that she told me I had passed the phone interview and she would be recommending me to ADEC (Abu Dhabi Education Council) for an in-person interveiw. I was so excited!!!!!! So the next day, I recieved another email from Tammy explaining that I was being considered for a position starting in January. I informed Tammy that this would not be an option for me since I was in a contract with Clayton County until the end of the school year. She completely understood and explained that the in-person interviews for an August start date would be held after the first of the year. So here is when the waiting began.

I have learned to be patient during this entire process. While I know God has always tried to teach me patience, this is where I truly learn PATIENCE!!!