8 years later . . .

Life is a journey, and it is full of ups and downs.  I began working at my school in 2008, as a second year teacher.  I had just moved to a new state with my husband, and a friend got me a job teaching third grade. 

I LOVED every second of it.

I was working down the hall from my friend, I had an amazing administrator and a FANTASTIC class!  That first class I had is a class that is forever in my heart.  I have written about them before, and I still am in touch with a handful of them even though they are now half way through their sophomore year of high school.

Over the years administration has changed, teachers have come and gone, and families have left.  New families have come into our school, and the school has changed over the years.  I didn't expect it to ever stay the same, but I didn't expect this.

I found out the last day of school before Thanksgiving Break that my contract will not be renewed for the next school year.  I was in shock when I found out, and I didn't even have a chance to ask questions.  I was trying to figure out why.  You know all of those insecurities that run through a person's head.  Am I not a good enough teacher?  Did I do something wrong?  Is what I believe in or stand up for wrong?  Did I not reach out to families?

My husband keeps reminding me that I need to not let this validate my teaching.  I know that I am a great teacher.  I know that I do everything I can to reach out to my students and their families.  I will not let this bring me down.  Even more than that, I refuse to let this effect my own children or my students.

During Thanksgiving break an email was sent out to families about next year's enrollment and my name was not included anywhere in the email.  I received a few texts, emails and Facebook messages about this.  There was a lot of concern, and a lot of people had questions.

Now I have faced three more weeks of teaching in my school knowing that I will not be coming back next year.    Those three weeks were fun!!  We embraced the crazy of Christmas and had so many fun days we didn't have time to think about what next year will look like.  Every now and then the four of us would look at each other and realize this was the last time that we would do this as a team.  This is the last time we will plan our amazing Polar Express day!  This is the last time we will go out to lunch before Christmas break.

Yes, I found out that I am not going to be on staff next year, but I will NOT let this effect my students this year.  I AM going to be a great teacher for them.  I AM going to continue to have amazing lessons.  I AM going to reach these students.  I AM going to make a difference.  I will NOT let this bring me down.  I will NOT let them see how defeated I feel.



For those who have been in this situation before I would LOVE your advice.  For those of you who are going through it now, I UNDERSTAND.  This STINKS!  I am looking forward to making more great memories this spring.  I am looking forward to holding my head high, and doing my job the only way I know how.  The BEST way I know how!

11 comments

  1. You've got the right attitude! I can't imagine how this all feels right now. One door closes and another beginning is now able to start. Keep your head up...you deserve it too! Blessings!

    Melissa Williams
    First Grade Frame of Mind

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love you!! I've been so inspired by your IG posts and the amazing teacher you are!! Your attitude shows you are the real deal. Any district would be lucky to have you!!!! Come work in PA with me!!

    Lindsay
    totally elementary

    ReplyDelete
  3. WOW. I will keep you in my prayers during this frustrating and confusing time. Hang in there, lovely lady! You are touching the lives of students, teachers, and families regardless of your job title. Thank you for being so inspirational in IG. Wishing you the best this upcoming new year. <3

    Sara Bleeker
    Sara in Second
    http://sarainsecond.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I follow you on IG & saw the link to your blog & read your sad news.

    I, too, have been down the road you are on now. It was so life changing for me that I went through deep depression. If you'd like to chat, you can look me up on Instagram @tammy.meyer. My account is private, but I'm happy to accept your follow request so we can chat about how my family of five put my job loss behind us & are now happier than ever!

    Sincerely,
    Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so sorry you are going through this! I can relate to your story as I also went through the same thing a few years ago. When I had to be let go, I had the same attitude as you. I stayed focused on my students and made every moment count. My faith helped me get through every moment and all of the support from family, friends, and my parents. I applied at other schools, even charter schools. After a few months into the new school year, I got a job at a charter school. I kept praying to return back to my dream school. Well, after 5 years of faithful prayers, I was able to return to my dream school. Through the 5 years, I found out why I was in a new school. I helped organized the school's foundation and was given the opportunity to gain leadership experience. I also had the chance to help little ones that needed some extra TLC. Point being, I held my faith and continued with a positive attitude. I focused on my kiddies and always gave it my best! We might not understand why things happen at that moment, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. You are an amazing teacher, so never doubt yourself! Continue to be positive and help change the future for the better! Together, we can make the impossible possible! Good-luck friend!

    Elizabeth
    First Grade Stripes

    ReplyDelete
  6. I completely understand how you feel. Two years ago, I experienced a similar situation after 7 years at the same school. Those last days were difficult, but I held my head high and did my best not to let my disappointment show. I spent more than a few planning periods in tears. Would I ever find another job I enjoy as much? Or another job at all?? Yet I accepted a new position in a neighboring district that summer, and it has been a wonderful change. I love my new school, admin, and students, though I had reservations before the year started. How could I transition to this new place with all I'd invested in my previous school? Thanks to a supportive, competent administration and staff, and an incredibly involved parent community, I have enjoyed these two years in my new position more than I could have ever imagined. I have a wonderful new school home, and I refuse to let the difficult end of my previous job taint the sweet memories of the 7 years I spent there. All of that to say, there is something even better in store for you! Love, prayers, and positive thoughts as you finish this year strong and move on to the exciting next part of your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow.... I am so sorry to hear that you have to deal with this. I can't begin to imagine how it feels, but try to keep that positive attitude. You ARE an amazing teacher and wherever you are headed to next needs you, just like all the families and kids you've impacted at that school. Everything happens for a reason, and I know that it might not feel like something positive right now... but, everything will work out for the best in the end. I know you'll rock the teaching world wherever you are!! Keep the faith! :)

    Bonita (@bonbrad)
    Mrs B 4th Grade Teacher

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh darling when I read this my heart ached for you. I know first hand how ridiculous administration can be and am sad when good teachers aren't appreciated for some odd reason. I love that you have a much better attitude than I ever would've had. Make the best of the remaining months and remember, you are still loved and appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  9. All I can say is...that next school is going to be so lucky to have you! You will be a huge asset wherever you decide to go! BTW my school is hiring :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are an amazing teacher and are loved and respected by so many people at school and within this amazing blogging world. As hard as it will be to see you go, I know that you will find an amazing new place that is exactly where God wants you to be. We will all support you and help you through the remainder of your school year to make it the best it can be.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh Cassandra, you are such an amazing educator and dedicated teacher. To top it all off, you are a wonderful PERSON. I wish you taught at my school so that our students would benefit from all of your wonderful gifts. And that would be so much fun to have you down the hall all the time!!!

    ReplyDelete

Back to Top