Good Morning, Jill!
How scary that your job might be cut back. I can imagine how unsettling that must be. It angers me when art/music are cut - not only are they important for the soul, there is evidence (at least with music, I know) that exposure increases mathematical ability. It's so shortsighted.
Are there some fine arts advocacy groups that can get more involved? How about the universities that offer M.F.A. degrees? Are there other part-time opportunities available in the public/private schools?
As others have said, even though the handwriting appears to be on the wall, try not to worry too much. And be sure to eat and sleep well right now - not to mention exercise. Can you get some extra skiing in? - just for YOU, not with students! I'll bet 10-12 black diamond downhill runs would make you feel MUCH better.
I know that, whatever happens, you will land on your feet. Even though we have never met, I just KNOW that about you. Remember, the Chinese symbol for "change" incorporates two concepts - "danger", but also "opportunity". Whenever negative thoughts threaten to overwhelm you, just consciously push them out of your mind. (I always envision myself in a circle, sweeping away any negative thoughts with a broom). LOL!
Hang in there, dear - better days are ahead. Life is such a roller-coaster at times. Sigh.
Here are a few things to cheer you up:
Love
Polly
For Jill
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Thanks Polly! I have an M.F.A. and will put my name in at the local Colleges/Universities to see if they have need for adjunct professors. So... I guess I will explore some of those options and even if my hours aren't cut at my school, it will make me feel empowered...I hate feeling like a victim!
It isn't just the Arts that are being evaluated, sigh,....the whole school has been scrutinized with a fine tooth comb. For years, we operated in the black, and for some reason, have been in the red for several years. They decided to do an audit of teaching duties/hrs, etc. What they found was that in the Upper School, some subject classes are very small and some teachers don't always have a full load. My teaching load varies from trimester to trimester....but is usually full, but with some classes being small. My job depends on how much they want to change my schedule...like offer Painting, Pottery, Drawing 2x year instead of 3...this may put me in danger of being cut back.
As always, thanks for letting me vent...sigh....it's just difficult to face changes after 20 years of teaching there...I also was a student there for 9 years...so 29 yrs of my life have been spent there....uffda! JJ
It isn't just the Arts that are being evaluated, sigh,....the whole school has been scrutinized with a fine tooth comb. For years, we operated in the black, and for some reason, have been in the red for several years. They decided to do an audit of teaching duties/hrs, etc. What they found was that in the Upper School, some subject classes are very small and some teachers don't always have a full load. My teaching load varies from trimester to trimester....but is usually full, but with some classes being small. My job depends on how much they want to change my schedule...like offer Painting, Pottery, Drawing 2x year instead of 3...this may put me in danger of being cut back.
As always, thanks for letting me vent...sigh....it's just difficult to face changes after 20 years of teaching there...I also was a student there for 9 years...so 29 yrs of my life have been spent there....uffda! JJ