He has passion, pencils, but no job

By Mike Vigilant

As The Atlanta Journal-Constitution continues reporting on the drastic and unfortunate changes affecting almost every school system in Georgia, I hope the news stories might include perspective from recent college graduates like myself.

I graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2007. At the time, I was filled with hope, happy to have concluded the journey that involved several major changes and several extra years deciding what I wanted to do with my life.

I couldn’t wait to get into teaching and start sharing my passions and skills with students. My wake-up was gradual. At first, I expected principals to line up with job offers, and I dreamed about trying to decide which district to choose.

I filled out online applications for those systems that used them and expected to be called any day.

As I heard stories about some of my fellow graduates struggling to find teaching positions, I starting making e-mail and phone inquiries to districts.

This process slowly opened my eyes to the soul-crushing and spirit-draining process involved in navigating your way through school bureaucracy to a teaching position.

I’ve spent the whole time since looking for jobs. In one metro district, I have submitted almost 70 electronic applications without a single phone call or returned message.

I have been to many job fairs, waiting in line for hours, only to shake a human resource person’s hand and be told they’re not sure they are even hiring.

I’ve had exactly one interview, which ended in my being recommended for hiring, but overruled by the principal for someone with coaching experience.

I’m still out there trying, and I keep telling myself that one day this, too, shall pass, and I will begin teaching somewhere.

In the meantime, I keep myself busy adding new fields to my certificate: It’s now up to about a dozen, including high school social studies and biology, middle social studies and science and several special education areas.

I’m also investigating a master’s or other advanced degree, but since I’m sitting on tens of thousands of dollars in student loans, waiting impatiently to be paid off, that’s a tough sell for me right now.

There’s a reason I’m writing about this now. I read the AJC Get Schooled blog and see the many frustrated comments of so many dedicated teachers out there who spend their days helping others.

I know that the environment is unpleasant, and there are a lot of things going on that nobody wishes were happening.

But I have to say this: I’d put up with it. I would gladly accept five, 10, 15 furlough days a year.

In fact, I’d even come in on them and work for free. Heck, I’d even teach on a furlough day. Extended hours? Sure.

Year-round? Why not. Bigger class sizes? I’d do it. Testing? I’ve got pencils.

I have heard many impositions are being forced onto teachers, and I can’t think of one I wouldn’t live with in exchange for an opportunity to have my own classroom.

I’d keep a second job if necessary. Yes, it wouldn’t be ideal, but I’d do it.

I know I’m not alone, and that there are many recently minted teachers out there in the same position.

I hope you will keep us struggling future teachers in mind as you cover the job issues surrounding education in the metro Atlanta area. Here’s to hoping the situation is resolved quickly for both new teachers and veterans alike.

Mike Vigilant has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Georgia.