Back to school tomorrow. It's been a long, relaxing weekend. I had to work at the doggie place on Sunday - there was a huge festival going on in the downtown area and the store was packed!
Rest of the weekend was spent relaxing and doing laundry.
It's so sad but I actually dread going into school now. See what getting burned does to you? I used to love my job and the kids. Now, I just don't want to go into school or be bothered. We don't get out until June 26th now due to the flooding and rain we had a few weeks ago.
I'm still trying to hold the students accountable and try and teach them the curriculum that needs to be taught by the end of the school year. I start World War I this week and it's my favorite unit to teach. Hopefully, I will get some joy out of teaching this unit. It's so hard to stay focused!
I'm hoping that by having the summer off and relaxing that I will get that love of teaching back.
I'll be using one sick day this week because I have two job interviews on Wednesday. I still haven't heard from all the other interviews from the past few weeks. Supposedly, this week I hear from all of them on if I have a job offer.
My goal is to have a job by the time I get out of school at the end of June. We shall see. . . . . .
Monday, May 29, 2006
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Happy Memorial Day
This post is dedicated to all the men and women who have or are dedicating their lives for our freedom.
These photos were taken at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France. I was there last summer on one of my trips to Europe.
It's so emotional to walk around this cemetery and see all the crosses and Star of David's - these men risked their lives for OUR freedom on D-Day in 1944. There are 9,387 men buried in this cemetery.
Thank you for sacrificing your life for my freedom!
To my Cousin Danny over in Kuwait - thank you! I love ya Cousin!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Job Interview Today
Had a job interview at The Bromfield School in Harvard, MA today. I think it went well. Sometimes, I think the interview goes well and they want to hire me and it doesn't work out. I hate getting my hopes up high and then to have them tumbled down. I'm sick of my emotions being all over the place -
This has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me the past month and a half - and who do I have to thank for it? My Principal for not renewing my contract? Or myself? Because I obviously did something to upset or piss him off so he won't renew my contract! As you can see, I'm still angry!
Everyone keeps telling me that things happen for a reason - I KNOW! I just wish that I would stop getting screwed all the time. If one more person tells me this, I will scream!
I think I need to look into selling the condo - things are not looking good for the job situation and I need to be prepared to move on. I know that I will end up losing money on the condo -
One good thing about this: I've lost a shit load of weight from the stress! And, I continue to lose more weight as the pressure of not having a job next school year -
I've learned a lot the past month and a half:
*Don't trust your administrators!
*Don't trust anyone!
*Don't get too attached to a job that you love!
*Don't emotionally invest yourself into your school until after three years!
*I have some great colleagues in the English/History depts that have been so supportive to me throughout this whole mess!
*My parents have been amazingly supportive to me too!
*My freshman are annoying the hell out of me! :-)
*And finally - to not let my job revolve or control my life and to not take it so seriously!
This has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me the past month and a half - and who do I have to thank for it? My Principal for not renewing my contract? Or myself? Because I obviously did something to upset or piss him off so he won't renew my contract! As you can see, I'm still angry!
Everyone keeps telling me that things happen for a reason - I KNOW! I just wish that I would stop getting screwed all the time. If one more person tells me this, I will scream!
I think I need to look into selling the condo - things are not looking good for the job situation and I need to be prepared to move on. I know that I will end up losing money on the condo -
One good thing about this: I've lost a shit load of weight from the stress! And, I continue to lose more weight as the pressure of not having a job next school year -
I've learned a lot the past month and a half:
*Don't trust your administrators!
*Don't trust anyone!
*Don't get too attached to a job that you love!
*Don't emotionally invest yourself into your school until after three years!
*I have some great colleagues in the English/History depts that have been so supportive to me throughout this whole mess!
*My parents have been amazingly supportive to me too!
*My freshman are annoying the hell out of me! :-)
*And finally - to not let my job revolve or control my life and to not take it so seriously!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Happy Birthday to my Sister, Mandy!
Mandy and I at Cheers in Boston, MA (1996).
Mandy and I in Billerica, MA (1999).Wishing my sister, Amanda, a very happy birthday today!
Mandy - you are a wonderful sister and I love ya kiddo!
Love Ya-
Lori :-)
Friday, May 19, 2006
Would a school just hire me already?????
