I'm about to do my very first Periscope, eek! I've put off this new social media platform because I'm horrible as it is trying to balance Instagram, blogging, Facebook, and everything else. But…I have seen how it can be a useful platform if it's used correctly. So heck, I'm going to do my best!
I wanted my first scope to be meaningful and I've heard that my story has helped others in the past. So shoot, why not share it with you all!
Catchy title, right? In my nine years (going on ten) teaching, I've never been nominated for Teacher of the Year. It's not because I'm outspoken, sometimes sassy, or a crummy teacher, it's because of the way California and our Teacher Unions operate. You see, back in 2009, we had horrible budget cuts. Class sizes went up from 20:1 to over 30 students. As a result, a lot of us tenured teachers lost our jobs. In my district alone, 400 of us were let go. I was #199. How did I get that number, we literally drew straws. I still can't believe that even happened.
Since then, I have moved just about every year. I've moved states, districts, and cities to just get my stinkin' foot in the door. I've taken jobs that I was over qualified for, where I was harassed because I wasn't born in the city I was working in. I was told horrible things from the Union President. It was basically hell. I still have random nightmares about my time there. But here's the thing, I put up with it all because the bottom line is, I was meant to be a teacher. When my mom saw my heartbreak and struggle, she suggested I look at other opportunities. What other options were there? Since I was little, teaching was it for me.
As tough as teaching has been the last 6 years, I've come away with a lot. I've seen what works well and what doesn't. I've taken bits and pieces from each school I've been at and applied them to what I know now. I'm also so much more appreciative of where I'm teaching today because of the journey it took to get here.
I finally feel like I'm at my forever home. I'm in a school where I'm challenged, appreciated, respected, and loved. I'm pushed to do innovative things and use technology in ways I didn't even know were possible. We have funding for amazing projects and have great parent and administration support. Now that I'm here, hopefully I'll have the chance to be tenured again and maybe, I'll be eligible for Teacher of the Year…one day.
I've blogged a bit about my teaching journey and even included a great Interview handout for those of you who are in the same boat I was. Once my scope is over, I'll add it here! If you've got a question about my journey that I didn't answer on Periscope, please leave them in them in the comments section and I'll get back to you!
4 Responses
Thanks for sharing your story Kristen. It's very inspiring.
xoxo, Amy
Thank you for sharing your story! It can also be difficult to secure a teaching position in New Jersey. Your passion for teaching and the fact that you haven't give up pursuing you goal while facing many obstacles is very inspiring. I believe you have helped many teachers keep their head up high and push on in reaching their ultimate goal.
I finally caught your Periscope broadcast Kristen. I have followed your blog and story so I was familiar with it but I have to say that I enjoyed listening to you tell it in person! Keep those Periscopes coming, you did a great job. Cheers to your 2nd year at this school and MANY MORE!
Lucky Little Learners
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