Scared to Death

JJ · Post by JJ » Thu Feb 01, 2007 1:11 am

OK...here it comes...the talk about my job for next year. For the new- comers. I am an art teacher and my job this year, was cut back to 60%. The stress sent me into a major flare. Sigh. Anyway, my Division Director has asked to meet with me to discuss the Art Program for next year. As one friend suggested...it's good that there will be a program...hahaha I don't know what I will do if they cut me more....I won't get benefits and can't live without health insurance...OK...I should not assume the worst, but it keeps creeping into the back of my mind...I'm keeping my fingers crossed....TTFN...JJ

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 6:55 am

Oh JJ!

Not again!

Will keep everything crossed that it will not be bad news. Try not to worry until the meeting.

Love,

Polly

hazel · Post by **hazel** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 7:47 am

Oh no, not again. I HOPE that it is not another cut back, mainly for your sake, but also for the kids' sake. Kids need the variety and richness in their lives that art, music, and physical education give them. With schools cutting those subjects to focus on "No Child Left Behind" type testing the kids are the losers. There should be time in the day for all these subjects, but schools are evaluated these days only on test scores. Quality of life is not tested for. Uh oh, turned into a bit of a rant. Sorry.

Hope you get good news. How are you feeling, by the way?

artteacher · Post by **artteacher** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 7:53 am

Oh, it's that time of year again, isn't it? I'll be thinking of you . . .

Love, Marsha

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 8:33 am

for you JJ.

Love, Shirley

JJ · Post by JJ » Thu Feb 01, 2007 8:34 am

Thanks guys....another issue is that our Upper School is starting the application process for the IB Programme. This is really, really cool, and would make us one of only a very few Independent schools to offer it in the Pacific Northwest. But....I do not know what that means for my department. Even if things stay the way that they are now, I will be OK....here I go again being a worry wart! I'll let you know how it goes...thanks...JJ

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 9:14 am

JJ----

It surely can scare the bejezzzers outta one---
Keeping good thoughts for U and your position---It such a bitch having to face this again and go thru all the fret and worry---
ONLY NATURAL---JJ--- :bigbighug:

try to take 1 day at a time

luve Barbara

Post by **tex** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 9:33 am

Jill,

There are three possibilities: another cutback, no change, or an expansion. The odds are two to one that you will be happy with the outcome, so why worry about it in advance?

I wish you the best of luck, and hope that you walk away from the meeting with a smile on your face.

Tex

thedell19 · Post by **thedell19** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 10:01 am

We will keep our fingers crossed-

I have been laid off twice in the past year and it is no fun indeed- and I always seem to get flarish when I start a new job (like I did 2 weeks ago)

This disease is rather fickle!

CAMary · Post by **CAMary** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 10:32 am

Jill-

So sorry this is happening again - uncertainty is no fun! I went through something similar when I taught at a private school (but we had no benefits to begin with!) - it is very hard!

I hope the meeting is a pleasant surprise re: your program.

Some things to think about as far as options go if you are indeed cut even more...

1. Would they be willing to keep you on the health care plan if you offered to pay part of the premium? I know schools have a very hard time filling p/t positions due to the lack of benefits - hopefully they could help you out with this issue...

2. Have you taught other subjects besides art? In other words, is tutoring students on the side to supplement income a possible option? I have found this to be a *great* source of additional income - PM me if you want more information!

3. How about teaching art classes - I know our local park & rec is always looking for people with special talents to teach classes, and the hourly pay is quite good!

I hope you don't need to consider any of this - just trying to throw some options out there as possible solutions should you receive bad news...

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed!

Take care,

Mary

JJ · Post by JJ » Thu Feb 01, 2007 11:07 am

Thanks....you are right..I have options...I never submitted my application to the local CC and yes, we have programs thru our Parks Dept. I have a connection there too. My after school art offerings could expand too, if I advertised outside my school. I was told last year that my cut back may only be for a year or two...so I'm hoping that at least things will stay the same. I hadn't thought about tutoring, but I now have a connection with the International Program at the local CC...maybe students need extra help...I taught in our summer ESL program for many years.,..thanks for the reminder.

JJ

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 11:23 am

Jill,

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. 2 of the 3 look positive like Tex said and I hope you will be pleasantly surprised when they offer you the job of a lifetime.

Love, Maggie