Yes . . . it's been very frustrating. Finding a job is never any fun. I spend all my Sunday's going through The Boston Globe looking for teaching jobs. I then have to put together the famous packet of teaching materials: cover letter, resume, copies of three recommendation letters, copy of my certification, copies of all college transcripts, and sometimes, schools want me to provide evidence that I'm "Highly Qualified" (This is a No Child Left Behind requirement). On Monday, I'm off to the Post Office to mail these huge envelopes off to the various schools that I'm applying for a teaching job. Postage is adding up! I'm keeping all my receipts - I was told that I could write off looking for a job on my taxes next year. Joy!
Update on Interviews:
*Had my third interview at Londonderry High School in NH with the Principal. It went very well! I will find out next week if they will offer me the job. Remember, I would take a huge cut in pay if I take this position.
*I have an interview at The Bromfield School in Harvard, MA on Wednesday. This school usually scores very high on the MCAS (They usually score in the top five in the state) so the academic standards are quite high. It's also an affluent community.
*I have an interview at Ayer High School in Ayer, MA on Friday. Ayer is located out near Fitchburg where I went to Graduate school.
*Dartmouth High School wants to interview me on Wednesday but I have the other interview on that day. I'm going to try and ask if Dartmouth could interview me in the morning. Dartmouth is located south of Boston so I need to allow enough time for traveling.
*Salem Academy Charter School in Salem, MA also wants to interview me - they do a phone interview first for about 30 minutes and then decide from there if they want to bring you in to meet with the hiring team.
So, as you can all see, I've got a lot going on right now. Finding a job is like a second job. Everyday, I check the MA Dept of Education web site, EdJobsNH.com, regional high school web sites for job postings, etc. It's crazy!
Happy Job Hunting! :-)
Update on Interviews:
*Had my third interview at Londonderry High School in NH with the Principal. It went very well! I will find out next week if they will offer me the job. Remember, I would take a huge cut in pay if I take this position.
*I have an interview at The Bromfield School in Harvard, MA on Wednesday. This school usually scores very high on the MCAS (They usually score in the top five in the state) so the academic standards are quite high. It's also an affluent community.
*I have an interview at Ayer High School in Ayer, MA on Friday. Ayer is located out near Fitchburg where I went to Graduate school.
*Dartmouth High School wants to interview me on Wednesday but I have the other interview on that day. I'm going to try and ask if Dartmouth could interview me in the morning. Dartmouth is located south of Boston so I need to allow enough time for traveling.
*Salem Academy Charter School in Salem, MA also wants to interview me - they do a phone interview first for about 30 minutes and then decide from there if they want to bring you in to meet with the hiring team.
So, as you can all see, I've got a lot going on right now. Finding a job is like a second job. Everyday, I check the MA Dept of Education web site, EdJobsNH.com, regional high school web sites for job postings, etc. It's crazy!
Happy Job Hunting! :-)
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Flooding . . . . .
As you can see from this photo, the flooding is out of control here. I didn't have school on Monday - most schools in Northern MA and Southern NH were cancelled yesterday and today. My school was the only school opened today in the area.The downtown areas of the cities of Lawrence, Lowell, and Haverhill are submerged under water. All these cities, including Amesbury and Newburport, are located on the Merrimack River.
In the city of Haverhill, officials were working to repair a sewage pipe that continued to dump waste at 35 million gallons a day into the Merrimack River.
Ughy!
Monday, May 15, 2006
It's Raining Cats and Dogs!
Well, the rain saga continues here in New England . . . . . .
The Merrimack River is swelled and cresting . . . . .
School was cancelled today due to the heavy flooding and wash outs of roads and sink holes . . . .
Over 58 schools in Northern MA and Southern NH cancelled school today.
Spring is officially here!
I think Noah had the right idea - probably should start building that ark!
I'm hoping there is an end to this rain - the last prediction was it was supposed to stop raining by Friday.
Cross your fingers!
Happy paddling! :-)
The Merrimack River is swelled and cresting . . . . .
School was cancelled today due to the heavy flooding and wash outs of roads and sink holes . . . .
Over 58 schools in Northern MA and Southern NH cancelled school today.
Spring is officially here!
I think Noah had the right idea - probably should start building that ark!
I'm hoping there is an end to this rain - the last prediction was it was supposed to stop raining by Friday.
Cross your fingers!
Happy paddling! :-)
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there - including mine!Happy Mother's Day Mom!
I Love Ya Momma!
:-)
Friday, May 12, 2006
Life Goes On . . . . .
