A year ago November, I receive word that I didn’t pass my National Board certification. I miss it by 0.006 of a point.
6/1,000.
Six-thousandths.
No 12% raise for me. Not for at least a year.
Last March, I redo one section of the test, and a few months ago, I get the news that I passed. Yes! Whew. I live a modest life. I’m no spendthrift. I just want to buy a new chair for my living room.
In December, I consult my payroll secretary, and she informs me that (despite the fact that I was told in the interview that “we keep up with the Durham Public Schools’ salary schedule”) my school doesn’t pay the National Boards supplement.
I’m disappointed, naturally, and let my administration know that I’ll be seeking a position elsewhere for the 2011-2012 school year. Then Violet tears up her knee, and I think, “You know what would help pay for this surgery? Twelve fucking percent.”
I’ve had a difficult year at this school, between writing all the curriculum, planning lessons, making do with fewer resources, and dealing with some really special kids. And I decide, you know what?, I’m done. I look online; I see an open Durham Public Schools (who would pay the 12%) position; I apply; I interview; I get it. I never thought I would be the teacher who left in the middle of the year, but there you have it.
Then the exact same day Human Resources sends me my start date for my new job, I get an email from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards saying, hey, you may want to contact your State Senators and Representatives because they’re trying to cut your supplement from the budget.
I start my new job on Monday.
It’s times like these I try to remember that one day the sun is going to burn out and none of this shit is going to matter.
i never thought i’d say this to someone who left in the middle of the year, but GOOD FOR YOU! they do not support you, they do not deserve you.
what’s a dps teacher? is it like a goatherd/
xxoo
Thanks, Margo. In its defense, my administration has been nothing but lovely about the whole thing. But, yeah, I’m done. If it doesn’t work out in Durham Public Schools, I’m your goatherd.
Yay Ames!! Go get your 12% :)
Command the respect you deserve- didn’t you always tell me that???
In just 7 days I hope to be seeing you. We’ll have champagne and toast the 12% for however long it lasts.
Love you!
Giiiiirl, sometimes you’ve just got to look out for yourself. (You’ve obviously come to terms with that, but it bears repeating.)
I’m starting my seventh job in less than two years at the beginning of March… and leaving those jobs, no matter how high the misery-factor, never gets any easier to do. (That goes double for teaching positions. Even at the end of a semester/year, there is that weird tug of obligation.)
Know it must be hard to get stoked for the new position with your cash on the line… Fingers-crossed for you, and if the fuckers don’t come through, we can pull some of that Wisconsin labor-unrest shit. Also, thanks for reminding me that the sun is going to burn out. Creepies all up in my gullet.
Cort, oh hell yes, I’ll drink some champagne with you. Love you back.
Big E, I’m so excited for your new job! I remember when I met you and asked you what you did for a living, you said, “Stupid shit.” I hope this new gig is some meaningful shit.
Amy! Margo just told me this news – I hadn’t been keeping up. I AM SO PROUD TO KNOW YOU! You had such high hopes for that job, and all of them were crushed. I’m just glad YOU didn’t get crushed. And thrilled that you landed in another job that just has to be at least incrementally better, AND pays the fucking 12%. You so deserve to want to go to work. Nice move.
Thanks, Deborah! After much agonizing about it, I’m satisfied with my choice. My second day on the job was really good. I think I did the right thing.