The New Job - An Introduction

The last eight weeks I have been working at a local high school in my area. Its not a full time gig, but a 20% teaching position as a graphic arts teacher and a 40% lab monitor position. I accepted this position because I wanted to get working in the area using my newly earned degree, and be in the school for longer than 50 minutes so that I may be building relationships with students and promoting my class for the following year.

This is for this semester only. I wish it were possible for the school to extend my contract for the following semester. I've met some really great seniors who I won't be able to have because they are graduating and my course won't be offered in the spring semester.

The class I am teaching is an introduction to graphic design. It is technically called "Graphic Communication Technology" and it is in the business department, not the art department. The advantage to being in the business department is that the department gets money from the state of Illinois for each student that is enrolled in the class. The disadvantage has been I had to apply for a second certification in Industrial Arts. It cause me $50 to apply for this certification. This has the potential to turn into something really good, as individuals certified in Industrial Arts have been on a downhill slope. If I look for positions in departments that seek this certification, compared to the fine arts department, I will always be able to find a job.

The head of my department, Diane, has spoken with me about next year. While it is still tentitive until the students register for the 2010-2011 school year, I should be able to teach more course and hopefully be full-time. I may be able to be have within the business department and take any overflow from the art department.