It's been a very emotional week for me. I had a job interview on Monday morning with Londonderry High School. I met with the Social Studies Coordinator and she really liked me and wanted me to come back. So, I met with her and a few members of the social studies department this morning. It went very well. I was also given an idea of what the salary would be and it would be over a $10,000 cut in my salary of what I'm making now. So, do I sell the condo in Amesbury and move up to Londonderry and go back to renting and take the cut? I just don't know what to do - I don't want to take the first job offer but I'm in a position where I have to pay my bills and a mortgage. I just don't know what to do. Any suggestions from my blogging buds would be helpful! Please keep in mind that I make crap for money to begin with because I'm a teacher! :-)
I had an interview with Salem High School in NH on Thursday after school. It didn't really go that well. As I was waiting to be called into the conference room for the interview, the candidate before me was being "high-fived" by the male members of the dept and the chair. The chair seemed to want to go out of his way to accommodate this candidate. And, the dept chair was trying to find the Principal to introduce this candidate to him - it just seemed like the dept chair wants that candidate for the position. So, I finally get into the conference room and they start asking me questions. The dept chair sat there and yawned throughout the interview! Can you believe it? I was horrified! At the end of the interview, the dept chair says to me that they will be having retirements in two years and that I should I apply then! Two years! Waste my time! Such the "old boys" network -
I'm trying to put myself in a better mind set the past few weeks but it's so hard and discouraging when you are losing something you love so much.
Happier news - I'm chaperoning the Prom on Saturday so that should be fun! I love seeing the kids all dressed up - they clean up good! :-) I'm taking my camera so I'll take tons of pics.
I'm also meeting Lauren tonight - we are seeing a movie. I'm looking forward to seeing her because it's been a long time since I've seen her. She's been having a tough time - her Cousin Denise just recently died.
Have a great weekend everyone -
I had an interview with Salem High School in NH on Thursday after school. It didn't really go that well. As I was waiting to be called into the conference room for the interview, the candidate before me was being "high-fived" by the male members of the dept and the chair. The chair seemed to want to go out of his way to accommodate this candidate. And, the dept chair was trying to find the Principal to introduce this candidate to him - it just seemed like the dept chair wants that candidate for the position. So, I finally get into the conference room and they start asking me questions. The dept chair sat there and yawned throughout the interview! Can you believe it? I was horrified! At the end of the interview, the dept chair says to me that they will be having retirements in two years and that I should I apply then! Two years! Waste my time! Such the "old boys" network -
I'm trying to put myself in a better mind set the past few weeks but it's so hard and discouraging when you are losing something you love so much.
Happier news - I'm chaperoning the Prom on Saturday so that should be fun! I love seeing the kids all dressed up - they clean up good! :-) I'm taking my camera so I'll take tons of pics.
I'm also meeting Lauren tonight - we are seeing a movie. I'm looking forward to seeing her because it's been a long time since I've seen her. She's been having a tough time - her Cousin Denise just recently died.
Have a great weekend everyone -
Monday, May 08, 2006
Update on Interview
My interview today was with Londonderry High School in Londonderry, NH. They are looking for a US History and Economics teacher.
The interview went well. The Social Studies Coordinator wants me to come back on Friday morning to meet with members of the department. If this part goes well, then I meet with the Principal for the final stage.
I received a tour of the building - they just completed a huge renovation project three years ago so everything is relatively new. It's a huge building - they have almost 1800 students in the building. Everyone I met seemed nice.
We shall see . . . . .
The drive took me about half an hour - I thought it would take me at least an hour to get up there.
And, I have an interview on Thursday at Salem High School in Salem, NH at 3:00 pm.
Keep ya posted on that one too!
The interview went well. The Social Studies Coordinator wants me to come back on Friday morning to meet with members of the department. If this part goes well, then I meet with the Principal for the final stage.
I received a tour of the building - they just completed a huge renovation project three years ago so everything is relatively new. It's a huge building - they have almost 1800 students in the building. Everyone I met seemed nice.
We shall see . . . . .
The drive took me about half an hour - I thought it would take me at least an hour to get up there.
And, I have an interview on Thursday at Salem High School in Salem, NH at 3:00 pm.
Keep ya posted on that one too!
Wish me Luck!
I have a job interview this morning at 9:00 am -
So, be sending those positive vibes in my direction!
Thanks -
:-)
So, be sending those positive vibes in my direction!
Thanks -
:-)
Saturday, May 06, 2006
I've been a BAD blogger!
