While I don't in anyway disagree with your sound advice Psyguy you would have really eliminated your insensitivity had you simply phrased what you wanted to say like this:

"They know (THERE IS A POSSIBLITY) your wife is at some point going to need care and assistance from you and (MIGHT BE) only a matter of time before a turn for the worse (COULD) happen, and then your on leave for half a year."

The way you phrased it implies his wife is going to get sicker and I hope that is not what you were suggesting. I don't think I'm being nit picky, just a helpful suggestion to help you get your point across without sounding "harsh and cold"

Anon- Just an update because we're both waiting in the same boat: Last week someone from HR evaluated all my qualifications. Previously everything was still pending except for ESL which they evaluated right away. Not sure if that means anything but I was happy to see them take action on my application despite me missing the deadline.

Hope you hear something soon!

Because its not pronounced Col-UM-bia. Maybe every country should just change their spelling to suit English mispronunciation. Just saying...

Thanks yes I understand. I'm on an approved leave right now which makes resigning at any point very easy. I was talking about next year 2013/2014 and returning to work stateside if I don't get accepted to DODEA. I'm hoping and thinking positively that I might get my chance before that. : )

Thanks Anon and PsyGuy

That's one reason why I hesistate to head back (not that I want to anyway). Im not sure if I did go back and then got a call in the early or late fall for a position, that I'd feel okay leaving. I totally understand how many could. I work with young kids from really high need backgrounds. I don't know if I could drop them once I started the school year. That's why this year is great because we could pick up anytime. Next year at this time there's a good chance I will be heading back into the classroom and the whole thing would be much more stressful to wait out.

Thanks anon. Seems fair. We'll see what happens but I'm actually sort of glad to put any anticipation behind me until next year. If it happens this year it will be a happy surprise. Do you happen to know if we have to renew references every year or will the ones on file do? It was a challenge to get my people to complete theirs so I sure hope I'm done with that.

Also anyone have an opinion on being out of the classroom for 2 years before entering DODDEA? I've been on a leave of absence this past school year and will extend to next in the likely event I don't get picked up. It coincided with the birth of my 3 rd child so I'm out on good terms. I really don't want to go back to my district. It's going down hill quickly. Will it look poorly that I've not been teaching these two years? I work part time in an education related position, but I'm not teaching. I'm not concerned about how this applies to years of experience. I had 8 before I went out. Thoughts?

@Anon- I was told the same just now.

Anon- No I haven't. I'm in your same boat with no ability to select 2012/2013. I did select a date this summer under availability but need to make the same phone call you will be. I'll post here if I'm told anything helpful.

Thanks!

What about ESL? I know I've mentioned already they qualified me despite missing the application deadline. However under Status there is no checkmark for "Certifiactes verified and in file". What does that mean?

Anon- Can you post here if you hear anything from them RE 2012/2013? I sent a similar email as I'm your same boat and was asked by them to change my application date to this year. I responded and the request in my file was removed but no idea if they are going to consider my application or not. I guess we're both in wait and see mode! Good luck to you!

Maybe you can "push in" and do your own thing in a nook section of the classroom. Essentially do what you would do pulling out but physically stay in the classroom.

I think you could group them accordingly. Being that BICS and CALPS doesn't have to do with learning styles, you could pull out your beginners and push in with your more proficient students. The pull out group could span ages and grades.

LOL! Yes for sure!

Psy Guy: No one's expecting you to name names, but you clearly have no interest in validating your information. That's why it can't be trusted.