Beautifully-Aged

When you are so OVER teaching but love to teach…

Today is my 3rd to last day of being a classroom teacher. 3rd to last – 12 years of dedication, commitment, and never ending grading. But I was determined that this would be my last career.

I decided to get my Master’s in Education in my middle 40’s so that I could teach high school, my life-long dream. In college, when it came time to choose a major, I chose Journalism and PR because my father said, “You will never make any money teaching.” While I never made any real money anyway, I had such fun careers and experienced things that are so unique to Memphis, Tennessee in the 90’s.

Fast forward 20 years and three kids later, I found myself a divorced single mom in need of a purpose; I chose education.

Fast forward 14 years and four schools later, I find myself a midlife, newly married woman in need of a purpose: WTAF?!

My 3rd year in this district and I am told, “We aren’t going to renew your contract. The kids get the feeling that you don’t like them.”

WTAF?!

All I have been told since I began teaching is that the relationships I form are unique in their depth. I know what you are thinking: If you are in education in in way, shape or form, you get it.

I have been black-balled. I have discovered that, because I am different, I am not a good fit for this school district. Think of how a stereotypical Coloradan looks.

Yeah, I am NOT that.

I challenge the establishment. I dress professionally. I attend conferences so that I can learn new best practices. I am the first car to school (I love early mornings). My husband always comes with me to chaperone or sell concessions. I have standards and high expectations for students. And, I love my students.

Wait… You say all those things make me a good teacher?! Not so. The old guard enjoys and relishes the old way.

So I find myself here: approximately 1,500 students and 65,000 antacid tablets later, I find myself a spunky, seasoned woman at a crossroad. What now?

It is so mystifying how there can be a teacher shortage, yet I am short of a job as of July 1.

My husband and I joke that I could start my Only Fans Foot Fetish page now that I am “free!”

So, if you’re hiring, hit me up. I am on my way to get a pedicure!