I know. I've been bad. I haven't been good about posting on my blog for the past month. I've been in a funk. I'm trying to get myself out it. Duh - it's for obvious reasons! :-)
Some updates:
*I have a job interview on Monday for a high school position in NH. I'm not too keen about teaching in NH again (lower salary, crappy retirement system, etc.) but it would be a job. I was getting a little worried since I've been sending out applications for the past month and haven't heard anything from any schools. I know a lot of schools are waiting on budget approvals so the waiting will continue. My goal is to have a job by June 23rd. Why the 23rd? Because it's the last day of school for me at NHS and I would like to feel proud of myself that I found a job before I got the hell out of there!
*I changed my mind on the formal evaluation by my Principal. I didn't want to go through the negativity and possible unprofessional of my Principal. Having that observation would not make a difference of whether or not I stay or leave my school. Why put my heart and soul into putting together this great lesson and have him put me down just to put me down? I need to move forward and learn from this shitty experience. Trust me, I've learned a lot so far!
*My friend Lauren lost her good friend Denise to cancer a few weeks ago. Lauren has been struggling with the loss. To lose someone so young to cancer is so wrong on so many levels. Pop over to her blog if you get a chance.
*My cousin Danny is home for 15 days from Kuwait. He went to a Cubs game with my Dad and Mandy this past week. I'm sure he's enjoying his down time - back to the desert!
*Received an email from a former student at Timberlane this past week. She is a junior almost senior at UNH. It was such a nice reminder of why I teach. She told me that I'm one of the reasons why she is going to college to be a teacher. Sometimes when times are bad, you need those reminders!
Weekend plans:
*Crash on Friday. Rented DVD's.
*Proctor SAT's on Saturday morning and work at the Paws from 2-8. Might go out with Carla to a movie or something.
*On Sunday, I'm meeting a friend to help her work on a scrapbook that she's making for one of her students. Her student is graduating from high school and she wants to make a nice gift for him. She's never made a scrapbook before so she's looking for some help.
What are your plans or updates in your lives?
Some updates:
*I have a job interview on Monday for a high school position in NH. I'm not too keen about teaching in NH again (lower salary, crappy retirement system, etc.) but it would be a job. I was getting a little worried since I've been sending out applications for the past month and haven't heard anything from any schools. I know a lot of schools are waiting on budget approvals so the waiting will continue. My goal is to have a job by June 23rd. Why the 23rd? Because it's the last day of school for me at NHS and I would like to feel proud of myself that I found a job before I got the hell out of there!
*I changed my mind on the formal evaluation by my Principal. I didn't want to go through the negativity and possible unprofessional of my Principal. Having that observation would not make a difference of whether or not I stay or leave my school. Why put my heart and soul into putting together this great lesson and have him put me down just to put me down? I need to move forward and learn from this shitty experience. Trust me, I've learned a lot so far!
*My friend Lauren lost her good friend Denise to cancer a few weeks ago. Lauren has been struggling with the loss. To lose someone so young to cancer is so wrong on so many levels. Pop over to her blog if you get a chance.
*My cousin Danny is home for 15 days from Kuwait. He went to a Cubs game with my Dad and Mandy this past week. I'm sure he's enjoying his down time - back to the desert!
*Received an email from a former student at Timberlane this past week. She is a junior almost senior at UNH. It was such a nice reminder of why I teach. She told me that I'm one of the reasons why she is going to college to be a teacher. Sometimes when times are bad, you need those reminders!
Weekend plans:
*Crash on Friday. Rented DVD's.
*Proctor SAT's on Saturday morning and work at the Paws from 2-8. Might go out with Carla to a movie or something.
*On Sunday, I'm meeting a friend to help her work on a scrapbook that she's making for one of her students. Her student is graduating from high school and she wants to make a nice gift for him. She's never made a scrapbook before so she's looking for some help.
What are your plans or updates in your lives?
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Flu bug kicks my butt!
Hello. I know. It's been so long since I've posted. Please forgive me. Once you read this post, you will so understand why!
Here's the scoop:
Tuesday morning at school, I started to feel very icky! When I mean icky. . . . I mean icky! The school nurse had to drive me home because it was that bad. I spent the next three days vomiting and diarrhea and sleeping on the bathroom floor. Not a pleasant experience. School nurse and Dr. informs me that this icky thing is going around the school systems. GREAT!
I already had a scheduled Dr's appt on Thursday for "other" stuff. The Dr. told me that I was "dangerously dehydrated". Great! Just what I need. And, I've lost over 30 pounds with all the stress and sickness. Double great! Not the way I want to lose much needed weight but I'll take it.
Update on evaluation: Since I've been out sick, on Friday, I went to my Principal and requested that we move the evaluation to next week. He told me to see him early in the week and we can reschedule.
