Why America Doesn't Have Good Teachers

So, I left teaching in the public sector. Mind you, I graduated Cum Laude in English and have an IQ that is the the really smart category. Anyhoo,I decided to float a resume to a couple of private schools. This particular exhange came from an email after a phone interview. In this phone interview, I found out that the job was a metacognition class with a side of some quasi-administrative duties. Basically, a total waste of time and money for students, instructors, parents, and the world at large. Somehow, I failed to qualify for a job that is dedicated to thinking about thinking. It begs the question: who got the job? A pot-smoker from Cali? A yogi from an ashram in India? I should have known it was too good to be true. About as much chance get hired for teaching a metacognition class as there is becoming the head taster for Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. By the by--the tuition for this school is over the $16,000 a year mark...World's crazy, man!



See email below...name has been changed to not embarrass anyone.



Dear Dr. So and So,

I, too, regret that you have moved on with a different choice. It was
truly a dream job that I would have loved. Other than a job in a think
tank (an even dreamier job), the TOK position would have been a
philosophical feast for the mind. The idea of teaching a class about
metacognition...why, that's just crazy talk. I am bummed that I didn't
have a better idea of what the position was going into the interview
because I know I am perfect for that gig. (I was already mentally
pulling all my hippie clothes from the closet for work attire.) I also
wish our interview had been face to face as I would have been able to
make you laugh. That's howI have always gotten my other positions. If
I could, then I would call "do over" like when you are kids and you
screwed up in a Monopoly marathon.


You better tell whoever gets the job that they better thank their lucky
stars because I would have done that job for half the price...I mean,
you're only teaching half the time. Crazy talk...who gets paid like
that for having that much fun?


Have a great day and give me a call if you need someone to sub for your
metacognition class! I promise to never make fun of Keanu Reeves
again...that Matrix stuff...it's deep, man!


Best of Luck!
Jen B

-

-


---Original Message-----
From: Dr. So and So
To: jenb
Sent: Wed, Jul 11, 2012 3:41 pm
Subject: WPS TOK Postion


Jennifer -


Thank you for taking the time to participate in an interview for the
open teaching position for TOK. The time that you invested in a formal
interview and your interest in our school are appreciated.  I enjoyed
the conversation and I am hopeful that you enjoyed it as well. I regret
to inform you that we have decided not to move forward with your
candidacy for this position.  We are fortunate to have been in contact
with a number of well qualified applicants during our search and have
decided to proceed with other individuals as candidates for the
position that we discussed.  


Best wishes in your search for a teaching position.


Respectfully,



Dr. So and So


Exchange with the HR chick:

Dear So and So HR lady,

Unfortunately, I did not make the final cut. I feel good about it,
though. I mean, to get someone better than me or funnier than me, you
guys must have hooked into a mix between the Dalai Lama and Chelsea
Handler. It can happen, right? But seriously, thank you for your
time. You are so bright and enthusiastic...a great gatekeeper for the
school! Don't worry about me...however, if you see someone on the side
of the road with a sign that reads, "Will diagram sentences for
food!"--that would be me--all of the food, of course, would be donated
to my local food bank!

Have a great weekend!
Jen
To: jenbold Dear Ms. So and So HR chick
>
>I thought I would touch base with you and see where Dr. So and So is in his
>selection process. I am truly interested in the Theory of Knowledge
>position, and I know I bring a wealth of philosophical background to
>the table.
>
>I hope to hear from you soon!
>
>Have a great day!
>Jen B
>
>-----Original Message-----

>
>Hello, Jennifer!
>
>
>It was such a pleasure speaking with you today! Thank you, again, for
>your resume submission. As I mentioned, I love your approach of being
>"selective" in choosing your school of employment. I do think our
>campus will impress.
>
>
>As discussed, attached are our preliminary sets of paperwork. Please
>print and complete at your convenience. You can either scan/email back
>to my attention, or should Dr. So and So schedule an onsite visit with you,
>you can simply bring them with you.
>

>
>
>I have you scheduled for Wednesday, June 27, 10am ­ phone interview
>with Dr. So and So, Director of the Upper School. Please advise the
>best number he can call you?
>
>
>Again, it was great meeting you! Any questions, don't hesitate to
ask.
>
>
>Regards,
>
>
>So and So HR chick
>
>