Saturday, May 31, 2008

Expert? . . .Me?

Finally received news on the teaching position. Beginning June the fifth, I will officially be a staff member at a nearby community college. It is exciting. I would be lying if I did not admit to having some reservations. Deep down inside, I know that I will do well. But a new path within my career field has some degree of intimidation.

I have quite a lot of work ahead of me. My title will be "Credentialed Expert". Essentially it's a fancy term for Assistant or Secondary Instructor. I have four classes that I must tackle in the next six weeks. If I can pull those off then I will be close to earning state recognition. That will allow me to be a Primary Instructor. After finishing those courses I have to instruct for eighty hours and be evaluated. At that point my documentation and credentials would be submitted to the state for final approval.

Several of the current Primary Instructors have already contacted me asking for assistance. I already have four days in June that I will be teaching. So with that, my regular job, and having to full fill my required classes, June and July will be hectic. Two of the four classes that I have to take will require me to travel out of town for a few days. Mrs. T has been very supportive. I know she wants this to happen for me, but once again we will be apart for an extended period of time. I know it bothers her but she is being understanding. To top it off, she starts school on the twenty-fourth of June. Hang on, I think it's going to be a wild couple of months.

15 Beer Farts:

Doug said...

Congrats on the impending work situation, Jake.

Whenever someone at work refers to me as an "expert" I flinch and clarify that I'm merely one who probably knows more, because "expert" tends to make people think you know everything, and then when inevitably I hit something I don't know I don't have to reply to any "you call yourself an expert?" nonsense.

No, I didn't, and I don't.

But maybe that's just me.

(It is true that people fancy the notion that someone knows everything, even though that's virtually impossible.)

jenji said...

Congrats, Jake!

Change can be intimidating, no?

Maybe you can lend me some of your courage so that I might forge ahead with a few pending decisions of my own. I'm driving myself nuts with indecision, fear and excitement.

Any advice?

jenji

C... said...

that's so awesome! It will be a challenge for you two but well worth the rewards!

Jake Titus said...

Doug, I couldn't agree more. If it was up to me the term expert wouldn't be in the job title.

Jenji: Much thanks. Whatever you have going on, I'm sure you can tackle it. You'll do fine.

C: Tough road ahead yes. I agree, I'm sure it will be worth it.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Being an expert is quite fabulous. :-)

Jeff and Charli Lee said...

Hey, good for you! Congrats! :-)

The UnMighty said...

This is probably a stupid question, but what subject are you "instructing?"

Whatever it is, congrats.

(I can't help but think it has something to do with taxidermy. Am I close?)

Tom Quinn. said...

My most sincere congratulations. Unlike the Unmighty, I found your area of expertise obvious. You're an arsonist, aren't you?

Jake Titus said...

Corrina: Thanks much, but not yet feeling to fab.

Jeff: Thanks to you as well.

Unmighty & Tom: Not sure how you both know so much about me. The fact is, in college taxidermy and arsonism were just minors. I majored in Industrial Kiln Operation.

jenji said...

"Industrial Kiln Operation"

Industrial Kiln Operation? You mean to tell me that you didn't major in Undapants?

So much for calling you Professor Undapants. Sheesh.

jenji

Jake Titus said...

Jenji: Sorry to disappoint you. But I was the Seargent of Arms of the Undapants Club.

The [Cherry] Ride said...

Good for you, Mr. Titus!

The Bizza said...

Gongrats, Jake! Glad things are going well. It's awesome to pursue something you're pasionate about.

Jake Titus said...

Cherry & Bizza,
Your comments are appreciated.

Marvin said...

Congratulations Jake! That's quite an accomplishment. You should get a brass nametag that says "Resident Expert." That's awesome!