So much for Prop 204. And the funding it guaranteed for Arizona schools. I don't think most people fully appreciate how essential that money is/was for our state's schools.
I will most likely be on the job market next year, and I am cringing at the idea of being out there under these circumstances, with so many other teachers looking for jobs because class sizes will most surely be increased to save money. Entire schools will close.
I am honestly frightened.
The future, for me and for my kids' schools, is very uncertain.
Maybe I should go into durable medical equipment sales. I have skills. But, at least right now, the idea of committing myself to any other career is heartbreaking, because although I can imagine being decently good at other jobs, I can't imagine throwing myself into those jobs as wholeheartedly. And at 41, I'm learning that I am a person who has to be able to fling myself completely into what I am doing. I have to have a drive for it. I have a drive for teaching English. I have my strengths and weaknesses as a teacher, but I think my drive to innovate, learn and connect with my students makes me a good teacher.
I was a real estate agent for a while, on the side. I could be good at that. And it was good to feel like I was helping friends and family learn better how to negotiate the hairy business of house-hunting, helping protect their interests. My efforts were sincere. But I'm just not a real estate agent at heart. You know?
I could maybe throw myself into working for a nonprofit, or something else where I could come up with ideas and try to implement them. I am honestly at a loss. What if I can't find a teaching job next year? What if I have 40 kids in each class? I spiritually can't do it. Of course, I can do it, but it is essentially different. Teaching demands infinite hope and innovation. But the idea of innovating and assessing for even more students is just demoralizing.
And what about my own kids? The mental health of their teachers? Their ability to meet the needs of the little boy and girl that come home to me each night?
The whole picture frightens me.
I will most likely be on the job market next year, and I am cringing at the idea of being out there under these circumstances, with so many other teachers looking for jobs because class sizes will most surely be increased to save money. Entire schools will close.
I am honestly frightened.
The future, for me and for my kids' schools, is very uncertain.
Maybe I should go into durable medical equipment sales. I have skills. But, at least right now, the idea of committing myself to any other career is heartbreaking, because although I can imagine being decently good at other jobs, I can't imagine throwing myself into those jobs as wholeheartedly. And at 41, I'm learning that I am a person who has to be able to fling myself completely into what I am doing. I have to have a drive for it. I have a drive for teaching English. I have my strengths and weaknesses as a teacher, but I think my drive to innovate, learn and connect with my students makes me a good teacher.
I was a real estate agent for a while, on the side. I could be good at that. And it was good to feel like I was helping friends and family learn better how to negotiate the hairy business of house-hunting, helping protect their interests. My efforts were sincere. But I'm just not a real estate agent at heart. You know?
I could maybe throw myself into working for a nonprofit, or something else where I could come up with ideas and try to implement them. I am honestly at a loss. What if I can't find a teaching job next year? What if I have 40 kids in each class? I spiritually can't do it. Of course, I can do it, but it is essentially different. Teaching demands infinite hope and innovation. But the idea of innovating and assessing for even more students is just demoralizing.
And what about my own kids? The mental health of their teachers? Their ability to meet the needs of the little boy and girl that come home to me each night?
The whole picture frightens me.
I have words for you, only shared tears.
ReplyDeleteHow about I critique your resume if you critique mine? *sigh*
Sure. Let me find out the results of my National Board Certification efforts first!
Delete