Job Hunting Update

About one week into the search, here is where I stand:

1- job offer (start immediately)
1- waiting for a final decision 
1- currently interviewing
2- waiting for interview offer
3- rejected / no response

I'm happy with the progress, and having a definite offer gives me a little security. I like the administration and schedule where I was offered a job. I have reservations about the location because it is a smaller city. I'll probably make a T-chart tomorrow. Then I'll likely rationalize disregarding the T-chart and decide arbitrarily.

Teaching Demonstration

My first teaching demonstration was yesterday. After the demonstration, I spoke with the school's president for a debriefing. Here are the takeaway points from both: 
 
I have an energetic, clear, well-enunciated speaking voice. This was a major selling point and a good thing to have in the "well-done" category. Because speaking style is more a characteristic than behavior, modifying it would be much more painstaking. Cool.

Speed, idioms, and phrasal verbs. Before the lesson, I consciously reminded myself to speak slowly and avoid idiomatic expressions. Easy enough, right? Not exactly. Public speaking slow and ESL slow are different. ESL slow for a newcomer like myself seems patronizing and uncomfortably slow. And idioms and phrasal verbs pepper the English language. For example, look at the second sentence in this post: "Here are the takeaway points." For my English audience, the intent is clear : the synopsis of my demonstration. However, it's actually a sports term describing a backswing in golf or change of possession in other sports and we just make the connection. In a practical sense, asking,  "Class, what is the answer?" rather than, "Class, what did you come up with?" elicits a response instead of blank stares. 

This is a biggie: my awful whiteboard writing. I hadn't thought about this prior to the demonstration but should have. I have awful handwriting and that translates to awful whiteboard writing. Markedly, it's not precise, and usually that is fine. However, these little kids are like sponges. When they see semi-cursive, mashed letters or a mid-word capital letter, they get confused and wonder why they get yelled at for doing what Teacher Tim just did.

Overall, I left the school with a sense of accomplishment. I have one demonstration under my belt and know what needs to be improved upon. I am up against five other teachers who are interviewing and demoing throughout the week. I will get an e-mail after the school has made a decision. While I'm waiting, I'll continue job hunting.

Job Hunting In Kaohsiung

Some updates :

Firstly, I successfully battled exhaustion yesterday and stayed awake until a reasonable hour before sleeping. I woke up at 5am this morning and am not complaining - I think maybe I'll be a morning person here. First time for everything, eh? More importantly, I started the job hunt.

I started searching online because most schools were closed yesterday. There are a few popular message boards used by the expats in Kaohsiung: Tealit, Forumosa, and a yahoo group. I started here and found two job openings that looked promising. I have heard back on one and am setting up an interview today or tomorrow. I am pretty excited and hope I like the school, the interview goes well, and I could potentially start immediately.

I am happy to have lined up an interview, but that doesn't guarantee a job. Today is Monday, so I'll actually start walking to schools and asking about employment. I think being on the ground and in person will give me an advantage compared to online applications.