I know this is a long pdf to read but you can peruse it at your leisure! It has a lot of great information about Abu Dhabi. I hope everyone seriously considers coming for a visit. As you can see, there is a lot to see and do! In'shallah!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Decision made....
Yesterday I put a query out for assistance in determining which position I should take- AVP or CM. Today I found out that I have no choice in the matter. If I don't accept the CM, which I am now offered, I may not have a job as they most likely have replaced me as an AVP. So CM it is. My only concern is that by the time I get my first paycheck I will have gone 2 1/2 months without a paycheck and will have to use a chunk of my first AD check to buy appliances. It is my understanding that the houses/apartments, although roomy and nice, come with nothing!
But I am not going to stress over it- God will provide. I have to keep faith. He has brought me this far.
Wish me luck!
But I am not going to stress over it- God will provide. I have to keep faith. He has brought me this far.
Wish me luck!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
To be or not to be....
So this is the choice I am facing- stay as an AVP or accept CM position.
AVP is academic vice principal. I will work with the teachers at one site to ensure that all curricula is being presented, and methodology is within required restraints, which is mostly hands on, student led, and inquiry-based. This position is similar to a curriculum director or principal. I would interact with teachers for the most part. No discipline, no financial. Salary is same in both positions. However, an AVP receives $5000 USD to use to furnish home/apartment. I would have all non-teaching days off.
CM is cluster manager, similar to a superintendent in the US. CM oversees 5 schools and deals with only curricula implementation and managing principals. Would have to deal with parents if concerns arise over grades, curricula, or discipline. Pay is the same as AVP. However, CMs do not get the furniture allowance and I am unsure if homes are furnished or what. Still waiting for response on that one. Also CMs only get 30 days off per year. Also as a CM you would be driving between 5 schools at your own expense. So in actuality you would be making less as a CM than AVP. Only advantage is the experience, which would be great if you came back to the US wanting to be a superintendent.
My question is this: Should I accept the CM position for the experience or stay with the AVP for the money?
Let me know what you think!
AVP is academic vice principal. I will work with the teachers at one site to ensure that all curricula is being presented, and methodology is within required restraints, which is mostly hands on, student led, and inquiry-based. This position is similar to a curriculum director or principal. I would interact with teachers for the most part. No discipline, no financial. Salary is same in both positions. However, an AVP receives $5000 USD to use to furnish home/apartment. I would have all non-teaching days off.
CM is cluster manager, similar to a superintendent in the US. CM oversees 5 schools and deals with only curricula implementation and managing principals. Would have to deal with parents if concerns arise over grades, curricula, or discipline. Pay is the same as AVP. However, CMs do not get the furniture allowance and I am unsure if homes are furnished or what. Still waiting for response on that one. Also CMs only get 30 days off per year. Also as a CM you would be driving between 5 schools at your own expense. So in actuality you would be making less as a CM than AVP. Only advantage is the experience, which would be great if you came back to the US wanting to be a superintendent.
My question is this: Should I accept the CM position for the experience or stay with the AVP for the money?
Let me know what you think!
How did I get here?
I have been asked often, "How did you end up with a contract with ADEC?" Well, to make a long story short...
Last August I received an email from Nellie Jarrett, who was with AIDCINC, who helps ADEC with finding qualified educators. Someone had seen my resume on www.teachers-teachers.com. I had put my resume on there years ago and never took it off. In fact, that is how I got my job at Hominy, Oklahoma.
They were interested in my experience as an inquiry-based teacher. I had developed my own curricula at Vinita, Ok, while teaching 5th grade science that was all hands-on, inquiry-based. I had even built an outdoor classroom for not only science lessons, but also for reading and creative writing experiences.
In September, I had a phone interview that obviously went well. Soon after that I flew to NYC for an in person interview the last of October- yes, it was that weekend- Hurricane Sandy, but I digress...
I was on pins and needles for the next two months until I received a contract in January. I accepted the position as Academic Vice Principal. It was a mad dash after that! I had to get many documents notarized (Thank you a million Sara Hensley!!) and then take them to OKC to be authenticated. Next those documents were sent to a service in NYC that got them authenticated at the American Embassy and the Abu Dhabi Embassy.
Since then, it has been a waiting game. Various departure dates were given, but finally in late June, I was told it would definitely be in late July/early August.
Last August I received an email from Nellie Jarrett, who was with AIDCINC, who helps ADEC with finding qualified educators. Someone had seen my resume on www.teachers-teachers.com. I had put my resume on there years ago and never took it off. In fact, that is how I got my job at Hominy, Oklahoma.
They were interested in my experience as an inquiry-based teacher. I had developed my own curricula at Vinita, Ok, while teaching 5th grade science that was all hands-on, inquiry-based. I had even built an outdoor classroom for not only science lessons, but also for reading and creative writing experiences.
In September, I had a phone interview that obviously went well. Soon after that I flew to NYC for an in person interview the last of October- yes, it was that weekend- Hurricane Sandy, but I digress...
I was on pins and needles for the next two months until I received a contract in January. I accepted the position as Academic Vice Principal. It was a mad dash after that! I had to get many documents notarized (Thank you a million Sara Hensley!!) and then take them to OKC to be authenticated. Next those documents were sent to a service in NYC that got them authenticated at the American Embassy and the Abu Dhabi Embassy.
Since then, it has been a waiting game. Various departure dates were given, but finally in late June, I was told it would definitely be in late July/early August.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Pre-exploring? Site that will amaze!
Abu Dhabi
When I heard about this site, I was excited beyond measure. Although I had looked at many sites I had never seen one that highlights the area so well. The short videos give you a great look into that region so you can determine if it will be something you really want to go see.
Enjoy!
When I heard about this site, I was excited beyond measure. Although I had looked at many sites I had never seen one that highlights the area so well. The short videos give you a great look into that region so you can determine if it will be something you really want to go see.
Enjoy!
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