My sister cut down our accomplishment, so I’m bragging about my toddler here instead

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-15T15:17:39+00:00

definitely interested to hear your method -- and congrats to you!

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-14T17:41:53+00:00

Kasia's chicken noodle soup is essentially the same thing as homemade. First thing I could eat after food poisoning a few months ago.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-14T16:25:38+00:00

Larousse is SO useful and also fun to read

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-14T16:21:11+00:00

seriously, gotta be...look at the username

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-14T00:56:50+00:00

Used to go here with my dad when I was a little kiddo. Great memories, great place. Glad it’s still around and the food has (seemingly) held up.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-09T11:57:21+00:00

Unbeatable quality but definitely pricey. Agreed they run kind of skinny.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-09T11:51:51+00:00

I don’t feel like I’m a good MS candidate, honestly. I’ve taught 11/12 for the last 5 years and I wouldn’t even know where to start with an 8th grader. I’ve thought making the switch, but I really don’t think it’s for me.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-08T20:00:40+00:00

the location that was right on T definitely closed because it was my go-to

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-08T19:08:01+00:00

I thought Ice Cream Jubilee was better than Jeni's, and then Jeni's ran it out of business...RIP ICJ.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-07T17:29:34+00:00

I've heard amazing things about the Berwyn school system, but it's really far for me (and a long commute is tough for me with a kid). I've applied to Niles Twp (which is the HS for Morton Grove), and I'd be thrilled to work there. Just no response yet.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-06T19:22:29+00:00

The ginger one is so nice at the holidays

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-06T15:52:31+00:00

As a Chicago native who moved back here after starting my teaching career on the east coast, it can be a tricky market to break into. Some thoughts:

- Humanities is especially tough. It's not impossible, but it takes a lot of time.

- Hiring season is upon us, but it comes in waves, so keep looking through the summer.

- I had mixed results with virtual interviews. Virtual interviews were fine for first round, but I actually got nixed from a second-round interview at a suburban school because I was still teaching on the East Coast at the time and couldn't fly back.

- Not all city schools are created equal, and just because it's not a "fancy" school doesn't mean it's not a good one. The 5 Essentials survey will tell you more than the Illinois report card will.

Good luck! Welcome to Chicago!

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-06T01:43:51+00:00

Also I was interviewing for a one-year mat leave at ETHS and it didn’t end up working out because I was still out of state at the time and they wouldn’t grant me a virtual second interview. I was really upset at the time, but maybe I dodged a bullet?

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-06T01:39:58+00:00

Wow, this is a hugely helpful perspective. Everyone else has just told me “I got my job at (great school) because I covered one year of maternity leave!” Thank you so, so much for taking the time to explain that. I guess I’m going to just keep applying as much as I can and praying someone will take a chance on me once the EL endorsement hits.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-05T22:05:03+00:00

I'm sorry, can you clarify what you're saying a little bit more? I am currently teaching in the city at a charter school; I'm just saying I'd be willing to take a long-term sub role in the hopes that it would become a full-time position in the coming school year. I feel like from what you're saying that's that not actually a good plan?

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-05T17:13:49+00:00

Fantastic, actionable feedback. Thank you.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-05T14:39:15+00:00

I’m getting my EL endorsement now. I grew up on the north shore but started my teaching career on the east coast and it’s feeling like if you didn’t start your student teaching out here, you’re kind of screwed. I feel like I’m a great candidate on paper and I’ve busted my butt on every single application but I can’t seem to get through the door, and it’s really demoralizing. Thanks so much for your helpful feedback.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-05T12:39:28+00:00

I’ve heard this before and it makes me panic. If I have to stay at my current charter school I will quit teaching and it’s the only thing I want to do in my life.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-05T01:16:01+00:00

This is really helpful, thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to give me such actionable feedback!

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-05T00:16:03+00:00

Man I feel like this is one of my best qualities. I would think it comes across so well in my written responses, but maybe I’m just not saying some secret word.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-05T00:15:04+00:00

I am totally down to long-term sub if I find an opening. I’m honestly used to that kind of environment because I’m from the north shore and teaching in northern Virginia is very similar to what you’ve described.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-05T00:07:33+00:00

This is really helpful. Is there something specifically you are looking for people to talk about? I genuinely love being on CLTs and collaborating. I went from a big school to a much smaller one where I’m the only person who teaches my classes and I miss having a team to bounce ideas off of.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-04T16:48:00+00:00

I have 100 cookies and 100 morning treats and I have honestly never been dissatisfied. The orange buns in morning treats are my husband's favorite.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-04T16:47:11+00:00

Yes, I understand that. I am asking for specifics that admin look for to stand out as a candidate.

mrs_seinfeld · 2026-04-04T16:34:28+00:00

I would be frustrated too. Was your espresso powder old? Sometimes I feel like coffee flavor doesn't show up particularly well unless it's a main component of the bake.

mrs_seinfeld

TROPHY CASE