“Gutted.” “Devastated.” “Abandoned.” These words, written in emails from my former students, express their feelings toward the news that my contract would not be renewed after ten years of service to the students and families in my community. I found myself “riffed,” a colloquial term for a reduction in force, or RIF–a storm that we […]
budget cuts
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
The Importance of Cuts in Educational Theatre
You are fourteen years old. You got up the guts to try out for the school play, something you had dreamed of for years but was too embarrassed to do. You also know involvement in school activities looks great on college applications, so you are willing to work hard and give it your all. Perhaps […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Budget Cuts? Don’t Take It Out On The Teachers – Or The Students
I spent the day today working with professional educators. This group of experienced teachers gathered to learn more about mentoring those just entering our profession. Technically, we’re there to participate in the California teacher credentialing program, which requires beginning teachers to partner with experienced support providers. But while I was sitting there, learning about learning-focused […]
Posted inFeatured, Special Education
Budget Crisis: Tips for the Overwhelmed Special Educator
How much is too much to expect from a special education teacher? Overwhelmed teachers across the country are reporting that the current budget crisis is impacting their ability to serve the students on their caseloads effectively. In many states, there is not set limit to the number of students a teacher may have on their […]
Posted inFeatured, Opinion, Uncategorized
Lack of Substitutes Is Canary in the Mine
As our local association’s president, I traveled to all 10 schools in our district for a 10-minute meeting at each one. At these meetings, I asked the members there what single topic they wanted to discuss, and at 4 of the 10, the teachers wanted to address the dearth of substitute teachers available. “]Not only […]