My school is closing at the end of this school year. At least that's the recommendation that is being handed to the school board.
Of course, teaching requires flexibility. Every class is different. Every day is different, and every year is different. That's wonderful if an educator has a rough year, because they think, Next year might be a great one.
However, I don't want different next year. I want the same thing next school year that I'm experiencing right now.
I'm in a wonderful place. Superb kids. A close-knit school family and a tight neighborhood community. My principal's super supportive. My teaching partner is a gifted teacher and an incredible person.
So now I get to have the fun (again) of applying and interviewing. (Don't worry about me. I have one pair of high-heeled Crocs I save for things like job interviews. I'm a shoe-in for some job. I'll land on my feet. Or my Crocs, I mean.)
If you have any job stories--stories about you making a change and thinking it was a bad one but it ended up being a positive experience--I'd love to hear them.
Broken hearts want to know...
Change is my middle name. I don't know what your degree situation is but after teaching full time for 12 years in Missouri and then moving to Illinois and not wanting the hassle of getting a teaching certificate in Illinois, I have subbed full-time in a private school infant to 8th grade, worked as a stringer and columnist at a newspaper, freelance editing/writing, and now an assistant editor at an agricultural media company. All of these have been wonderful and freeing. Teaching is great but boy it's hard!
ReplyDeleteMargo--And all these changes happened without you whining. ;)
DeleteYes, teaching is the best job around, but it's definitely draining.
I would start checking into other private schools.
ReplyDeleteBecky--That IS a good idea. Thanks.
DeleteSo sorry to hear this...knew you were liking what you were doing. Why the closure...so sad if it is a good place.
ReplyDeleteClaudia--Low enrollment in the area is the culprit. It IS a great school and a wonderful community.
DeleteYou're a go-getter! I'm sure you'll go and get something. As my mom used to say, "Remember, you were looking for a job when you found this one."
ReplyDeleteHow about this tale...
I was fired from my job (let's just say coaching was a part of it) and got a new one by the end of May. After 3 years of that one, I'd had enough of teaching, and went to work for the MO DIV of EMPLOYMENT SECURITY for 5 years. Then they went all automated in my department, eliminating my job in October, too late to get a teaching job for that year.
I went on a few interviews, but being six months pregnant did not seem to make employers want to hire me. The baby was born, my dad passed away, and AT HIS FUNERAL, I got an insider tip that there was going to be a job open at the school that had fired me. So I filled out a 10-page application (thinking it a waste of time, since they had already fired me once) and got called for an interview. The principal was a man I used to teach with, who said he knew my work ethic and had no qualms about recommending me. He took me to meet the new superintendent, who said, "If you're good enough for him, you're good enough for me." And they hired me on the spot (pending board approval, of course).
Oh, yeah. It's the school I just retired from after an 18-year stint.
Stranger than fiction.
Val--Thanks for the encouragement. I thought you might offer to let me move into one of the shacks in Shackytown...
DeleteDisappointed yet again.
Oh,no! Perhaps the recommendation will be successfully fought and your dream job will continue. "Nothing happens until it happens," is something I say to my kids all the time. Try not to let the threat of this closure upset the remaining school year. It might all come to naught between now and then. But if the worst happens and the school does ultimately close, remember what Maria said in the Sound of Music: "When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window."
ReplyDeleteLisa--Thanks. I'm searching for that open window...
DeleteI failed to get what I thought would be my dream job at a radio station but I just couldn't stay at my current station. So I quit my job and bam! I saw a position at a local college library. Yay!
ReplyDeleteI did not get that job. I took a long-term sub job (high school English--never worked so hard in my life!) that lasted through the Christmas holidays. I decided to work on getting certified in English/Education and bam! Out of the blue that same college library contacted me. They had another opening better suited for my experience and would I come in for an interview?
Not only did I get that job (and it was the best job EVER) but I was able to take all my English/Education classes--for free!--at a really great university.
Hang in there, Sioux. You never know what good things might be waiting for you!
Cathy--I AM optimistic, but might be less so when Spring hits...
DeleteThat is so lousy! What a shame that a wonderful school is being closed, all in the name of dollars and cents.
ReplyDeleteI know it stinks to be back out there looking, but you're such a wonderful teacher I'm sure you'll find the perfect position. Hang in there!
Pat
www.patwahler.com
Pat--Thanks for the encouraging words. I appreciate them.
DeleteSomething is always better around the corner, is my motto! You'll have something even better if this falls through.
ReplyDeleteLynn--I hope you're right.
DeleteThere is a classroom waiting for you. I am sorry to hear this bad news, but never give up hope for those strong neighborhood parishes.
ReplyDeleteLinda--I'm keeping my fingers crossed, for sure.
DeleteSioux,
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard on the news that your new school was closing, I immediately thought of you. It's sad because that school has been around for a long time. Hope you find your dream job!
Donna--I DID find my dream job. :(
DeleteYes, and the community is sooo supportive.
You are a wonderful teacher, some lucky school will be happy to get you, and they are looking for you now!
ReplyDeleteQuitting a job without a replacement may have seemed bad, but it was a question of mental health. Mine. I ended up with a better job, but it was a scary thing to do as I was young and had nothing to live on.
ReplyDeleteThis struck home to me and I couldn't resist writing about my experiences in a post: http://successfulteaching.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-bright-side-of-bad.html
ReplyDelete