So, I’ve been thinking . . .
I want desperately to get out of my city . . .desperately! I feel almost “stuck” here. It is my plan in the spring to search for a job and hopefully, move overseas or just out of the state to start over. But, here is what I’ve been thinking:
- Things are comfortable here AND I have a good reputation. I have a reputation for being a tough, but good teacher. I can’t believe Freshman students think I am mean, the funny thing is they come back next year asking to repeat. WEIRD. KIDS!
- No where else in this country except for maybe, Philadelphia or Detroit or maybe LA, would I get to teach an African American History elective for an ENTIRE semester. That is right, I teach 4 SECTIONS of African American Heritage/History every spring. I will surely miss that. *sigh* Maybe, when I’m job hunting, I could negotiate that??? Not likely if I got to district with a small minority population.
I have resolved that if I don’t find a job out of state/country, then I will stay at my school. It is the better of all evils in this city. (I am really intrigued by TX, everyone I chat with LOVES it there, even the people I met at the conference) It is just a hard, hard, hard year–full of districtwide growing pains. But the great thing is: I am LEFT alone. I do my thing. I teach. Problem: I take it much too seriously. I want to do it right and that is a problem. I have to give up on doing it “right.” Many of our older teachers have announced that they will be retiring at the end of the year. One told me, “It has just become too much. And I’m too old for all of this.” I thought, “I’m too young for all of this.” Needless to say, teachers have NOT adjusted to the changes well.
AAH, random mutterings | Miss Teacha | 
November 24, 2009 5:11 am
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By Mrs. H, November 24, 2009 @ 8:47 am
Yes, yes, come to Texas. You will love it here!! When I read some of the stuff other bloggers put up with in other states, I am so thankful to live and teach in a state where I have lots of academic freedom. I’m not saying there are not bad districts here, but with your network of bloggers, I bet we could find you a great place to live and work.
By Margaret, November 24, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
I think you should put in some apps and just see where they lead. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Change is terrifying, but so is stagnation. (I should know!!)
By Magical Mystical Teacher, November 29, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
To be left alone by the powers-that-be is no small blessing. You might be wise to stay put. And then again…
(Notice that I’m back, miracle of miracles! Our district’s lovely WebSense has decided that you are not a gambling site after all!)
By Billy Chav, December 15, 2009 @ 12:04 am
Not to be a smartass– I truly don’t understand– but what is so great about teaching black history that you would let it determine one of the biggest decisions of your life?
By Miss Teacha, December 15, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
Billy, your comment didn’t sound smart assed at all!
Teaching AAH will NOT determine the course of my future. What I’m saying is that is something I am extremely passionate about and that I LOVE LOVE LOVE! It’s a great subject and I love the idea of talking about race and social issues in my classroom. I just said that I would miss it. It will NOT govern my decision to stay or leave. What governs my decision is job opportunities.
AAH can be integrated into ANY American History course. Details would just be limited and it wouldn’t be the focus.