As of this update, a few things have begun to percolate.

First, I have a couple of demo lessons to perform this coming Tuesday, one for a kindergarten class, and one for an older elementary class. The school wants to observe how I teach and get along with the pupils. This is about the equivalent of second- or third-round interviews before being hired.

The next thing, which is exciting to me, is a recent online interview I had with an organization that locates teachers for public schools in the area. I had all the experience and qualifications required but for one—an actual teaching license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (or state of New Jersey).

Digression: You see, when I was studying for my M.Ed., I had been unable to complete the program due to several family emergencies that occurred at the same time. However, to work around that, I registered for, and took, the Pennsylvania Praxis exams. These exams used to be the final battery of tests for a teacher to earn their license in the Commonwealth. I thought that since I had the years of experience already, I should be able to successfully deal with the battery of tests. In fact, I did pass the general and early childhood batteries, and with a certain amount of distinction, I might add. However, to my disappointment, that year, the certification rules had been changed, and one had to have taken a standard four year course in Education in order to qualify for a license. So my efforts amounted to nothing, or so I thought.

When I had to confess this to the agency to which I was applying, they advised me of a program that I could access online with the Illinois Department of Education. With copies of my university transcripts, I could apply online for a substitute teacher’s license, and this would be adequate for the need here in Taiwan.

I was, of course, both pleased and relieved at this.

And, once I have decently remunerative work, I will be able to go online to complete the M.Ed. I began so long ago.

The third thing that has me hopeful is another outreach from the Ministry of Education in Uzbekistan. I have been invited to re-apply. In fact, I had already passed my interviews seven months ago, and could have gone then; but I was waiting for my cataract operations. I was more concerned with retaining my eyesight than my bank account at the time. So, sadly, I missed that opportunity. But it has been extended to me again, for which I am grateful.

As noted before, I was able to have my visa extended through October, so there is no need to worry about being here illegally for a while, and I was even able to change the date of my flight reservation to mid-October without any more fees, as I had been charged originally when scheduling my flight back to America. Obviously, if I find work, I will have to re-re-reschedule my flight home (or possibly just let it go and miss the flight).

Now, if successful, I am worried about marshalling the resources to stay here until whatever new job comes along that can support me. I still have bills for rent, and utilities, and the phone…transportation, groceries, and all that sort of thing. I have to last at least until October, in the worst case.

Then, if successful, I’ll need to move closer to wherever my new school will be…and that means I’ll need to be able to hire a small van to move my things, money for a deposit, plus first and last month’s rent on the new place…. Not to mention the physical and emotional hassle of moving itself.

Still. I try to keep in mind the advice of Seneca; “The man who suffers before it is necessary, suffers more than is necessary.”

Right now, I am just concentrating on surviving without regular work, and obtaining same.

Until next time….