Well, today is the day I give up on being loyal to anyone other than my husband and immediate family. I say that somewhat in jest, but part of me is completely serious. I cannot believe how many times I have given my heart and soul, put my blood, sweet, and tears into something, just for it to turn around and bite me in the butt.
Yesterday I found out that I do not have a job for next school year. Not only did I find this out after pushing the principal for the information, but I found out 20 minutes before I started teaching for six straight hours. No break to compose myself, no chance to lose control and let it all sink it. I think it finally hit me this morning.
When I got hired as a part time teacher at the beginning of this school year it was knowing that the job "should" turn into full time for next year. I also knew it depended on the numbers for enrollment and where the school went as far as expansion. Throughout the school year, however, I have been encouraged over and over again. I went to a conference in September, that I didn't get paid for, because I showed "potential" for continued employment. I was continuously praised for a job well done. Then, in January, we got a new principal.
Even with the new administration I was encouraged and felt secure. The bomb was dropped yesterday because I finally asked straight out about contracts, which had been promised by the end of April. That's when the principal told me that the enrollment numbers just weren't what they had hoped for and a full-time job was extremely unlikely. In his own words I need to "start putting in applications" at other schools.
They MAY be able to offer me the position I had hoped for, but they won't know until June or July. Ummmm.... schools are hiring NOW. If I wait until June or July I will be out of luck. A lot of good that's going to do. IF I am not employed by the time they are ready to make a decision, the principal will be calling me to offer a job, but more than likely it will be part-time at LESS than the number of hours I am working now!
I understand that even schools, especially charter schools, are businesses. My principal knew, though, that I NEED full time work next school year. He could have given me a heads-up for next year so I could have gotten a jump start on putting in applications. I was stupid, though. In March and early April there were TONS of jobs posted on educational boards. Now, not so much. But, I was stupidly loyal, stupidly thinking that I was secure, stupidly believing I was doing the right thing by trying to stay in one place and build a career.
Well, I've learned my lesson. I won't be giving my all to anyone who doesn't give me the same consideration. I'm tired of bending over backward trying to prove myself. I AM worth so much more!
9 comments:
I have a feeling you will find something that will leave you feeling satisfied. You're a good teacher and someone will come to appreciate you for how awesome you are. You'll get there. I know it.
Thank you Mira. The unknowns are the scary part. I have applied for 15 jobs so far this morning. Hopefully the phone starts ringing soon!
So sorry to hear this! I have lots of teachers in my family (mom, dad, sister, husband) so I feel for you...hard to believe they told you so late.
Managers (or principals) that don't see their staff as people with needs deserve a kick in the pants.
Loyalty and good work should be rewarded with courtesy and fairness at the least.
While it's the last thing you probably want to hear - everything happens for a reason. Believe in yourself and your ability and you will get the job you deserve. Crossing my fingers for you
Chrissy, that's the part I can't believe. They could have told me a month ago that numbers weren't looking good. *Shaking my head.
Fi, I'm trying to believe in myself. Life's got me a little down right now, but I do believe things happen for a reason. We'll make it somehow. I have an interview scheduled for Monday morning at a school only three miles from me!
Well that really sucks. Fortunately you are a good person, and I suspect that you can rise above the actions of that principal.
That's so frustrating! You will find the position you are meant to have! It's all about timing!
Michelle
http://normalchaosforamultitaskmom.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-biggest-regret.html
That is just terrible. I hope, that all will go well and you will find a new, full-time position soon. it's so sad to see where our education system is headed and how it's more about the numbers than about actual education. It's a sad state of affairs that's for sure. Keep your head up and think positive. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
That's so frustrating! I hope you can find something better!
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