This semester, just after starting classes, my husband found out he was being hired for a position out of state. While moving mid-semester was no surprise, there was one shocker… it was a completely different state than I had planned for! My subject matter tests and alternative teaching plans I had planned to pursue in Georgia were tossed out of the window. SURPRISE! You are moving to South Dakota!
I could have used a rule book for sure to help me figure out my options so I’ve decided to share some helpful tips should you find yourself in this situation:
- Know before you go
Investigate the area and the school district before you go. I checked out demographics on the county so I knew that I would still be working with some at risk youth, but my chances for ESL students decreased dramatically. - Be prepared for changes
Life is full of changes, that’s why clichés like “Best laid plans” exist. You will be less stressed if you expect that it will happen and be prepared to roll with it. When I arrived, the school I hoped to be working at for my case study had NO CURRENT ESL students. - Ask questions
Ask a lot of questions. Don’t feel bad about it, that’s why student services are there. If you don’t agree with a decision or understand something you are told, speak up! This is, after all, your DEGREE! - You are your best advocate
Don’t ignore a gut feeling. If you really feel you have to switch classes or drop one, do it. I know the frustration of feeling it “puts you behind” or “you will never graduate” but failing the classes or becoming so behind you simply quit doesn’t help.
Move forward, utilize your resources and fight on!
