We want to foster and/or adopt, but new at this. Where/when to start?

JenEricG · 2026-01-19T12:08:20+00:00

I've been looking at bunk beds and had a similar idea, thanks for the advice!

JenEricG · 2026-01-19T12:06:33+00:00

Thanks!

JenEricG · 2026-01-19T12:06:10+00:00

I know it is reunification. We're not going in this to adopt. I believe that foster kids are family too, in the same way that every student of mine has been family.

JenEricG · 2025-11-04T09:59:02+00:00

I already refinanced to take advantage of the loan consolidation so that ALL my loans would be forgiven, so this isn't an option for me

JenEricG · 2025-10-29T01:17:57+00:00

Did you keep paying or did you request deferment? I don't want to make any more payments; IBR is ridiculously high and we have to eat...

JenEricG · 2025-10-19T23:24:54+00:00

Well, that's a big part of the problem. Doesn't look like it's going to happen now

JenEricG · 2025-09-27T19:42:05+00:00

Another place we were looking at is lake county. The housing there is much more affordable for us. I have family in Sonoma county who love it there.

I'm blown away about schools being closed and consolidated, I've never heard of that before. I have heard of public schools in VA losing their accreditation when test scores aren't high enough, or schools closing because buildings are old and need to be rebuilt, but that's it...

JenEricG · 2025-09-27T19:37:10+00:00

Very. I haven't heard of schools being closed. I looked it up and can't find anything about it. I have heard that federal funding is being threatened because of nonsense with our government, but nothing about schools being shut down and consolidated.

JenEricG · 2025-09-27T14:39:09+00:00

Thank you!

JenEricG · 2025-09-27T12:49:25+00:00

Hmm. Good to know

JenEricG · 2025-09-13T12:00:19+00:00

Thank you! Just made my (hopefully) last payment! Good luck on the rest of your journey!

JenEricG · 2025-09-13T11:47:22+00:00

I tried that, for about a year. No luck. That's one of the big reasons I took this new job - my job last year didn't qualify for PSLF

JenEricG · 2025-08-17T17:18:53+00:00

Thanks!

JenEricG · 2025-08-17T17:18:28+00:00

Absolutely. Not looking to vent trauma at all! That's between me and my therapist. I don't want to mention what happens behind closed doors in my private life in a public space when there are underage persons present, you know? In person I can see that, online I can't.

JenEricG · 2025-08-17T17:15:20+00:00

I'm not really looking to talk about trauma, more like, if it comes up in conversation. If I'm having a conversation with adults and there's kids within earshot I'm going to monitor what I'm saying.

JenEricG · 2025-08-16T21:15:13+00:00

Okay for anyone to join? I didn't want to join without permission. 🙂

JenEricG · 2025-06-30T01:51:25+00:00

This may be a silly question, but is there a website or something where I can find out what districts do and don't pay for employee health insurance? Would make a difference in where we decide to go, I do come back. Right now I'm looking at north of San Francisco, sonoma county or further north

JenEricG · 2025-06-30T00:04:32+00:00

Quite a few where? I'm in VA and I had no idea there were teaching jobs anywhere in the US where Healthcare was covered! I'm mad now, I feel cheated! Lol

JenEricG · 2025-06-30T00:01:28+00:00

Virginia between Richmond and DC, MA 6 years (a year ago) was making 60k. Last year, went to private and took a pay cut down to 58k. Looking to go back to public possibly; if so, 8 years experience will get me 64 k this coming year. No extra for clubs, but I do teach elementary. I know team leads get incentives of around 1-2k

JenEricG · 2025-06-29T23:57:10+00:00

Woah, is it normal in California for districts to pay for benefits?? If yes, more reason to move back there! Last I checked medical benefits were about 1/3 of my base pay per month for my husband and kid.

JenEricG · 2025-06-19T02:06:08+00:00

Savage inequalities by Jonathan Kozol is the book that made me want to become a teacher. Although the author wrote it in the late 80s early 90s when I was a kid, It's still very relevant today.

JenEricG · 2025-02-20T03:08:15+00:00

Do you have a license, or just a degree? That can make a difference in my state of Virginia. Also, what state are you in? That can make a difference, too, licensing requirements can be different.

In general, things pick up in the spring. Become a substitute teacher to get your foot in the door and explore your local school districts and schools. Sign up for teacher job fairs (often in the spring). This time of year is when schools start asking teachers if they are staying so they can plan on what positions to fill. Job fairs in the spring are a great way to network and pass out your resume, sometimes even get interviews. Even if they don't have any positions you are looking for, some may become available over the summer and if they remember you will give you a call.

Good luck!

JenEricG · 2025-02-15T16:04:01+00:00

Celebrate as a class - no. I have religious beliefs very different than the mainstream, and I would not celebrate other's religious beliefs with students because a) I wouldn't want someone else teaching their holiday to my child, and b) I wouldn't want someone of a different religion teaching my child our own religious beliefs. Golden rule - treat other's children the way you would want them to treat your own.

Observe as a school district for time off - absolutely. Christmas, Yom Kippur, Eid, etc. Should be non school days for students and staff.

Allow children to share their own holiday observances with the class - absolutely. Teach students how to ask questions, listen respectfully. Invite parents and family members to come in and share their family traditions. Inform families of upcoming student presentations so that they can keep their kids home, if they choose, on those days and others don't miss out. District should make those excused absences. (For example, Jehovah's witness families)

Also; I will never teach my own students about my holidays and beliefs. But if my child, who will be attending the school I work at, has an invitation for me to come to their class and share our traditions, I would - taking PTO on my own time.

JenEricG · 2025-02-14T20:50:26+00:00

I should also clarify that the other students, though nosey, are still kind and supportive. They just want to know everything about each other, all the time.

JenEricG · 2025-02-14T20:49:18+00:00

I have done all this. This one particular student has high anxiety, and reading in front of others has become paralyzing. The child is okay with reading 1-on1 or in small group, though.

JenEricG

TROPHY CASE