Words to live by...

"A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others." ~Author Unknown

"A good wife is her husband's biggest fan -- no matter how crazy he is." ~Me


"May God give you.. For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer." ~ Irish Blessing

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Leave it up to life to bring a good woman down...

So I'm needing to vent a little. I'm not really upset, actually I'm in a great mood, but I still need to vent.

SO... I had a meeting with my principal today who basically *strongly* recommended that I go out and find another job. The district is under huge upheaval with a new superintendant that feels she can save the world by changing everything and everyone. The principal told me that all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year teachers (or that many years in the district) are being looked at very closely by the district to see who stays where they are, who will be moved to different schools, and who will be out of a job all together. Two elementary schools are closing so there are veteran teachers who need to be placed in schools, and thus this problem. I believe that if it was up to my principal, I would stay where I am. She's happy with me and has never had anything but great things to say about me. She told me to line up a job, or two, or ten, even if it means signing contracts with other districts, until this district figures out what they are doing. She gave me some good advice on backing out of already signed contracts if the district will let me stay in my current position afterall, so that was nice. She's a great lady and I respect that she's giving us the heads-up and not just leaving us jobless in May.

SO... I guess it's time I dust off the trusty old resume and start looking for jobs. I feel ok about this whole thing except when I sit down and actually think about it. I hate that in teaching (and in other professions), my employability does not depend on how hard I work, how I perform, whether or not I pour my heart and soul into a very difficult population, but rather on how long I've been working. It's crap, there's no other way to put it. If the district wants to "reinvent" itself with cratchedy old veterans who are stuck in their ways, then great. Have fun. Getting rid of the teachers who bring fresh ideas, flexibility, and some fun back into teaching and learning sounds like a stupid idea. But, then again, this is why I have no aspiration to be a principal or higher. It has to be a terrible job.

If I have to leave, there will be benefits. I will be happy to wave goodbye to this new superintendent who thinks she knows everything. I'm excited at the prospect of possibily teaching in a neighborhood school where my commute would be much shorter when I have kids. But I would really miss these kids. My kids don't have parents who can/will teach them to read. My kids come to school as the one relaxing part of their day when they get to be kids and enjoy life. I recognize that and I don't think everyone does. I know of teachers at my school who will keep their jobs over me, and they don't give a lick about the kids they teach. That kills me.

While I'm still optimistic that I'll have my job next year, I'm looking. I hope to be interviewing soon. I hope to have choices instead of being forced into a job I don't love. In the mean time, I will go to work each day and squeeze as much love into these poor little guys as I can. Ah, life. Great birthday present again this year...

8 comments:

Becky said...

Sorry bout the job. It is nice that the principle gave you a heads up, but I understand the frustration with not being valued until you've been at a job too long to be of any value. Good luck with the hunt, hopefully you'll get a job at a place where they value your creativeness and energy. Kids anywhere need you, whether or not they're "at risk" or not. They need you, and you will be a blessing to them wherever you go. Ryan and I will be praying for you to get the best job for you and those kids.

Becky said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, by the way

Chris said...

Yes I hope that you get a wondeful job that you love whether or not it's at your school now. Plus Happy Birthday!!!!! :) Now we're the same age again

ryan young said...

happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday cousin Marni (who has fun posts and rides her bike and loves dogs and lives in picturesque Colarado) HAPPY BIRTHDAY (imagine a loud obnoxious out of tune voice) TO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!

FixieDave said...

Thats a bummer place to be M but keep you chin up and everything always seems to work it's self out sometimes the trip is a bit bumpy =)

Happy birthday!

Simmons said...

Happy Birthday!!

That sucks about your job. My wife teaches 6th grade special education here and really enjoys it. I hope she never has to go through this crap. Good luck on the job hunt. Sounds like you have good references so it shouldn't be too hard.

Anonymous said...

UGGGHH..
this is a drag, i hate this!! I sent you and email but happy birthday again by the way..

I share your pet peive about the seniority type thing. In general you seem to have a really great outlook on it, but still. You can definately tell from all of your stories, the difference you make to your kids. That should be "the" main thing. Something should be in place like students get to veto decisions of the schools, when its something like this. Ultimately, you will make a positive difference for kids whereever you end up. Good luck. Don't stress too much.

Anonymous said...

Marni,
I just found out about your school situation today.
Jessie mentioned it and then I read your blog when I got home. Sorry you have to be job hunting again, but you will find a new teaching job and perhaps one that you will enjoy even more! Let me know if you need a reference from a fellow teacher and friend.
:-)
Love,
TMom