the power of the cohort
i went to a grant training in houston at the end of this past week for this new job that i have. since the grant focuses on adult education, specifically low-income, immigrant adults, one major issue is retention. we had a whole session on the power of the cohort. and you know what the conclusion was?
people who have people who care about them do better in life.
yeah. that simple.
of course there were lots of examples of how the students in an EL/Civics class carpooled, traded off babysitting, worked together on projects that ultimately helped other classmates, etc. but it all comes down to people who care about each other.
if a cohort of EL/Civics students can help each other learn English and become productive members of society - with the help of their teacher, of course - just imagine what the power of the church could if we would love each other like Christ loved us - with His help, of course.
south congress and how can you NOT love this town?
since i was leaving work today right in the thick of rush hour, i decided to bypass sitting in my car and wait it out while shopping downtown. this took me down south congress, starting at ben white all the way up to some numbered street. as i drove that stretch i remembered why i, and many others, love austin simply for austin. if it didn't take so long, i'd drive home that way every day. i wish i had a picture to post but, alas, i was driving rather than using superfluous electronic devices.
and after i got home i was catching up on reading some of my friends' blogs. and let me tell ya, i've got some great friends. i read some deep insight, got some laughs, and even saw great pictures of fun and progress happening thousands of miles away. i really hate to brag, but really, my friends are the coolest.
American YouthWorks
i begin a new job at American YouthWorks at 8:15 tomorrow morning. i now get to experience rush hour traffic in austin - get excited.
there are several exciting things about this position:
- a salary
- set hours, with no weekends (as opposed to working retail)
- more teaching experience
- program development
- not a full teaching day
- first hand contact with the hispanic population in austin
job interview
i had a job interview today at
American YouthWorks. it went surprisingly well. the principal actually said, "Well, it looks like you're a perfect match."
she did interview another lady who she really liked as well, so she's going to make the decision as she waits on the criminal background checks to go through.
but what i have in my favor is that i'm certified in the state of texas. this isn't a requirement for charter schools (which AYM is), but it is for the grant they just received for the ESL department. certification can be gained while working, but it's definitely better if it's not an issue. another thing in my favor - i've actually taught ESL in a charter school before, so i know the routine with all the paper work. all of the other applicants have a background in only adult education, and therefore would need to be trained in such paper pushing (because really, it's harder than you think).
this sounds like a great job for me. everything the principal told me about the school sounds just like what i want to do. it even lacks everything i despise about the public school system.
i appreciate all prayers as this decision is being made.
in less than 24 hours
i have enjoyed the following USA luxuries:
- an american airlines employee reminding everyone that crowding the entry gate does NOT speed up the boarding process
- the same american airlines employee inform standby passengers that their need to get home is no more urgent than any other standby passenger's need to get home (thankfully, despite 2 delayed flights, i was NOT one of these standby passengers).
- flushing toilet paper
- a warm shower
- drinking tap water
- chill bumps
- still reading signs in spanish - and now knowing what they say
- getting a job interview - for a real teaching job, no less!
- buying a new car (thanks to a generous brother who bought my old one and my "banker" dad helping the finances stretch a little farther [i.e. i don't have to pay interest])
- texas weather changing from blazing sun to pouring rain in a matter of minutes
so yes, i did make it back to texas safely - and in all 6 pieces (me + luggage + carry on items)
