A Wonderful Teacher

My youngest heads out into the world tomorrow morning giving her all to land the job of her dreams. She is now considered HQT -  highly qualified teacher - a designation given to teachers deemed fully qualified to take on one of the most important jobs in America. She will bear the full responsibility to be not only a teacher, but a developmentalist, a social worker, a psychologist, a friend, a family counselor, a front line against abuse, neglect, and so much more. She'll use acting skills, art skills, reading and writing skills, dance skills - all in the sometimes thankless job of educating our Littles.

Her dream job is a home room teacher for middle school. But not just any middle school. A Waldorf-inspired middle school that is also a charter school. The synchronicity here is that Waldorf is the education I have my eye on for my grandson when he starts school next year. A Waldorf education is one that is hand picked by many of the movers and shakers in the Silicon Valley for their children. It doesn't come cheap - the average tuition is $12,800 per year for a middle school student. But this school is special - it's free. At least it's free to the students - it still receives federal funding. 36% of this school has students that qualify for the free lunch program - an indicator of need. When asked in the first round of interviews why she wanted to work in their school, her answer was that it offered a Waldorf education to everyone - even those that could not afford it.

Social justice is very important to her.

So off she goes - I know she will give it her all, just as she did in the Master's program. Graduating with almost a 4.0 will not hurt her chances, but there are many HQTs out there that are just as qualified to land this wonderful position, many with more experience.

My hope is that they will see the heart of my girl. She really loves those children, but more than that - she sees them. Each and every one.

Good luck, Jilly.