The Doldrums
That's where I'm at right now and why I haven't posted much lately. There are a lot of things swirling around in my head, mostly job related, and I'm exhausted!
First of all, I got pink-slipped by my school district. This was not a surprise. All first year teachers were told at our new-hire orientation that we would be getting pink slips in March. Kind of nice to get a job and be told right away that you will be fired before Spring Break. And they wonder why they can't retain teachers! While I was not surprised by this, it was still a bummer. I just figured that I would be rehired again in the Fall and would start over again from there.
Then Governor Arnold proposed his budget cuts, in which my district alone will lose nearly $10 million for 2008-2009. Suddenly, the whole "re-hire" scenario isn't as sure of a thing. Fortunately, my principal wants to hire me back and is doing what she can to ensure that I have a spot for next year. A teacher in the 5th grade will be retiring, and the 5th Grade Team has already asked me if I would like to take her place. So, as long as there isn't another teacher with more seniority who wants the job, I may be OK. We'll see how that all turns out.
This whole situation has got me thinking about my future in education, however. California is becoming less and less of a desirable place to teach. The state has higher standards for students than the rest of the nation (many of which are not developmentally appropriate), its teachers have to jump through more bureaucratic hoops, and it has the lowest amount of funding per student (if Arnold's budget goes through). Are things better in other states, or is it the same song and dance everywhere? That's something I need to look into.
One idea that Jeff and I are considering is international teaching. Of course, then we'd have to pick up our kids and move to another country, basically rebuilding our life (Jenn, you know what this is like first-hand). It's both exciting and scary to contemplate. The logistics of such a move are enough to make your head spin! What would we do with our house? What about our cats and cars and furniture? How would it feel to be so far away from family and friends? What would happen to Jeff's real estate business while we are overseas? A "pros and cons" list is definitely in order.
However, the decision will be delayed for now, since I want to clear my teaching credential in California first (which requires another year of education in the field). We'll see where we go from there. Part of me wants to stay safe in our home, surrounded by things we know and are comfortable with. But another part of me just wants to take a chance. You only live life once, so why not pack in as many experiences as possible?
One thing which has become very clear over the past 6 months is that another adoption is not in the cards for us. At least not in the near future, anyway (I don't want to rule it out completely). I feel as if I am struggling to find time to spend with my family as it is. The balance between work and home is not coming as easily as I had hoped. Perhaps over the next year I'll get increased clarity with regards to my profession and find ways to being my home life and work more into balance.
I apologize for the brain dump. Hopefully I'll have some lighthearted nonsense to post next time.
First of all, I got pink-slipped by my school district. This was not a surprise. All first year teachers were told at our new-hire orientation that we would be getting pink slips in March. Kind of nice to get a job and be told right away that you will be fired before Spring Break. And they wonder why they can't retain teachers! While I was not surprised by this, it was still a bummer. I just figured that I would be rehired again in the Fall and would start over again from there.
Then Governor Arnold proposed his budget cuts, in which my district alone will lose nearly $10 million for 2008-2009. Suddenly, the whole "re-hire" scenario isn't as sure of a thing. Fortunately, my principal wants to hire me back and is doing what she can to ensure that I have a spot for next year. A teacher in the 5th grade will be retiring, and the 5th Grade Team has already asked me if I would like to take her place. So, as long as there isn't another teacher with more seniority who wants the job, I may be OK. We'll see how that all turns out.
This whole situation has got me thinking about my future in education, however. California is becoming less and less of a desirable place to teach. The state has higher standards for students than the rest of the nation (many of which are not developmentally appropriate), its teachers have to jump through more bureaucratic hoops, and it has the lowest amount of funding per student (if Arnold's budget goes through). Are things better in other states, or is it the same song and dance everywhere? That's something I need to look into.
One idea that Jeff and I are considering is international teaching. Of course, then we'd have to pick up our kids and move to another country, basically rebuilding our life (Jenn, you know what this is like first-hand). It's both exciting and scary to contemplate. The logistics of such a move are enough to make your head spin! What would we do with our house? What about our cats and cars and furniture? How would it feel to be so far away from family and friends? What would happen to Jeff's real estate business while we are overseas? A "pros and cons" list is definitely in order.
However, the decision will be delayed for now, since I want to clear my teaching credential in California first (which requires another year of education in the field). We'll see where we go from there. Part of me wants to stay safe in our home, surrounded by things we know and are comfortable with. But another part of me just wants to take a chance. You only live life once, so why not pack in as many experiences as possible?
One thing which has become very clear over the past 6 months is that another adoption is not in the cards for us. At least not in the near future, anyway (I don't want to rule it out completely). I feel as if I am struggling to find time to spend with my family as it is. The balance between work and home is not coming as easily as I had hoped. Perhaps over the next year I'll get increased clarity with regards to my profession and find ways to being my home life and work more into balance.
I apologize for the brain dump. Hopefully I'll have some lighthearted nonsense to post next time.
I'm sorry to hear about your work situation. It doesn't seem fair that when budgets are cut education is always on the chopping block.
I admire you so much for even considering a move to teach in a different country. You have always been one to take risks and have it work out to yours and your family's advantage. What ever you guys decided, you'll land on your feet.
You always do.
Don't worry about the brain dump... it's more 'real' than light-hearted nonsense anyway. And thanks to BB, we have plenty of that over at Scoober's for now ;)
Well, that is enough to give anyone the doldrums. Maybe this pink slip will turn out to be a blessing in disguise. You know you want another year of teaching in CA under your belt -- but it's bringing other possibilities for the future to mind. That's a good thing. You've got an untethered future full of possibilities.
My family had friends who went overseas for 2 years, they rented out the house, and took a leap of faith. It was hard on the kids, but a good experience for everyone.
You need to talk to me. E-mail. Call.
in my girlfriends district they are pink slipped the first 3 years until they are tenured. she will be tenured the first day of next year if all goes as planned
well that sucks. i sure know what it's like to have a crappy work situation - and i can tell you that sometimes it ends up being a good thing. i hope things get clearer for you soon. until then, enjoy the summer!