Interview day two...and.......???

I got an offer 3 hours later:)
I can't believe it!

I just don't know what to do...so please, pretty please offer some advice!

Here are my pros and cons...

The interview yesterday went well, but not as good as today. 

The principal yesterday was very matter of fact and the principal today was so easy to talk with. They both asked very different questions.

The principal yesterday did not give me any compliments, the principal today did. 

The interview yesterday was for KINDERGARTEN... and today was for SECOND (I like second better)

BUT...

the interview yesterday is 13 miles away from where I will be living
the interview today is 26 miles away from where I will be living!
(if this seems stupid...traffic in Hawaii is HORRIBLE)

interview yesterday-the school has AWESOME technology...I mean 1:1 ipads and iPad touches, 2 computer labs with 30 macs in each, items to check out galore!

interview today as a good amount of technology, but not near as much. The school is very old, BUT just got approved for a $32 MILLION dollar renovation. They have started already:)

SO...HELP me. My husband says to do what I think is best. I believe in my heart I know what I should do...but just can't wrap my head around it all. 

I need help!

23 comments:

  1. Girl you're going to Hawaii...who cares where they work? Just kidding!

    I have no advice other than give yourself time to think and figure it out. Go with your gut.

    Deniece

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    1. I'd go with the interview today - you liked the Principal and you like the grade and the renovation sounds good.

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  2. Wow! Lots of differences! Personally, for me, I would go with what I know and want in grade level & subject matter. Principals come and go, technology can always be added, upgrades can come later, but grade change opportunities seem to be few and far between. Where is your heart when you see yourself surrounded by students? with nose-picking cry-baby 5-yr-olds (I taught Kindergarten & LOVE it, but I'm just speaking truth!) or with semi-independent, somewhat-trained in school 8 year olds?? Honestly, the choice would be easy for me, and I would immediately jump on that K position (I'm a glutton for punishment!), but you should do what your heart says! Good luck, & Congrats!
    SynonymRolls&AntonymMoments

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    1. I haven't taught K in 7 years. I have taught 3rd the past 4 years, a year of first before that and a year of second before that. I really like 2nd grade!

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  3. LOL I am with the above. I would just be happy to teach in Hawaii. That is a dream of mine. One of my friends left me a year ago to go teach there. I would stick with second at the interview today. I think that the thing that matters the most is how your principal is and I think that the second one seems like he would be great to work for. Also, second graders are fun and independent. Go with your heart, but it sounds like it is leaning to second.

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  4. WOW, teaching in Hawaii? That is amazing in itself!! Only you can truly know what the best decision is, but it sounds like your heart is with number 2! If you like the principal and got a better feeling from that interview, then I think that is where you will be most happy. You can always add technology and 2nd grade is a great grade level, plus it's more of what you know! Congrats on two great opportunities though, girl! I can't wait to hear what you pick and see where this journey takes you :)

    Amelia
    wherethewildthingslearn

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  5. Which school do you want to be at 5 years from now? Which leader will allow you to be the teacher you want to be? Which school would you want YOUR kids at? Then go with your first instincts. Good Luck! wendy 1stgradefireworks@gmail.com 1stgradefireworks

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  6. That is one hard decision! Go with what feels right. Can you wait and meet them before you give them answer?
    Tania
    My Second Sense

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  7. Connecting with your principal makes a transition easier...I'm just saying. Technology is great, location is great, but having a principal you can talk to...I think that makes everything so much easier. Good luck with your decision! :)

    Tracey
    Third Grade All Stars

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  8. Hi Tonya, I'm so happy for your!! I knew you'd get picked up quickly!!! I agree, go with what you feel is best. Having a principal that you feel comfortable with, and that can recognize and acknowledge great teachers like yourself will make you a happy teacher and for a smooth transition. Where is closer to where you plan on buying a house to? Also, which direction will you be traveling in?? If it's against traffic it shouldn't be too bad.
    Courtney
    Teaching in Paradise

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  9. How exciting that YOU get to choose!!! I would go for the 2nd grade position (and not because I'm in 2nd :) I think the atmosphere/people you work is so so SO important. If you got a good vibe from that principal, then I would think working for him/her would be a great experience for you. Good luck with your decision :)

    Angela :)
    Hippo Hooray for Second Grade!

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    1. Oh thanks! I guess I should have made it clear...I have not heard back from interview from yesterday! So I don't even know if she wants me! This principal today called back right away!

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    2. Haha well maybe then the first principal can help make the decision for you :) SAME thing happened to me. I had two interviews right out of college and they both went REALLY well... I honestly thought I would have to choose, and both schools would have been AMAZING to work at. School #1 didn't offer me a job because they had to go with the internal candidate. School #2 did offer me a job! Then mid-July, School #1 called me back for a different position.... SORRY! You snooze, you lose :) I'm still at School #2 and I LOVE it! :)

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  10. I say go with the offer you have....lots of pros there: like the principal, like the grade, sounds like the renovation will be awesome.....
    The drive might be longer....but the payoff of working with people you like & a grade you like will make it worth it!

    Brenda
    Primary Inspired

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  11. I think the answer is in the last part of what you wrote:I believe in my heart I know what I should do. Go with your gut instinct-that's why we have these feelings in the first place.
    Debbie
    debjac9@aol.com

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  12. Congrats Tonya!! Sounds like both schools have positives! :0)

    Gwen

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  13. Wow! First of all congrats! I would say go with the one in Hawaii... wait, they're both in Hawaii!! Go with your heart, you will be much happier in the long run!!

    Aimee
    aimee@vanmiddlesworth.org
    Pencils, Books, and Dirty Looks

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  14. How cool to teach in Hawaii!! That sounds like a dream job although I can see how it would be hard to go to work. Anyways, I would go with the one your heart is leaning towards. Remember the principal may not be there forever.

    April
    Wolfelicious

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  15. You will make the right decision! Good luck. :)
    ~Brandee
    Creating Lifelong Learners

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  16. Sounds like the principal today understands the importance of relationships. Technology is wonderful, but ultimately, it's the relationships we build with our students, their families, and our co-workers that matter most. I know you'll make the right decision :) Good luck!

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  17. Sounds like everyone has already given you the advice I would have given you. I just need to know what school, lol!!

    Aloha,
    Corinna (✿◠‿◠)
    Surfin' Through Second

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  18. I drive about 20-25 minutes to school each morning as well (but with little traffic!) and I absolutely love my grade and my principal and everyone I work with. I debated transferring to a school closer to home, but I just know I would be missing out on the great relationships I have! Do what your gut is telling you! CONGRATS! :)

    -Allison
    Adventures in Room 204

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  19. Tonya, teaching isn't just a job, it's a passion. So my advice is to go where you feel you will be happy and comfortable. Everything else will fall into place. You will be a blessing to whatever school you choose. Best of luck to you!

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