Just Call Me ProfessorRam

Last week I was called into the principal's office and invited to sit down for a little chit chat.  I knew this chit chat was coming because according to my contract, it was about 10 days past due.  After some small talk (lovely weather) and elephant in the room talk (budget cuts), I was handed a pink slip.  It wasn't a pink slip, it was just a horrible copy of a copy of a letter that said my contract would not be renewed for the following year.  This took me COMPLETELY by surprise.  Why?  I guess I wasn't expecting anything in WRITING on SCHOOL LETTERHEAD that would make it look OFFICIALLY official that my position is being cut.   In addition, I had to inform the school administration of my intent to return (or not) right after Spring Break.  I literally felt a HUGE weight lifted from my shoulders when the non-pink pink slip was handed to me.  It would be an understatement for me to say that I was literally JUMPING FOR JOY as I walked back to my classroom.

Of course, I immediately started to think about my plans for next school year.  PLAN A (be a 50% SAHM/50% Hovering Helicopter Parent), PLAN B (teach one or two classes at the community college), PLAN C (teach one or two classes at the gym) , PLAN D (combination of PLAN A, PLAN B, PLAN C), and PLAN E (unemployment while I figure out another plan).   I knew there were some PT positions opening at the community college but with PLAN E, I could lay low for a few more months.  

I was hired for a full-time gig in the Fall at the local community college less than 24 hours after receiving my pink slip.  I will be cut back to part-time in the Spring.  When I say local community college, what I mean is there are 4 different campuses of this particular community college.  I will be teaching at the campus that is 7 miles from my home (not to be confused with the other three campuses that are approximately 15 miles, 25 miles, or 30 miles away).  I will be teaching three sections of Reading, two sections of Composition, and one section of Structure (Grammar) for the English for Academic Purposes program.  I will have an OFFICE and need to be available 10 hours per week for office hours.  Since I don't teach any classes on Fridays, I have the option to meet with students on campus OR hold virtual office hours.

I am SOOOOOOO excited.

23 Days and COUNTING

Did I mention that I turned in my "Intent to NOT Return" form at school (about 3 weeks ago)?   I have tried teaching middle school for 1 1/2 years.  I am just not cut out for middle school.  It has literally sucked the lifeblood out of me.  At the end of the day, I have absolutely NOTHING left to give to my family.  And there is something definitely wrong with that.  In 23 school days I will "retire" as a middle school intensive reading teacher.  My next career choice?  Still undetermined.  Right now I am debating between being a hovering helicopter parent of a high schooler and/or community college lecturer.

I have literally kicked into SURVIVAL mode.  If you have not heard back from me or if I have failed to call you, text you, e-mail you, visit you, etc. please don't take it personally.  In 23 days I am ready to PLAY . . . just like the three kiddos in the above photo.