1. Introduction -- Is This Even Real?

Introduction – Is This Even Real?  Yes.

Perhaps I’m too old.  Maybe so.  Let’s let the younger science and STEM teachers take the reins.  Gladly.  Oh wait – there aren’t nearly enough of them.  That's the problem that brought me here in the first place.

It’s not because there aren’t willing entry-level career-changing teaching candidates.  We are out here.  Stuck out here.  While they need us in there.

Everything in my story is absolutely true.  Everything happened.  It was mind blowing, and not in a good way.  I'm posting the entire account on April 1, 2017, but this is no April Fools joke, no matter how ridiculous or outrageous this seems.  

Read this account.  You will not only discover what happened to me, but also what is happening to all teachers and students, and to education in general.

I went into the entire career-change mission of being a STEM teacher with high hopes, ambitious feelings and a sense of service.  I was exactly who they recruited – a desperately needed and recruited career-changer who could come teach science.

I am Kristine Westover, RDN.  I'm a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition, with experience as an adjunct college instructor in Biology, Microbiology, Nutrition and Foods.  I’ve taught Foods and Nutrition (and other science courses) in colleges and graduate schools (medical and dental), along with writing and presenting,  I've worked in hospitals, out-patient clinics and physician's offices.  

I wanted to teach again. Dietetics is an applied Biochemistry field with many college credits in various Chemistry courses.  I have a Post-Bacc degree with a high school teaching license, and endorsements in Chemistry (“high demand” I was told.  Yeah, right.) and Biology.  I want to teach Family and Consumer Sciences as well (Foods, etc.).  I’ve got well-beyond the academic qualifications needed to teach high school.  I like kids.  I actually enjoy subbing.  I have a fine public appearance, good grooming, a mostly winning personality.  I even speak a little Spanish.  I have all the basics required to be a good employee and classroom teacher.

The problems have only worsened.  My Oregon district will face a $45 million short-fall for the 2017-2018 school year.  Cutting the course offerings, the teacher jobs and over-crowding the classrooms continues.  Read on....