Monday, August 8, 2011

This is the Story (Part One)

Two.  That's typically the number of years you work full time while going to school at night to complete a Master's program.  Twelve.  That's the number of months some districts like to wait before honoring a teacher with the appropriate pay for their Master's Degree.  Sixteen.  That's the number of dollars some districts think is appropriate to add to a teacher's paycheck once they finally honor the additional degree.  At least this was the case for me.

Making loads of money has never been a mindset of mine (I don't think I would have gone into education if it was my mindset).  I strive and appreciate living simple.  I cut costs in nearly every way I could think of and no matter what I did, I struggled to pay those ugly student loans.

Around January, a little birdy started chirpin' in my ear (thank you Melanie.)  I am still young, I am able, I am willing, and I love to travel.  Why not look into teaching overseas?  Rumor has it that teaching overseas tends to pay well and maybe, just maybe, I could make a dent in my student loans.

I don't think Melanie ever thought I would run with the idea full speed ahead.  I joined an organization that placed teachers all over the world.  My first interviews were with countries in the Middle East.  One in Qatar and one in Bahrain.  Shortly after the interviews, countries throughout the Middle East started breaking out into civil wars (shocker).  The organization I was looking into, as well as family and friends, decided that I shouldn't go to the Middle East.  

So, I looked elsewhere...     


1 comment:

  1. Stephanie, I totally admire you. Good luck! I look forward to reading your stories throughout your experience overseas. You'll do great!

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