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New Hope

     I interviewed at New Hope in June 2008, after turning down an offer in Noxubee County for fear that I would be another Indianola. Despite not getting a position there when the new tern began, I felt that I would find working with Mr Wright to be a good experience. I would get that opportunity when the second nine weeks started, thanks to the French teacher resigning and a popular Spanish teacher--who had been there since the mid 80s--taking her place. When I thought that this would be upbeat, like my time in Marvell earlier was due to teaching Spanish and not math, I was not prepared for the reality I would face. I was not prepared to teach Spanish III--with several native speakers and a "child of privilege" in there. Neither could I piggyback on Mrs. Friesen's popularity. Most students saw me as merely a substitute until she returned. I also had my first problem with students using cell phones in class. At least I was paid as a regular employee and not as a sub. Of course I was disappointed that Mr Wright did not give me another year and forced me to re-apply if I wanted to come back. At the time I did nor realize I would be in the "wilderness" for the next six years. Going to Sitel made me think I would find purpose there that I seemed to miss in the classroom. Sadly, I crashed and burned after finally advancing out of an entry-level position.

     NOTEWORTHY:  Less than three years after I left, Mr Wright was elected Superintendent of the Lowndes County School District. I applied for other positions there in subsequent years, but they did not materialize.

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