Using The Doors' famously coined phrase...the last day of school has finally arrived. Honestly, I thought this day would be sadder than it is. This has probably been the last day I will ever teach in a public institution.
As many of you already know, Daniel and I decided a long time ago that we would make do on one salary for as long as we needed to allow for a "stay at home" parent. Lucky for me...since the Navy owns him...I am the chosen one. Although we will be regulars at the Good Will and Discount Bread store, we will make do.
And actually, I am only sad to leave my job as a teacher, teaching students (what I signed up for). I am not sad to leave any of the crap that comes along with it. For the last 8 years, I believe I have been less appreciated by students, parents, administrators, and general public than I can stand. And it seems to have gotten progressively worse with each new year, requirement, and standard. I have finally reached the breaking point (you know what that is- when your paycheck is far less than your worth) and it could not have come at a better time.
And although I will not be getting paid for teaching, we all know I will be teaching our little man...the most important job in the world!
This year has been a taxing one. This year more than any other, I have worked harder and longer to receive less praise and appreciation than ever before. Thank you Callahan! On the up side, I have enjoyed many of my colleagues and made some really wonderful friends! You know who you are- and no matter how you are made to feel- you really are fantastic teachers!
I want to leave this year with some simple but wise words for all teachers out there. Most of us are amazing at our jobs! No matter what they say to you or what the public reports about you- it is not your fault if a student fails. At some point this country is going to have to realize that removing all responsibility from the student and parent and placing it all on the teacher is only enabling our future leaders. Hand-outs do not encourage success or instill self-sufficiency or pride. I am reminded of a quote: "If you give a man some food, he will eat for a day. If you teach a man to hunt, he will eat for a lifetime." It seems that many of our students have eaten curriculum each day of their publicly educated lives, only to graduate without the skills to hunt for it themselves! But enough about that- jumping off the soapbox...
I just had to say my peace-
Anyway, here goes...a life without a paid job. I am unsure of what the future holds for me, but perhaps I'll write a book, or open a boutique, or start my own line of ...something. Whatever I choose to do- I know I will be respected and appreciated more than I ever have been before. And R-E-S-P-E-C-T means the world to me!
For now...farewell, adieu, parting is such sweet sorrow...or is it?
