the state that i am in » Waiting to Exhale

10.24.09 Waiting to Exhale

Without getting into the gory details, I’ll tell you that my school district is in debt in a major way. Tens of millions of dollars have to be cut from next year’s budget. With over 75% of the district’s spending going to payroll, major monetary cuts will mean major personnel cuts. Anyone who works with me would be naive to think they won’t be affected.

The thing that scares me the most about all of this is not the being unemployed. That would suck, but we would find a way to deal. It’s not the fact that there are no teaching jobs out there and the market will soon be flooded with hundreds of newly unemployed teachers. That sucks too.

What scares me the most is losing a job that I love. I’ve been working for my district for 5 years. Sure, there have been some ugly times, but those times are greatly out-shadowed by the times I’ve heard a child speak their first words, seen a child take their first steps, or helped a family through a difficult diagnosis. I am so lucky to have a job that allows me to take part in so many of life’s miracles. I’m terrified to lose that.

For now, I’m just holding my breath…

It’s very apparent how dedicated you are to your work and I love that.

I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you, Erin <3
.-= Jamie´s last blog ..busy busy =-.

Not to go all “the universe” on you, but maybe your compassion and dedication are needed to influence other miracles in a new role somewhere? I sincerely hope this works out in the most ideal way possible, and I am holding you in my thoughts. Your love for your work is inspiring. xoxo
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I hope that things work out in your favor Erin. I know its scary to be holding your breath, I do that on a regular basis.

I’m not naive in that I don’t think I will be affected, but I pretend it doesn’t freak me out big time so I don’t think about it. I feel like the only thing we can do is wait and see what happens and then deal with it. It is scary not knowing though. I feel your pain.
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Oh no!
I will say prayers for you. I know how you feel. Our school has been doing “the same” on the state exams for too long and they told us that if our scores don’t go up this year, they will fire and replace most of the core teachers.
All we can do is hope our dedication and teaching speak for themselves!
.-= Camile´s last blog ..Falling Apart =-.

Oh no…hope everything works out for you!Will be keeping my fingers crossed.
I’m a primary supply (substitute) teacher…which means I can be teaching anywhere in the 3-11 age range, and am trying to look for a permanent job. There aren’t budget cutbacks in my area, but there aren’t many teaching jobs to go around for all the newly qualified/unemployed teachers who would like them!

I so hope that none of this comes to pass for you. How much you care just seeps through in every word you write about your job- I remember when I first started reading your blog it was my first impression of you. I hope you work extra hard to find comfort in this in between time and that everything works out, pronto <3

I can’t imagine anyone who clearly, clearly cares about their work as much as you would be impacted in a serious way. At least I’m hoping not!
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There are so many people that lose jobs that they could care less about. It means a lot to me that you’re so dedicated to your job. I’m over here thinking happy thoughts for you that whatever happens, happens for the best.

I guess that’s the thing about teaching. It’s not just a job, it’s a piece of who you are. It’s not one of those jobs you can detach from as soon as you get out of work. I just wish the job market was better right now. I’m sure you’ll be fine, but good luck anyway!
.-= Sara Rae´s last blog ..Can we call you Ms. S? =-.

Oh my gosh Erin, I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope things will turn out okay. I know you love your job and those kids and it would be a huge loss to them if you have to move on. BIG BEAR HUG
.-= Jessica´s last blog ..Weekend recap: Kitchen adventures (with pie and cookies) =-.

I know what you mean. All of that other stuff scares me a lot. But I love my job and my students and our school and our families and I don’t want to do something else.
.-= Steph´s last blog ..Babies at the Pumpkins Patch =-.

It’s not often that someone writes about losing their job the way you do. It’s obvious that you love your job and what you do and for that, I am praying that you either can keep your job or find something as equally rewarding if you should happen to be cut. What a bummer of a situation but leave it up to you to find the positive side to the situation! Love you!
.-= nora´s last blog ..Weekend Adventures =-.

Oh man. I will definitely keep my fingers crossed for you!

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you. From what I’ve read you seem like you really love your job and I would hate to see you lose that. As cliché as it sounds, everything will work out how its supposed to in the end.

In the meantime- HUGS <3
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I’m thinking of you Erin! I can’t believe everything is dictated by your district so much… come work in Australia! We are employed by State departments and it seems things are much more secure. As a teacher, I know how you feel to some extent. It’s not just a job, you are part of a community, part of something even bigger. I guess that’s why we put up with the pay and the workload. My fingers are crossed for you! Good luck!

Fingers and toes are crossed for you and your district.

Something similar happened in my district not too long ago. One of the towns was in serious debt to the state and when an override to raise property taxes didn’t pass, they cut into the schools. Laid off a bunch of teachers – a lot of sped people were cut, classes were being combined, paras were let go, no music, no gym .. It was and still is scary.

Thankfully, there’s a volunteer group that has been working in the school and a few of the programs have been brought back – on a few day a week basis.

Best of luck with everything.

In my journalism job, I primarily cover the schools beat and have reported on school budget cuts often lately. And you can see the heartache in people’s eyes when they know their jobs are at risk. But more so, you see the anguish of the school board or administrators who know that the children and their education will be affected, yet the government seems to care less about that than saving the necessary dollars. It’s not just about the jobs people lose. It’s about the kids who see higher pupil per teacher ratios and receive less individualized attention which they sometimes need. It’s really unfortunate. Schools are one of the last places cuts should be made, if you ask me.
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Eek, fingers crossed. I hope it works out!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Grown-Up..ish… =-.

Aww, Erin, this makes me so sad for you. I’ve been in your position before… for much of this year (hello, journalism), and it sucks. I’m crossing my fingers for you and hoping it works out so you can continue making an impact on young lives.

Every school district NEEDS people like you who are passionate about helping the children.
.-= E.P.´s last blog ..On wedding planning =-.

Oh no! Fingers crossed. I know how scary it can be to feel so passionate about something and fear losing it. I hope everything works out.
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