4th Classroom in 3 Years

The Monday after we got back from Italy my principal called me into his office because he said he had some data that would affect me. I thought it would be more students registering and they needed to come to my class or something along those lines. I was completely 180 degrees wrong! The district decided that our school didn't have high enough numbers to keep all of the teacher at Easley (my new school). One teacher would need to switch schools.

My mind raced! I had a hard year last year and then was laid off because of numbers. Now I have to be laid off because of numbers again, are you kidding me! I just got my classroom set up. The week before I left we got J. to recognize what his name looked like, S. was finally writing his name on paper (a major accomplishment), J. was talking to me and not throwing temper tantrums every day. I was just getting them to where they need to be! What would happen to my babies? What school would I need to go to? I didn't want to teach at a school that has respect issues. I took the job at Easley so I could have a good year with wonderful children, and now I would have to leave that behind. Isn't there anything that could be done to keep the position? I love teaching, but maybe teaching it is too hard for a life long career if you have to play puppet all the time....

As my mind ran through all of the different disappointments, worries, and questions my principal said something that momentarily calmed my thoughts. He told me that he had done everything he could think of to change that decision, but there was nothing to be done. The budget was too tight to give any wiggle room. The district's policy is last hire and first fire. They go by the date you where hired with DPS (Durham public schools), not when you were hired by the school. Since I worked in DPS last year I was not the low man on the totem pole. The last hire was a 4th grade teacher. My class would be dissolved into the other 4 Kindergartens and I would start teaching 4th grade the following Monday.

Again my mind raced! What did he say 4th grade? I am prepared to teach a year of Kinger. not 4th. After all of the work my mom and I put into getting me ready for Kindergarten, I now need to go to 4th grade if I want to work at Easley? How can I switch in 1 only week? Most teachers spend at LEAST 1 week getting ready for their class BEFORE they have students. I have to do all of those things and still give quality lessons at the same time? How to I tell my family, my children, my TA?

By the time Tuesday or Wednesday came around, the silver lining in the cloud was more visible. I have taught 5th grade for two years, and 4th grade isn't that different. I wouldn't have to open every possible kind of package at lunch leaving me precious minutes to consume my meal. 4th graders could have more adult like conversations. 4th graders have better problem solving skills (generally). I wasn't sure how to teach how to read, but I know I can teach how to improve reading. If I had been offered 4th grade the first time my decision would have been easier in Atlanta.

The week flew by as I was trying to teach Kindergarten and prepare for 4th at the same time. I told my students on Wednesday that they would get to make so many more friends this year than we thought because now they get to go to other classes with new teachers and new students. My TA and I tried to make it a 100% positive thing. Friday was hard on a lot of those little ones. S's mom came in Friday to thank me and wish me farewell. She warned me that he might be grumpy because he had spent 3 hours crying himself to sleep the night before. The parents were appreciative and though they understood the situation they were frustrated. I tried to calm as many fears and worries as I could while keeping my emotions in check all day. That night I stayed at school until 8:30 trying to get some things taken down in one room and others put up in my new room.

I have now been in 4th grade for one week. My classes are chalk full of sweethearts who welcomed me and accepted me openly. While they did a wonderful job last week adjusting, I was doing on the job training. Today I need to rethink how I am going to do LA centers. I think it was too hard and too confusing last week, but I wasn't told how it was working prior to Miss J leaving.

Starting a class 5 weeks into the school year is tough! If my classes weren't so darn good it would be a cause of disappointment every night. As it stands now, I am enjoying the job, love the children already, and look forward to the school year continuing! I think with a lot of work, prayers, patient students, supportive parents, and help from my team this year will be wonderful!

PS: I still see my babies in the halls or at the end of the day waiting for transportation. I am sure to get a smile and wave from all of them, and if it is the end of the day I enjoy their hugs and hearing about what the learned in their new classes. Who knows, maybe Mark and I will stay here after he graduates and I can get them back with me in the future!