Update on job situation: Nothing new to report except I've been applying to teaching jobs all over MA and southern NH. No interviews yet. Stress level at an all-time high at this point.
Oh . . . . my saving grace . . . watching the Soprano's on DVD! :-) I'm working my way through season four!
Here's the scoop:
Tuesday morning at school, I started to feel very icky! When I mean icky. . . . I mean icky! The school nurse had to drive me home because it was that bad. I spent the next three days vomiting and diarrhea and sleeping on the bathroom floor. Not a pleasant experience. School nurse and Dr. informs me that this icky thing is going around the school systems. GREAT!
I already had a scheduled Dr's appt on Thursday for "other" stuff. The Dr. told me that I was "dangerously dehydrated". Great! Just what I need. And, I've lost over 30 pounds with all the stress and sickness. Double great! Not the way I want to lose much needed weight but I'll take it.
Update on evaluation: Since I've been out sick, on Friday, I went to my Principal and requested that we move the evaluation to next week. He told me to see him early in the week and we can reschedule.
Update on job situation: Nothing new to report except I've been applying to teaching jobs all over MA and southern NH. No interviews yet. Stress level at an all-time high at this point.
Oh . . . . my saving grace . . . watching the Soprano's on DVD! :-) I'm working my way through season four!
Monday, April 24, 2006
Formal Evaluation?
Get this. . .
As you ALL know, I've been formally let go by my high school at the end of the school year. Yes, I have to act like nothing is wrong until June 23rd.
I go to my mailbox at the end of the day today and what do I find? A formal evaluation form to fill out. With it - attached a note from the Principal stated that "under the circumstances" I can forego the formal evaluation to be completed by him. HELL NO! I want him to come into my classroom! I showed Peter, my dept chair the note and Peter's response, "What do you have to lose?"
I just can't get over the fact that my Principal has never come into my classroom formally to observe me and made the decision to not renew my contract.
I don't claim to be the best teacher in the world - I'm a good teacher who is always looking for improvements and honest critique.
I've decided to have my principal do the formal evaluation. I have a few concerns regarding his professionalism and the evaluation.
I have a pre-conference meeting on Friday at 8:00 am and the formal observation takes place on Monday, 9:00-10:30 am. Should be interesting to see how this all plays out . . . . . . .
As you ALL know, I've been formally let go by my high school at the end of the school year. Yes, I have to act like nothing is wrong until June 23rd.
I go to my mailbox at the end of the day today and what do I find? A formal evaluation form to fill out. With it - attached a note from the Principal stated that "under the circumstances" I can forego the formal evaluation to be completed by him. HELL NO! I want him to come into my classroom! I showed Peter, my dept chair the note and Peter's response, "What do you have to lose?"
I just can't get over the fact that my Principal has never come into my classroom formally to observe me and made the decision to not renew my contract.
I don't claim to be the best teacher in the world - I'm a good teacher who is always looking for improvements and honest critique.
I've decided to have my principal do the formal evaluation. I have a few concerns regarding his professionalism and the evaluation.
I have a pre-conference meeting on Friday at 8:00 am and the formal observation takes place on Monday, 9:00-10:30 am. Should be interesting to see how this all plays out . . . . . . .
Friday, April 21, 2006
The End of April Vacation
Well, it's been an interesting week here at the homestead.
Lea and Joann left on Tuesday. We had such a nice visit. I took them into Boston on Friday, Newburyport on Saturday, Salem and Kittery Outlets on Monday, and the beach on Tuesday before they left for IL. On Wednesday, I had a dentist appt - fillings for cavities. I've been good for so long with my teeth and all of sudden - WHAM! On Thursday, I got new tires for the car ($320.00). Ughy lots of money! Worked in the afternoon at my doggie place. Had Book Club that evening. Today, I had to have a plumber come and unplug my tub - it wouldn't drain. I tried everything - Liquid Plumber, this real industrial stuff from Home Depot, nothing worked! Final Cost - $250! Ughy! The joys of owning your own property.
Not much to report on the job search. I'm really stressing about it. There isn't a lot out there. Plus, schools are cutting back their budgets so I'm almost too expensive to hire. I'm fine financially until the end of August. After that, I'm totally screwed!
Please be thinking lots of happy and positive thoughts for me!
And, if you see a position for a high school history or social studies teacher, let me know!
