I got a call from the high school asking if I subbed as a one-on-one caretaker wearing a boot. I confirmed it was me and the woman from the front desk said, "Finally, I feel like I've been looking for Cinderella this morning." I laughed and said, "Yes, I only have one shoe!"
She proceeded to inform me the teacher assistant I had worked for resigned and they were hoping I'd work as a long-term sub for her during January. She said the principal wanted "the lady in the boot." (They should have asked the special ed department to save time as they have my actual name and business card.) Anyway, I told them I was already a long-term sub in the media center at the middle school for January, but I could let her know as soon as that person came back in case they still needed help. She said that was great and we concluded the call.
That afternoon, the principal cornered me in the parking lot and offered me the actual job. She said she needed "a mother-figure who is responsible and nurturing" to watch out every day for this brilliant but physically disabled freshman student. I told her that I am happy to fill in during the interim and later for whoever they find, but I love teaching and I wouldn't get to teach in this position. She agreed, but asked me to let her know if I change my mind.
The next day the woman in the library who I am working with said "You are really good. You need to work somewhere at this school full-time. I only told you one time and you've got it all down." I reminded her that she has my contact info in case something promising comes up -- but I will likely have to get a teacher's license before it's something I'm interested in. Going back to school doesn't sound fun, but at least it's within the realm of possibility now that the kids are a little older.