Much has happened over the last month, so an update is long overdue.
A week before the school year ended, my principal told me I wouldn't have a job there next year because of the budget cuts. Since I was the last hired English teacher, I was the first to lose my job. Additionally, she cut another English teacher, the chemistry teacher, and a math teacher.
Next year looks bleak. Freshmen will no longer have 90 minutes of English and math; they will have 45 minutes. (Keep in mind, most of my students are reading at least 2 or more years behind grade level and DESERVE double English classes to give them the opportunity to progress.) Our student's math scores on the state exams were terrible. We had something like a 20% pass rate for the Geometry regents exam.
Three out of our five AP classes were cut. No honors classes. No after school activities/ tutoring (unless, of course, teachers volunteer). Aside from me being upset about losing my job, the fact that my students are going to have even less opportunities for a rigorous education upsets me even more. In fact, it's infuriating. My students deserve an education that is challenging for them at whatever level they are, but now most of the classes will be remedial.
My colleagues, to whom I am very close, are afraid the school will fall apart without the funding and support tools they need. Regardless, they will continue to work even harder to give my students what they deserve-- a quality education.
Two days after I lost my position I went to Dallas for a week-long AVID conference. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and is a college preparatory course for students who are motivated and bright but who lack the necessary skills (reading, writing, organization, note-taking) to excel in the toughest courses. The idea is that these kids CAN excel but need the extra support to do so. I learned a ton of strategies that I can incorporate into my lessons. Although I was excited about learning new things and being trained in AVID, being at the conference with my colleagues was tough. I was sad that I wouldn't be at my school next year to see our plans and exciting ideas take root.
After taking a week to come to terms with losing my position I began my hunt for a new job. A part of me hoped that at any day my principal would call me and say there had been a budget miracle and she'd be able to keep me. Realistically, I knew I had to find a new job.
Last week, I interviewed and taught a demo lesson at a school at which one of my TFA friends taught. I liked it, but when I left the school, something didn't feel right. The AP said he loved me and would talk to the principal about hiring me.
The next day, a principal called me and asked if I'd like to come in for an interview. He told me a little about his school, which was currently a 6-8 middle school, but in the fall they're adding a 9th grade (the following year, 10th, etc. until they have a high school as well). He seemed excited, so I figured why not have another possible option.
A day later, the AP of the first school called and offered me a job. I was thrilled but told him I'd have to let him know in a few days after my second interview.
Yesterday, on the day of my second interview, I went grudgingly. But, the second I stepped foot in the school I knew it was right for me. I can't exactly explain why, but my gut told me I wanted to teach there. My interview went well. I immediately fell in love with the school. The principal has a clear vision of what he wants for his teachers and students. He is passionate about education and kids and doing everything he can to build a team of motivated, driven, inspired teachers. He's the type of principal I want to work for.
After the interview, two 8th grade girls took me on a tour of the building. IT IS BEAUTIFUL. Brand new. There is a REAL full-sized gym. Beautiful library with a ton of new computers. Smartboards in every room. I think I even saw a football field out of the back window being renovated. I chatted the girls up about their school, teachers, etc. They were so cute and clearly loved their school and learning and growing as students.
After I left the school I felt both excited and sad at the same time. That's the kind of school (building) my old students deserve (my old school was in a converted warehouse. No real gym.) One with nice, modern facilities.
Later in the day, the principal called me and offered me the 9th grade English position. Without hesitating, I accepted wholeheartedly. He said, "At one point in the interview you seemed nervous, but the second you started talking about your kids, you lit up. We could tell how passionate you are about kids and teaching. That's the kind of teacher we want, so we knew you'd be right for our school." He then told me I passed the second, more difficult interview: the one with students. After I left, he asked the girls what they thought of me. They said, "Mr. O, she's great. We loved her."
So, after a tumultuous month of uncertainty, I finally feel at ease. In fact, I am thrilled.
