New Contract

Posted on | March 28, 2009 | 5 Comments

Sage’s 10th Birthday!

Yesterday, I got my new teaching contract for next year and eagerly signed it. I started thinking about what has changed. Every year I struggle with signing that contract. I’ve spent the last two years actively looking for other work. Perhaps it’s fortunate that I haven’t found it, because I am getting an increasing sense that I am where I need to be.

I really hope that this feeling sticks.

I’ve found that when I’m at home writing (which pays less and less these days), I get lethargic and unmotivated. I need the job to keep me moving. The kids give me energy.

Lately, I’ve found new delight in finding ways to keep my classes interesting every single moment. I really try to keep them hopping. Remember that my “classes” consist, if I’m lucky, of a group of five or six freshmen, while I hop about madly keeping the kiddos in the other grades on task, since they don’t have much of a choice but to work independently. I have the most freshmen though, so I make a class out of them and actually try to teach.

I’ve wondered if it is the economy. If I now feel more thankful to have a job, any job. I don’t think that’s it, though, because I don’t think fear of unemployment would give me a more positive attitude. I could just be griping all the more about being “stuck”, you know?

Instead, my attitude has gotten much more positive lately. When I hear people bitching about work, it no longer makes sense to me. Remarks about how awful work is on Facebook from my work colleagues seem the same way.

I’m wondering, did it take me THREE years to adjust to this job? Now that I think about it, three years is the maximum amount of time I have spent teaching in any one place. I feel more settled now, in all aspects of my life. I wonder if it is prayer. I have taught my son to pray his thanks for things that would otherwise be taken for granted (as opposed to constant supplications) and in doing so, have prayed in that manner myself now for about two years. Last night, with my guys camping, I could not fall asleep without giving thanks, even though I usually only pray with Sage.

Maybe that’s what it is. I really don’t know. I’m just glad that I no longer feel the compulsion to check the classified ads every week.

Be Sociable, Share!

Category: Uncategorized

Comments

5 Responses to “New Contract”

Kelvin Kao
March 29th, 2009 @ 8:05 am

It’s good to hear that you “eagerly” signed the contract!

Kelvin Kao’s last blog post..New Sewing Machine!
Pacian
March 29th, 2009 @ 10:36 am

I think I’m probaby in the best job I can hope for, given my qualifications and motivations. That depresses me sometimes.

But it’s great if you can find happiness in the things many people take for granted, Michelle. Some people argue that a person’s default position is unhappiness rather than contentment, but I’m not sure that has to be the case.

Pacian’s last blog post..Best Puzzles
Lee Anne
March 30th, 2009 @ 5:43 pm

Can’t believe he is 10 already! Time has surely flown. And I am so thankful you were eager to sign your contract this year. I will pray you have many more years of that feeling. Teaching is tough, especially what you do. The world really does need more caring teachers like yourself. Hang in there girl and thanks for doing what you do!
Ken Albin
March 30th, 2009 @ 11:20 pm

Over the course of your teaching career you will have a major influence on thousands of children’s lives. That in itself is something few other professions can offer. Yes, it can be a royal pain at times but I think it is worth every minute of aggravation. Congratulations for choosing to stay in!

On a more somber note, please go to my blod and read about the passing of a wonderful friend, our furkid Velvet. Photos are near the end.

Take care and be good to yourself,
Ken

Ken Albin’s last blog post..I Will Ramble Since I Don’t Know What To Say
Margaret
April 4th, 2009 @ 1:50 am

Any kind of prayer that makes us feel positive about ourselves, our jobs and our lives is GREAT in my mind. I am trying to be more thankful also.

Margaret’s last blog post..Bonsoir de Mbour