No, my job is not lost in the sense that I cannot find it. It is lost in the sense that I will no longer be teaching at my school next year.
Humans are interesting. We see the world around us and notice the struggles of others, but it isn't until tragedy hits home that we really feel it. Today, I really feel the effects of our poor economy. Today I feel the effects of the lack of support by politicians for education. Today I feel alone.
I won't go into details about my situation, but the German program at my high school is being down-sized. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to find a job elsewhere in the district (there is ONE lead... please keep me in your prayers!) and it's looking like I'll be able to go back and teach German again one year from now when my coworker retires. Either way, the nature of the whole situation and the way it has been handled leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
I must constantly remind myself to be positive. I know that Heavenly Father has blessed me in the past and He will bless me again. I know that there is much I can learn from this situation. I pray for the strength and faith necessary to endure this trial and to grow because of it.
All I can really say is that being a teacher is hard work. Sometimes I can't believe the lack of support for people who are so selfless and giving. Teachers definitely aren't in it for the money. They are there because they love what they do (in most cases!) and because they want to make a difference in the lives of their students.
And yet, education is almost always the first thing that gets cut when the chips are down, when funding is still given to other things like "leashless dog parks" or sound barrier walls on I-5 in Seattle in neighborhoods that don't want them. This is my plea to you: Please support schools as best you can. Please support politicians that support education. I work hard as a teacher and to feel so unsupported in trying to better the world around me is heartbreaking. Thanks for listening. Thanks for your friendship and support. All in all, life goes on and I will be a better person and teacher for what is happening to me right now.
18 insightful comments:
oh sarah, i am sorry to hear about your struggle. i will for sure keep you in my prayers. you will be blessed, i just know it. sometimes it is just so hard to figure out what heavenly father is trying to teach us. i have been bad at commenting lately...i'm still keeping up with your blog, i promise! : )
=(
I know that you'll find something, and I'll pray that your lead leads to greener pastures!
Ah! Come on Enumclaw. Come on people everywhere.
My stomach feels a little sick and my heart hurts more. I'm so sorry.
I grow so much from your strength. Thanks for being honest with the world, for putting your soul out there. Your teaching changed the direction of my life. Seriously. So thanks.
you're in my prayers! I would have LOVED to have you as my German teacher (back in the day...can you believe its' been 10 years?)
Sarah. Boo. I think that says it all. I am always amazed at those who can focus on staying positive in times of extreme trial and you are definitely a leader in that area. I have always thought it interesting that attitude plays such a huge part of Nephi and his family's journey. All of them made the same journey, felt the same hunger pains, mourned the same losses, and yet Laman and Lemeul came out much different people than Nephi. You are a Nephi and don't forget it!! All my love in your time of trouble. I will pray.
Sarah, I'm so sorry! They don't know what they are doing! Teachers like you are golden, I could bet a million dollars that out of all the teachers in your school you are among the greatest!!!! What are they thinking??? I just don't get it! I think public schools have a DIRE NEED for teachers like you! You WILL find another job! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers...:)
I'll keep you in my prayers. You are one of the most amazing people I've ever met, so I know God's "opening a window" for you
:0)
I'm in a policy class right now, and we are discussing education policy. It's been really disheartening to realize how education policy is formed, and how it does not get nearly the money or attention that it deserves. We need good teachers!! We need YOU! I hope that the education funding proposal for $100 billion in the next two years goes through to help the schools through this tough time. You are right, we need people in office who know and care about schools.
You'll be in my prayers to find a job! You are a great teacher and the kids will be missing out on a great influence if you aren't there for them.
I am so sorry Sarah! Teacher to teacher, I know how you feel about the ridiculous cuts and feeling under appreciated. Our district is going to suffer from huge cuts next year as well, we just don't know what is going to be cut. I really feel blessed to be secure in my job right now, and I know that it will work out for you as well.
Sara, you are an amazing person and you're right the Lord will bless you again.
You'll be in my prayers! Hugs!
I know exactly how you feel. I have been feeling those thoughts as well, since Rick has no job and once the end of June hits we will not have a place to live. I have faith but is it strong enough to endure another trial. I want to be strong but I'm tired of the things that we are going through. I know that other's have it much harder than we do. We all need to pray and stick together. We are family in this big old world. I know it always works out but my heart is weak and getting tired. From another who understands the struggle.
Sarah, I'm so sorry to hear that, especially because I know how hard you work and how much you put into your teaching. So is Frau LaTurner not retiring? It's just such a hard time for so many people right now. I know it's easy for me to say, but I know things will work out. It just might take a while. I'll be praying for you for sure. Love you!
I am so sorry! U know what it feels like. 2 years in a row I lost my job. Thankfully things always worked out. But I am truly sad for you. Best of luck!
You are in our Prayers!
Sarah, that STINKS!!! I'm sorry that this has happened to you. I'll be praying that that other lead opens up and works out fine for you. Call me if you need to talk!
When that other teacher retires are you for sure getting the job then? At least that is something to hang on to during this very difficult transition...Being a substitute perhaps in the surrounding areas would give you time to do some very important things in your life at this time too!
Oh Sarah. I am so sorry to hear this.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. I had no idea.
Let us know if we can do anything for you.
[Let's hang out soon!!]
For some reason this post didn't come through my RSS...or it did and I deleted it by accident. I only found out about it after you mentioned having such a difficult day on Tuesday.
My heart goes out to you Sarah. I wish there was something I could do. Maybe it will be helpful to know that there is someone in San Diego who thinks the world of you and holds a special place in his heart for you.
I think this is a great quote:
In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else.-Lee Iacoccoa
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