Sunday, May 23, 2010

Sunset, then sunrise....


I haven't posted very much lately, but for a good reason! I've been working in a long term substitute teaching position at a school I worked at eight years ago. It's a private school geared to students with learning differences. They probably won't have a full-time job next year, but a part-time looks likely! My husband did receive a teaching contract from the public schools, but hasn't been placed in a job yet. His school's staff was "fired" under the No Child Left Behind criteria. The whole "fire the staff" thing is off base really. And I know you can't "fire" the students, though goodness knows they are not there by choice! Perhaps it is better to revamp leadership and the overall approach instead. One thing is for certain - our public schools have a very challenging population. I'd like to see more alternative schools. A high school student was raped in the hallway during classes this week. Of course details on the case are not available to the public, but whether the charge is legitimate or not, obviously students were engaging in activities not related to academics. I know there have also been You Tube videos of what goes on inside some classrooms. Actually, I think students with cell phones is a good idea. It brings public attention to problems in a way just talking about it doesn't. A picture IS worth a thousand words! Speaking of pics, I took this sunset pic this month. Our weekend evening beach walks help with teacher stress! Sunset....sunrise.....

Sunday, May 9, 2010

What washes ashore, washes back out

I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend - just enjoying going out to eat (and drink a couple of well-deserved margaritas), and watching the sun set on the beach. My husband and I also went downtown to the market and bought fresh strawberries and tomatoes. I have a long term substitute teacher position for May, filling in for a teacher who is ill. Though I'd rather secure work under happier circumstances, I guess that is the role of a sub anyway. The job is no "walk in the park," as it is for middle schoolers with learning disabilities and/or behavioral challenges. Began to get very tired last week, so will slow things down this week. My husband teaches at a school where the entire staff was basically "fired," per the requirements of the No Child Left Behind legisation. He doesn't know, after 25 years in the system, if he has a job. I haven't had any offers either, and with teachers being laid off right and left, I'm not hopeful. Who would have thought so many teachers would be out of work? I say, what washes ashore, will wash back out eventually.