Lea and Joann left on Tuesday. We had such a nice visit. I took them into Boston on Friday, Newburyport on Saturday, Salem and Kittery Outlets on Monday, and the beach on Tuesday before they left for IL. On Wednesday, I had a dentist appt - fillings for cavities. I've been good for so long with my teeth and all of sudden - WHAM! On Thursday, I got new tires for the car ($320.00). Ughy lots of money! Worked in the afternoon at my doggie place. Had Book Club that evening. Today, I had to have a plumber come and unplug my tub - it wouldn't drain. I tried everything - Liquid Plumber, this real industrial stuff from Home Depot, nothing worked! Final Cost - $250! Ughy! The joys of owning your own property.
Not much to report on the job search. I'm really stressing about it. There isn't a lot out there. Plus, schools are cutting back their budgets so I'm almost too expensive to hire. I'm fine financially until the end of August. After that, I'm totally screwed!
Please be thinking lots of happy and positive thoughts for me!
And, if you see a position for a high school history or social studies teacher, let me know!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Pictures from Visit
Joann, Carla, Lea, and I at Warren's - Kittery, Maine.
Joann and I at the beach - Plum Island, Newburyport, MA.
Joann, Lea, and I at Old North Church in Boston, MA.Saturday, April 15, 2006
Happy Easter All!
Happy Easter Everyone!
I have Joann and Lea out here visiting from IL.
The menu for Easter: spiral ham, Green Rice, Greenbean casserole, crossants, salad, chocolate cake, cookies, etc. Yummy!
Enjoy your day -
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Trying to Move On . . . .
This has been the toughest week for me.
Thank God for my wonderful family, friends, and work colleagues for being there and helping me get through this - I'm so blessed to have such a strong support system.
Monday was hard. I was very emotional all day. The kids knew something was up. I was told to not tell them yet. I'm not ready to tell them either. My colleagues kept checking in on me all day long. Everybody is so emotional and depressed right now. The morale in the building is pretty low right now.
I took up the offer of that recommendation letter from my Principal. When you read it, you want to ask yourself, "If I'm such a wonderful teacher according to this letter, then why the hell are you letting me go?" It makes absolutely no sense at all.
Peter, my dept. Chair, wrote my a great letter too! He's been so wonderful about everything! Again, very blessed that I have a dept chair who really truly cares!
I've been calling in a few favors to some of my parents of the students I have taught - they work at other school systems in the area and have asked for their help in trying to find a new job. I've also asked a few of them to write me a recommendation letter. All the parents I've spoken with are in absolute shock about me leaving. They want me to stay. I want to stay. But, fate has something else in store for me.
Oh, and get this one! My Principal is leaving next year. He received a job offer at another school for more money! That's what makes this even more mean and hurtful! Part of me wonders is the "problem" with him or another administrator in the building.
Again, thank you everyone that has responded to the last post. Your support and strength is what will get me through this horrible bump in my life!
I Love Ya All!
Thank God for my wonderful family, friends, and work colleagues for being there and helping me get through this - I'm so blessed to have such a strong support system.
Monday was hard. I was very emotional all day. The kids knew something was up. I was told to not tell them yet. I'm not ready to tell them either. My colleagues kept checking in on me all day long. Everybody is so emotional and depressed right now. The morale in the building is pretty low right now.
I took up the offer of that recommendation letter from my Principal. When you read it, you want to ask yourself, "If I'm such a wonderful teacher according to this letter, then why the hell are you letting me go?" It makes absolutely no sense at all.
Peter, my dept. Chair, wrote my a great letter too! He's been so wonderful about everything! Again, very blessed that I have a dept chair who really truly cares!
I've been calling in a few favors to some of my parents of the students I have taught - they work at other school systems in the area and have asked for their help in trying to find a new job. I've also asked a few of them to write me a recommendation letter. All the parents I've spoken with are in absolute shock about me leaving. They want me to stay. I want to stay. But, fate has something else in store for me.
Oh, and get this one! My Principal is leaving next year. He received a job offer at another school for more money! That's what makes this even more mean and hurtful! Part of me wonders is the "problem" with him or another administrator in the building.
Again, thank you everyone that has responded to the last post. Your support and strength is what will get me through this horrible bump in my life!
I Love Ya All!
Monday, April 03, 2006
Life just sucks!
I know it's been a while since I've posted on my blog. The initial reason was that softball season started up and I've been very busy with that. However, I received some devastating news on Friday.
