Mike Vigilant

I saw this article from Consumer Reports today talking about the dwindling use of personal checks and how financial systems are trying to phase them out.  Don’t worry, we’ve still got at least 15 years of check-writing ahead of us, but I thought this could be a useful article for Personal Finance people out there.  I remember in my economics class in high school having to fill out fake checks and keep a register; maybe now we should create some fake debit cards and do the same thing?  Actually, that’s not a bad idea.  Maybe I’ll look into that!

I just wanted to share a great program I listened to today that I think anyone reading this might enjoy.  It’s from a radio series called “Speaking of Faith” which deals with a spectrum of issues, from religion to ethics and, in this case, education.  Last week’s episode:  “The Meaning of Intelligence” was a superb discussion about some of the ways we think about education and working, and I think it’s definitely worth listening to.  Overall, this is a great series and I enjoy updating my iTunes every week to download a new episode–it is definitely worth subscribing to.  You can also listen right off the website if you so choose.

There is another podcast from this show that relates to personal finance and I will dig that one up for a future post.  Enjoy!  I’d love to hear some feedback.

It did not take long at all!  Just out of the gate on my job search reboot and I discover this article about the state pushing back teacher contracts for next year until May 15.  Very disheartening to hear and it leaves a lot of people uncertain about their future–myself included.  Here’s hoping some counties are able to find out what they need sooner than that.

I am viewing February and March as get-ready months, preparing myself for April’s onslaught of teacher contract renewals, non-renewals, and new positions.  With the help of a good friend, I am reviewing my resumé:  updating, adding, deleting, changing, and rearranging.  I am also searching for the courage to go out there this spring and really impress some schools, get my name out there, and hopefully land that teaching position that has been so elusive for so long.  I could use your good thoughts.

If you had told me when I graduated from UGA in December of 2007 that I would be looking for a teaching position two years later, I would have laughed at you.  Sure, I talked to veteran teachers, teachers I had in high school, who all told me it took them longer than expected to break into the profession.  I had advisors, mentors, supervisors, everyone telling me to be patient, and I was.  Last year.  I have worked for years to build what I believe is an impressive and highly respectful list of certifications, and I have a certificate that is more extensive and has more fields than people who have taught their entire life.  I continue to add more fields regularly.

I want this to be my year.  I have worked to build my credentials as a teacher before stepping a foot inside my first classroom; I am ready to take myself to the next level.  I want to get out there and start meeting people, start getting inside schools, and do what I need to do to get myself where I want to go.  I am going to e-mail a few teachers I know an ask about volunteering in their classrooms.  Even if it’s just for one day a month, I figure it will help me get my name out there and give me a little classroom experience.

I am starting to look forward to it.  I know it will be tough; the economic downturn of late has led schools to increase class sizes, lay off teachers, and take other staff-cutting measures.  I know I’m up against a field that may still be crowded with veterans who were laid off or not renewed at their previous positions.  But I think I am lining things up nicely, and I and preparing for the competition that will begin this spring.

Wish me luck.