Four Feet More

The past couple of weeks have just flown by! In between work and the kids, a few other things have occurred which are worth mentioning.

• I am sick. AGAIN. Darn, germy kindergartners. The upside is that all this coughing is giving my abs one heck of a workout! The downside is that I have no creative energy at the moment, which means you get this: a bulleted list of the marginally interesting things that happened since my last post.

• My nephew Tyson turned 1 year old last week! We went to his birthday party last weekend, and hoped to get a photo of him with cake all over his face. However, he just daintily dipped his fingertips into the frosting, keeping very clean and tidy, so I finally told my brother to push the piece of cake in Ty's face. Which he actually did! After a moment of stunned silence, Ty thought it was fun and began smiling through the layers of blue frosting covering his cheeks and mouth. Photos were taken all around.

• I received notice of new budget cuts coming to our school district next year. Proposed cuts include 105 teaching positions (in Elementary Ed), P.E. for elementary students, the elimination of class-size reduction in all elementary classes, custodial services, etc. The list goes on and on until $35 million is cut from the budget. *sigh* Looks like it's going to be another summer of uncertainty for me.

• And, to end on a high note, I finally finished my Rosamund's Cardigan! I got the pattern from Interweave Knits' Fall 2009 issue and used worsted weight yarn purchased from Knit Picks online. There are a few problem areas in the finished sweater (which probably would be eliminated if I blocked it), but overall, I'm happy with the results! Now, on to my next project (whatever that will be...).

It's done. I have finally completed my BTSA (Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment) program!

I've actually had a bone to pick with the whole BTSA thing since I began the program last year. Why is so much time and money spent to re-teach teachers what they already learned in their university credential programs? And why did I have to lug around and complete the paperwork contained in a 4-inch thick binder, only to have the BTSA office (who gave me the binder and paperwork in the first place) say, "Oh, we don't need to see that!" I've been compiling that data for 2 years!!! You're darn well gonna see it, and you'll "ooohhh" and "ahhhh" in all the appropriate places, thankyouverymuch.

Today was the last step in the two-year BTSA process. I had to go for a formal exit interview in front of a panel, where I was expected to explain my teaching practices, show growth over time, and provide student work to serve as evidence of my status as a "highly qualified educator." I carefully prepared my responses, typing notes and selecting student work that I felt would wonderfully illustrate the teaching practices I was explaining. I spent 2 years collecting this student work, much of which went into the binder the BTSA people so cavalierly tossed aside. I also took the day off to prepare for my interview this afternoon and make any last minute tweaks to my responses.

Then I learned that "everyone passes" the interview. Which begs the question, "Why the hell do I have to do it then?" If everyone passes, what's the point of even conducting these interviews? *sigh* It is probably just another box for the BTSA people to check off their list.

Well, at least now all my boxes are checked and I can send payment to the state of California to clear my teaching credential. Just in time to be laid off due to state budget cuts. Yippee.

P.S. I don't mean to sound bitter, but I might be. Just a little.

Sorry about that. I've been terribly busy at school and more than a little stressed out about the uncertainty of my future employment. Open House was last night, which is one big thing out of the way. It went well, and many parents expressed dismay that I wasn't going to be returning next year. Now I just have a colloquium and exit interview for BTSA (the program to clear my teaching credential), Science Camp, final report cards and packing up my classroom before I'm on Summer Break!

On the job front, a nearby district is hiring teachers, so I've put in an application. Hopefully I'll get an interview, despite what is likely to be huge competition from other teachers laid off in my district. I'm also looking at jobs outside of classroom education, so we'll see what happens.

The job search has raised an important question in my mind, and maybe some of you can help me out with this. What do parents who work basic 9-5 jobs do with their kids during school breaks? Suggestions?