I am a high quality teacher. I am passionate about what I do. I spend hours going above and beyond for my students. We do many hands-on activities, which require a great deal of after-hours prep work. I ferry student ceramic work home, to fire it in my kiln on weekends or evenings. I meet with students for Book Clubs at lunch, to try to generate a love of reading. During recess, I chat with students, observing them play, so that I can better motivate them in my classroom.
I form personal relationships with my students. I feel like it's my job to understand what makes students tick, so that I can get the best from them academically. Kids know me. I am often surprised by comments, notes, or small presents that demonstrate that I am "known".
Last year was a nightmare. I delivered work, and materials on my scooter, to students who couldn't pick-up these items at school. I recorded 14 videos each week, and posted them, in an effort to help my students complete work. At the beginning of this year, my students were at an average of mid second grade level in Reading, and slightly higher in Math. I teach fourth grade, so these low skills were a problem for us. It is known that if fourth graders aren't on grade level by the end of the year, they will fall farther behind in the upper grades. It is a phenomenon known endearingly as "The Fourth Grade Slump". Currently, my class average is 4.1 in Reading (that means fourth grade, first month), and we're averaging 4.3 in Math. I have students who are recovering from trauma. I tread lightly. I'm open to talk. One student has progressed from being selectively mute, to chatting. Watching her play and talk with other students has been nothing short of miraculous. Another student faced much family hardship last year. There is a great deal of anger. I watched her laughing and dancing at recess this past week.
I try my best to manage my finances, and to stay out of debt. My parents helped me to purchase my home. They have helped me in other ways, too. I can honestly say that I spend a lot of time treading water. I never really get to do anything fun, or to take many trips. I live alone, so I am responsible for the entirety of my income, and I try my best to manage my teacher's salary, and my artistic pursuits. It is NOT easy. I stick to a budget. My clothing is from Old Navy. My hair gets cut at Great Clips. There are no extravagances. I do small renovations on my home each summer, if I can afford them. My only debt is my home mortgage.
Recently, I heard that our school has no more budgetary "cushion". A whirlwind of reckless spending, and over-hiring has drained the coffers. Money has been spent without oversight, or consultation. This means that while all of the other schools in our district have provided raises for teachers, our school will doubtfully be able to give our teachers much of a raise, if any. And, while I didn't get into teaching for the posh salary, I do have to survive. The cost of living is high where I reside.
I deserve better. I'm disappointed, and I'm tired. So, I'll be working on my resume, because I believe in equity. I am an older teacher, and I'm at the end of the pay ladder, but I am highly qualified. And, I want to be worth something.
