Changes
Working at my school has gotten increasingly frustrating. I have never been truly happy there, I’m definitely a square peg in a round hole - I don’t fit in, but for the most part I have been allowed to be me and while no one gets me, no one stops me. Lately that has begun to change as the administration pushes us to be more on the same page and plan together and use common assessments (and if we all give the same assessments, then we all need to teach the same way). I’m growing tired of being on my own and not having that “teaching solemate” that gets me. In addition, there have been some monumentally stupid decisions made lately and I’m feeling that I’m not sure I can continue working there.
The question though, is what to do.
I could easily transfer to another school in my same district (very large district, lots of different types of schools). I could go to a school similar to mine (high poverty rate) or I could switch to a more middle-class school.
I could change grade levels - I currently teach young children and I definitely love watching them grow, the behavior really gets to me some days. Is that more a product of the poverty or 6 year olds in general? Would I enjoy older kids as much?
This summer I totally fell in love with Washington State, there a lots of schools out there! (and as a possible bonus, potentially less pollen!) Over the summer I found a school district in the middle of the Cascades - they had 3 positions open in the whole district, one of which was Elementary Reading teacher! I could do that! That job is likely taken now, but there might be others. The Olympic Peninsula is also very appealing. There are some schools that I know have high poverty rates, but it’s different, more rural poverty, as opposed to urban poverty. Would those kids be different? (I have only taught in high poverty schools…it’s where I feel I belong).
My best friend is talking about moving to Northern CA. I have already informed him that I’m coming too if he does! I found a Creative Arts Public Charter School there that looks like it would be perfect for me.
I could go do something else entirely for awhile. I am allowed to take a years leave of absence (without pay) and keep my job at my current school. A few years ago I heard about the NPS’s Teacher Ranger Program - it’s a summer program where a teacher works in the park for the summer, but it seems like a flexible program, could I potentially spend a school year working in a park? Or just spend a year being an actual Ranger?
All of these options have pros and cons. When I think about the pros of any of these ideas I get excited. The possibility of positive change is thrilling! The thought that maybe the grass really is greener and that I can truly enjoy my job again makes me very happy.
But, when my mind shifts to the cons, I get scared. ALL the options I have come up with so far have cons that terrify me. 6 years ago I moved to my current school b/c of an un-fun but likely livable situation at my old school - I landed in a much worse situation. Whose to say that won’t happen again? Moving to the West Coast sounds like a grand adventure, but selling my house? Giving up 9 years with my current school district? All because I want a change. Not sure it’s wise. Taking a year off sounds like a great compromise, but what can I do during that year to make money? If I wanted to live somewhere else for the year, what do I do with my house?
Hopefully soon I’ll know what the right decision is, and hopefully it will be obvious!
