lisa-in-FL
Member
- Feb 17, 2018
- 882
- 1,529
Hello old friends - I haven't been here in a while!
I've been busy teaching for over 5 years now and have been blessed in many ways. I got a job at a good school that I thought I would be teaching at for many years to come but was recently cut when they had to reduce the staff by two teachers. It is a long story, but basically the principal and a very inexperienced asst. principal decided to retaliate against the staff of teachers because we've been vocal about some bad choices and unprofessional behavior we'd seen. Half the staff got moved to grade levels they never taught before and didn't want to teach and it was done in a "take it or leave" kind of way. Well, 3 veteran teachers - all amazing teachers - have done that so far and taken their talents elsewhere. The other teacher that was cut and I were assigned to new schools. This is where the blessing comes in . .within hours of finding out the news I heard from my new principal that I was being assigned to a grade level and subject area that I actually wanted to move to. I had prayed for months for protection from that vindictive principal and so I could see God's hand in this move . . it didn't happen exactly the way I wanted it, but I have been delivered from the toxic situation that my old school has turned into. And I'm moving into something that *could* be positive.
That said, even though it happened a little over two months ago, I'm still reeling from this event. I watched my former students grow up at that school and I had to say goodbye. I poured my heart into that job and those kids and this principal knew it. It wasn't until I (respectfully) disagreed with him that he started to devalue me. So in the end, when he told me that I was being cut he didn't even bother to soften the blow with a "This was a difficult decision" or "Thanks for all you've done here". For him it was like winning a game, in fact I described his face to a friend as "Like Satan playing a winning hand at poker". The kicker is this man claims to be a Christian so I've been trying to reconcile how someone can say they know Christ and treat me and other hard working teachers like they are disposable. Several other teachers, after this happened said "you know he's a Christian, right?" with derision in their voice and an eye-roll. These are people who are not Christians but they are watching his example and probably thinking that's what we are all like.
I'm still highly rated and this new school is looking forward to having me join the staff. I've met some of my new team members, but I'm suffering from a lot of anxiety and self-doubt. I didn't get a specific reason why I was cut and they didn't ever express concerns with my ability but it still looks bad. I'm on an annual contract so we can be cut without cause, but its usually not done once a teacher is established somewhere. So there are people in that community that might question why. The other teacher that was cut felt the same way and she lives in that community (another cruel decision made by that principal).
I'm off for the summer and I'm trying to relax but I'm really struggling (not sleeping well at all!). I'm walking into this new role hoping that God is guiding my path. I'm hoping this new school will start to feel like home and that I can make a difference for the students there, too.
I'll be honest, I'm also praying for some kind of justice to be done too. I didn't deserve to be cut and in such a cruel way. I can't go back there because I wouldn't trust that admin again, but I still want something that makes this right even though I don't know what that would look like.
So, that's my update. If you will, please pray for relief from my anxiety and for support as I move into this new role in early August.
Thank you!
I've been busy teaching for over 5 years now and have been blessed in many ways. I got a job at a good school that I thought I would be teaching at for many years to come but was recently cut when they had to reduce the staff by two teachers. It is a long story, but basically the principal and a very inexperienced asst. principal decided to retaliate against the staff of teachers because we've been vocal about some bad choices and unprofessional behavior we'd seen. Half the staff got moved to grade levels they never taught before and didn't want to teach and it was done in a "take it or leave" kind of way. Well, 3 veteran teachers - all amazing teachers - have done that so far and taken their talents elsewhere. The other teacher that was cut and I were assigned to new schools. This is where the blessing comes in . .within hours of finding out the news I heard from my new principal that I was being assigned to a grade level and subject area that I actually wanted to move to. I had prayed for months for protection from that vindictive principal and so I could see God's hand in this move . . it didn't happen exactly the way I wanted it, but I have been delivered from the toxic situation that my old school has turned into. And I'm moving into something that *could* be positive.
That said, even though it happened a little over two months ago, I'm still reeling from this event. I watched my former students grow up at that school and I had to say goodbye. I poured my heart into that job and those kids and this principal knew it. It wasn't until I (respectfully) disagreed with him that he started to devalue me. So in the end, when he told me that I was being cut he didn't even bother to soften the blow with a "This was a difficult decision" or "Thanks for all you've done here". For him it was like winning a game, in fact I described his face to a friend as "Like Satan playing a winning hand at poker". The kicker is this man claims to be a Christian so I've been trying to reconcile how someone can say they know Christ and treat me and other hard working teachers like they are disposable. Several other teachers, after this happened said "you know he's a Christian, right?" with derision in their voice and an eye-roll. These are people who are not Christians but they are watching his example and probably thinking that's what we are all like.
I'm still highly rated and this new school is looking forward to having me join the staff. I've met some of my new team members, but I'm suffering from a lot of anxiety and self-doubt. I didn't get a specific reason why I was cut and they didn't ever express concerns with my ability but it still looks bad. I'm on an annual contract so we can be cut without cause, but its usually not done once a teacher is established somewhere. So there are people in that community that might question why. The other teacher that was cut felt the same way and she lives in that community (another cruel decision made by that principal).
I'm off for the summer and I'm trying to relax but I'm really struggling (not sleeping well at all!). I'm walking into this new role hoping that God is guiding my path. I'm hoping this new school will start to feel like home and that I can make a difference for the students there, too.
I'll be honest, I'm also praying for some kind of justice to be done too. I didn't deserve to be cut and in such a cruel way. I can't go back there because I wouldn't trust that admin again, but I still want something that makes this right even though I don't know what that would look like.
So, that's my update. If you will, please pray for relief from my anxiety and for support as I move into this new role in early August.
Thank you!
and that the Lord may bless you as you teach the children .
I was randomly thinking of you the other day. Thanks for the update!
but seriously, it’s extra frustrating and Jesus tells us that the wheat and the tares will grow up together until harvest time…