A Teacher's Heart

Warning, the following is not a light-hearted/ funny post. This is real bidness ya'll:

So, the last week before winter break, the bond issue we so desperately need was voted on by the patrons of our district. The basic premise is this:

Bond passes= close schools, consolidate and build new schools, minimal loss of jobs and programs, rainbows, unicorns, and happy fairy dust.

Bond fails=close schools, consolidate in old schools,200+ people lose their jobs, higer class size, plague of locuts, and weeping and gnashing of teeth.

In our state, the law says a bond has to pass with 60% yes vote. Ours failed with a 59.93% yes vote. Once the numbers were crunched, it came down to a difference of 15 votes. 15!

So now, we are looking at rift in faculty and staff that could go as high as 6 years. It's depressing, and hard, and many have shed tears over it.

But I have to say, this is my third year of teaching, and the third year that I don't know if I will have a job next year. For years, we've been told of teacher shortages, (which at some level is still a problem) and that education is a safe, secure profession, yet I've had to change schools every year because I my lack of tenure/budget cuts.

I want to teach. If I could have all my bills paid for me, I'd do it for free. Teaching is not a job, it's a calling; a calling to make a difference, to change the future. So it hurts my heart to see the sad state of education, not only in my district, but at the state and national level as well. Why are we letting go of those who are called to positively impact the lives of children?  Why will I, and several other colleagues, have to start looking for work in the middle of a recession that is probably outside our field of study?Why is education important enough to talk about, but not important enough to fund?

I love my job. Why can't I keep it?

Appreciation

Last week was National Teacher Appreciation Week. Our PTA was wonderful in giving us little treats, and a tasty baked potato lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed the art my class created for me as well. But. what I treasure the most are the kind words from parents of my sprouts. I've had a few parents tell me that they appreciate how I work with their children, and how they have watched their child bloom before their eyes. I've even had one or two request me as their child's teacher for next year.Conversations like these with parents do wonders for my heart. It helps me know that  I am where I need to be doing what I need to do- teach and love children.