The last day of school was today. I had thought that I would have felt happy, jubilant even, on being done with this significant milestone- the first year of teaching. I've been told that this is the hardest I will ever have to work in this career, and that I will just be improving exponentially from this year.
I felt nervous going into today, wanting this to be a wonderful last day, but not sure what to expect. Luckily the kids were happy and wonderful and made the day easy (though they were incredibly hyper). Unfortunately, I had some bad news that significantly marred the entire day. We received an email this morning to let us know that layoff notices will be sent off on the 19th of this month. Great timing.
So, despite wonderful student and some great parents, I can't seem to feel anything but sadness about this day. Mostly because this might be the last time that I ever teach at my school - ever see my students. This year was so meaningful, and I am almost heartbroken that I might have to break my promise to my students that I'll see them next year.
I really feel that it's fundamentally wrong that the state is *literally* charging teachers for the budget crisis. Because of the crisis, we, as teachers will either be charged 4% of our pay, be required to take furlough days or, worst of all, lay off 130 teachers. We need to somehow save 18.6 million dollars as a district over the next 3 years, based on the money we are going to get from the state. This just doesn't seem fair - I didn't make the state go into debt, so why do I have to, in all actuality, pay to get the state out of its crisis.
It's so frustrating that, at this point, I was so excited about becoming a better teacher next year and was feeling really secure in my love of teaching, but now I have no security that I'll even be able to teach next year.
Hopefully something works out......
6 comments:
Hope you stay positive through the tough situation.
I totally feel your sadness Addy! Although I most likely will have some sort of position at my school next year, it is probably changing, and certainly won't pay well. I interviewed at a private school, and even though it looks like a great job, the idea of leaving my current school is just heartbreaking. I think these are just the bumps in the road, but I know you have a long career ahead of you as a teacher. You will have many more classroom joys in your future!
I wish you the best, Addy! You have a passion and a drive that most people don't have, and that will always help you persevere in any situation. I hope things work out so you get to see your students next year!
Sorry to hear about all the issues with the state - that really stinks! Hopefully things will work out for you!
Work on letting the old job go and look to the future. Helen Keller said that When one door closes we spend so much time looking back at the closed door that we miss the doors that are open.
Hope you are able to do some "chillaxing" and then start your search. I understand that many schools don't even post open positions until late in the summer. You should try to wear the tread off your bike tires or something.
I haven't mentioned it on my blog but I've been unemployed for about two months now. Like you I loved what I was doing but with this economy nobody seems to be launching new products. Our manufacturing company went from 300 employees and just barely keeping up with demand to 125 people looking for something to do.
It's too bad that a group of laid off teachers can't get together and start a private alternative school using a model that promotes learning and creativity rather than stifling it. Have you read "Brain Rules"? Really good stuff with regard to trying to understand how the brain actually works. Some good YouTube videos are available as well.
Have a great summer!
Check this video out from TED. This is the sort of learning that our kids need to develop creativity!
http://www.ted.com/talks/gever_tulley_s_tinkering_school_in_action.html
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