As our country's and my state's financial situation continues to look increasingly bleak, I knew I didn't have a hope of getting through unscathed.
Our district has been pretty open with us and the union has made sure we understand this whole unhappy process.
Still, getting called in yesterday to told that I'm getting laid off wasn't the greatest experience. My principal was wonderful, telling me how much she would like to keep me on staff and how the district really does want to keep good, young teachers, but it's out of her hands. It isn't a good time to be a new teacher. Despite stellar evaluations and lots of hard work, she wanted to warn me that I would be getting a pink slip.
Sure enough, a very nice mail man came today with a special envelope just for me. As I signed for it, he told me that he had a lot to deliver today. With over 200 layoffs happening in our district and thousands statewide, it's not a surprise. There is a statewide effort to wear pink this coming friday, which is the last official day districts can hand out pink slips.
My biggest surprise in all this- A pink slip isn't pink?!?
Did everyone already know this? I was 100% expecting a slip of pink paper that announced my termination of employment. I was a little disappointed, to be honest :) At first that worried me, because I was afraid that, instead of a pink slip, they had sent me a non-reelection notice- which simply means they don't want me back for next year- and that I have no rights to try to get rehired.
So, now I have a decision to make. I have to figure out if I want to wait and hope to get rehired once the budget gets straightened up or if I want to try my luck in a district, or even a new kind of job while I'm waiting for the budget to get better. It is pretty frustrating to find something that I love and that I'm actually pretty good at and possibly not be able to do that next year.
I have hope, though. There have to be jobs for teachers, somewhere.
8 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear that, Addy. Hang in there! These are tough times, but things will work out in the long run. Just keep your head up and be tenacious and persistent. You have shown in completing your ultras that you have those traits.
Ouch. Sorry to hear about this. It really is a sad state of affairs that this is happening to those that we need most.
Hang in there Addy, with it all...the sun ALWAYS comes back up.
Addy I'm so very sorry to here you got laid off! That SUCKS! What is wrong with this state that htye have to undermine the youth and education and layoff young teachers that really want to help our kids!! I just don't understand! It makes no sense to me at all!!
I hope you come to a decision as to what you might want to do!!!
Good luck!
I found your blog (again) through Penny's and I just wanted to also tell you how sorry I am that you got Pink Slipped (yeah, it's surprising that they aren't pink, isn't it).
I've been in education for about 17 years, and this year reminds me of when I first started teaching and how tough it was to get a job, and how teachers were getting laid off. It sucked, but it passed. Hang in there. We need good teachers, that's for sure.
Addy, I am so sorry to hear this. I have been laid off in the past, and it does not feel good. But you are obviously an excellent teacher, as well as a talented and tenacious person. People like that always land on their feet. Good luck, and I wish you nothing but the best!
sorry to hear about your layoff. Abbie just told me this then I saw it on your blog. so sad :(
This is terrible - it's happening everywhere. Very sad for everybody who is losing a job. Best of luck finding work, Addy.
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