I've been trying to muster up the nerve to share this information so here it goes:
I was pulled out of my classroom at the end of the day on Friday to be told by my Principal that I would not be coming back next school year. I was numb. I was upset. I was sick to my stomach. I asked why and his response is that he legally can't tell me why because I'm within the first three years. Yes, I've been fired. I thought I was a good teacher. I thought I was doing everything right. Apparently not. Thank God for my colleagues in the History/English Office. They were completely shocked by this news - it makes not sense they tell me. They tell me I'm dedicated, caring, and a good teacher. What makes this even worse is that the principal (who hardly ever "works" with me or seen me teach) overrided my Dept Chair's decision. Peter, my chair, fought hard to keep me. Peter works with me everyday. He's seen me in the classroom many times! My formal evaluations are great from Peter and the other administrators in the building. I have received no formal evaluation from my Principal in the three years I've been in the school. Unfortunately, the union can't do anything because of the law so their hands are tied. How am I supposed to grow as an educator and learn from this experience if I'm not told what I did wrong?
The students knew something was up today because I looked like crap (I haven't slept all weekend and everything I eat comes up). Kids are very perceptive! I was told to wait a while to tell them I'm leaving. They are going to freak out! I don't like having to lie to them.
Can I just say how blessed I am to have such great friends and family in my life? Everybody has been so supportive to me during this very difficult time.
I'm feeling a lot right now: anger, what the hell did I do wrong?, scared, confusion, etc. I just don't understand why I was let go. I also know that I can't wrack my brain and overanalyze this or I'll go crazy.
As I've posted in prior posts, I'm very dedicated and emotionally connected to my school. I'm invested! So, I'm taking this very hard. I just don't get it. I probably will never find out why I was let go. All I can do is move forward.
I have many concerns right now. First, is my mortgage and other bills. Second, health insurance. I'm also worried that because I have seven years experience, I'm almost too expensive to hire. We are having major budget cuts out here in MA in education so I keep thinking if I'll be able to find a job.
I also need to re-evaluate my professional life. I adore teaching. But, maybe this a wakeup call for me to stop having my job focus around my life. It's so easy for me to throw myself into my job. After Paul and I broke up, I literally threw myself into my job because I didn't want to feel all that hurt. Being a workaholic is not a good thing in the field of education because people can take advantage of you. So, I pose a question: how do I maintain a level of being the best history teacher that I can be, but also have a life outside of school?
Today, I resigned from the softball coach position. I can't be an effective coach and look for a job at the same time. I felt bad for the varsity coach to leave her on short notice but I need to do what it is best for me. I put everyone else ahead of my own feelings that I never think of myself. That changed today. Luckily, the athletic director and the varsity coach were very supportive. They are both in shock of me being let go too.
My parents have been great. Of course, one of the comments out of the mouth was: "You can always come back to IL." I've been out here since 1994. Moving back to IL would not solve my problems. I'm happy here. Even though I continue to have these small set backs, I'm still happy here. I do the best I can. I just wish that my parents would realize that.
So, after this huge book that I just babbled out to the cyber world, this is the reason why I haven't been blogging a lot lately.
I've been trying to muster up the nerve to share this information so here it goes:
I was pulled out of my classroom at the end of the day on Friday to be told by my Principal that I would not be coming back next school year. I was numb. I was upset. I was sick to my stomach. I asked why and his response is that he legally can't tell me why because I'm within the first three years. Yes, I've been fired. I thought I was a good teacher. I thought I was doing everything right. Apparently not. Thank God for my colleagues in the History/English Office. They were completely shocked by this news - it makes not sense they tell me. They tell me I'm dedicated, caring, and a good teacher. What makes this even worse is that the principal (who hardly ever "works" with me or seen me teach) overrided my Dept Chair's decision. Peter, my chair, fought hard to keep me. Peter works with me everyday. He's seen me in the classroom many times! My formal evaluations are great from Peter and the other administrators in the building. I have received no formal evaluation from my Principal in the three years I've been in the school. Unfortunately, the union can't do anything because of the law so their hands are tied. How am I supposed to grow as an educator and learn from this experience if I'm not told what I did wrong?
The students knew something was up today because I looked like crap (I haven't slept all weekend and everything I eat comes up). Kids are very perceptive! I was told to wait a while to tell them I'm leaving. They are going to freak out! I don't like having to lie to them.
Can I just say how blessed I am to have such great friends and family in my life? Everybody has been so supportive to me during this very difficult time.
I'm feeling a lot right now: anger, what the hell did I do wrong?, scared, confusion, etc. I just don't understand why I was let go. I also know that I can't wrack my brain and overanalyze this or I'll go crazy.
As I've posted in prior posts, I'm very dedicated and emotionally connected to my school. I'm invested! So, I'm taking this very hard. I just don't get it. I probably will never find out why I was let go. All I can do is move forward.
