Will teach for food
"I will teach for food." That is the title of a book I conceived of several years ago while I was working at a ranch picking up stool from horses and dogs.
Ironically, the teaching assignments I was able to get had a lot in common with the ranch job. I have been picking up the leftovers that nobody wanted or nobody else would take, in many cases, weeks after the school had started. Not precisely the most conducive to a tenured position, but they put food on the table.
The title for my book was suggested by a fellow who stood at the freeway ramp I had to take to reach the ranch. His sign read "I will work for food."
This title gains new relevance at the time when teachers face pay cuts and all the subsequent analysis. Perhaps that explains a little why, after scores of applications and dozens of interviews, I have received no offers. Why hire me when you can hire two inexperienced teachers for the same amount?
I have been beating the path long enough to be able to say that after all the redundant efforts in selection of candidates, applications reviews, first interviews, second interviews, sample lessons, credentials evaluations, background checks, TB clearances, recommendations, district choice, etc., etc., the quality of the teacher is not first and foremost in the mind of the hiring team.
Otherwise, I would not be claiming for years: I will teach for food!
HUMBERTO GOMEZ
Bakersfield