I have many concerns right now. First, is my mortgage and other bills. Second, health insurance. I'm also worried that because I have seven years experience, I'm almost too expensive to hire. We are having major budget cuts out here in MA in education so I keep thinking if I'll be able to find a job.
I also need to re-evaluate my professional life. I adore teaching. But, maybe this a wakeup call for me to stop having my job focus around my life. It's so easy for me to throw myself into my job. After Paul and I broke up, I literally threw myself into my job because I didn't want to feel all that hurt. Being a workaholic is not a good thing in the field of education because people can take advantage of you. So, I pose a question: how do I maintain a level of being the best history teacher that I can be, but also have a life outside of school?
Today, I resigned from the softball coach position. I can't be an effective coach and look for a job at the same time. I felt bad for the varsity coach to leave her on short notice but I need to do what it is best for me. I put everyone else ahead of my own feelings that I never think of myself. That changed today. Luckily, the athletic director and the varsity coach were very supportive. They are both in shock of me being let go too.
My parents have been great. Of course, one of the comments out of the mouth was: "You can always come back to IL." I've been out here since 1994. Moving back to IL would not solve my problems. I'm happy here. Even though I continue to have these small set backs, I'm still happy here. I do the best I can. I just wish that my parents would realize that.
So, after this huge book that I just babbled out to the cyber world, this is the reason why I haven't been blogging a lot lately.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
Trip to NYC
My trip to NYC was fun! My colleagues Matt, Ken, and Wendy and I took 25 teenagers to NYC to the Model UN Conference.
Here's the scoop -
Wednesday - We left school around 7:45 am on a chartered bus. The bus had a DVD player so the kids watched one of the Harry Potter films and part of Pride and Prejudice. First let me say that there were 21 girls and 4 males on this trip! So, the chick flicks went over very well with the females on the bus. Wendy and I chatted the entire ride down to NYC so we didn't even watch the movies. We stayed at The Hilton . After the kids got settled in their rooms, we left for the Opening ceremonies. The opening ceremonies were at the United Nations that evening. The security to get in was very tight! One of our students (a exchange student from Turkmenistan) was searched by security. I felt really bad for him because when you look at him, his skin tones are Middle Eastern. The kids got to sit in the General Assembly where all the ambassadors from all over the world sit to discuss world problems. The guest speaker discussed how the kids can make a difference in the world by participating in events like Model UN. Bed checks were at 12:30 am! Can I just say how old I am that I can't even stay awake that late anymore? We had two kids that decided it was OK to walk down to Times Square and walk around at 1:00 am! They broke curfew so they were "grounded" for the rest of the trip.
Thursday - the students were in committee meetings all day. We had to check on them to see if they had any questions or concerns. The adults then could do whatever we wanted. Ken and I headed to Times Square to walk around and check out the heart of the city. We ate lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. The food was amazing! In the late afternoon, Wendy and I walked around Central Park and shared a pretzel. I did sit on some of the committee meetings - some of the topics were more interesting than others. For example, the League of Arab Nations meeting was discussing the impact of oil and the world economy. They also were trying to figure out a way to conserve oil. The World Bank meeting was rather boring.
Friday - the students were in meetings all day again. Wendy and I decided to check out MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). They had a great exhibit on Edvard Munch (think the Screamer painting). Afterwards, we walked down to Rockefeller Center for a quick lunch at this organic restaurant. We did a group dinner at this place. They had great pizza! After dinner, a bunch of the girls and I ran to the Carnegie Deli for cheesecake - oh my goodness - the cheesecake was huge and amazing! Yummy! I really couldn't finish it all. I'm so happy that I could "work off" that cheesecake later on in the evening. There was a dance on Friday night for the students. Matt, Wendy, and I "busted a move" on the dance floor with the kids. I think they got a nice chuckle out of their teachers dancing! Curfew this night was 1:00 am! I'm getting way too old for staying up so late!
Saturday - We were able to sleep in a bit because our bus wasn't picking us up until noon. Wendy and I did a nice buffet all you could breakfast at the hotel. We had been doing on the go breakfast the past few days and thought it would be nice to just sit and relax and enjoy our breakfast. The bus arrived at noon to pick us up at the hotel. It took us almost five hours to get home - we ran into a bit of traffic.
Overall, it was a fun experience! I would definitely do it again. The kids for the most part were pretty well behaved. I didn't really know a lot of the kids but by the end of the trip, I got to know most of them. It's such a great learning experience to get to know your students outside of the classroom.
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