Layoffs and Lotusland

I was laid off last week. It happened the same morning I saw this headline. If furlough days (pay cuts for all, due to slashing school days--and teacher prep days) go through, positions will be added back. Or else class size goes up to 40?  I half-expected it...It is based only on seniority, not evaluations. I feel supported and appreciated and get great marks on my observations. Sadly, it isn't up to my boss. I told a mom volunteer in my room and she teared up. I really do love the teaching part. So much uncertainty about the future makes me a little weary.

I am still determined to do my best. Still not sure how to do this and have a balanced life. I worked 12 hour days 3 out of five days last week which left me exhausted. Now, I'm headed to a coffee shop to do report cards on a Sunday.

On a happier note, the weather has been incredible. And, I finally visited Lotusland. Lotusland is the private, historical estate of a 6x married opera singer. It is 73 acres composed of smaller, detailed, themed botanical gardens. It is located in nearby Montecito, where Oprah, also has an estate.

Lotusland happens to be featured on the cover of Martha Stewart this month.
Check out the 10 page spread. 

It was SO incredible. I wrote Visit Lotusland on a now-tattered post-it before I moved here. I was in awe and very moved by the beauty, drama, and detail in every direction. We got a private tour--the only other person on our tour was a guy on a board for a garden in Walnut Creek. We all asked many questions; the plant enthusiast(s) and the scientist. Our retire-ee guide said, "Well, this is just so fun, I love it when I get smart people." I felt flattered and the pleasure was mine.  More picture and posting on this excursion soon.

Teacher Lady on the 101st Day of School

Four parent teacher conferences--back-to-back, after teaching all day....is hard. I love the kids. I appreciate the parents. I have goals for them.  I want to celebrate their success. Then...

It all starts blurring together. I blabber. Everyone is going to be okay. Alright?

Friday was a very tough day. I don't have an easy class...and some with severe challenges.  And there are 27 of them. Most days are good. That one really wasn't. I felt like I was fighting back tears all weekend. Monday was tiresome and low, despite being the 100th day of school. I had to fake it.

Today was great. SURPRISE. This job is never neutral. Never really "okay." It is awful or wonderful.  Or both at the same time. 

In honor of our 100th day, my students wrote about what they'll be doing when they are 100 years old; they will be surfing, ice-skating, dancing in the Nutcracker, helping childen, fighting fires, or bowling.  I hope they do live to be 100 and do good things for our planet. Another exciting thing...they are all writing! The dramatic growth in writing ability is SO rewarding to witness.

I got formally observed this morning. I am so thankful it went well....you have a million remarkable moments nobody but you and the kids ever know about. It is kind of cool when there is someone there to notice your invisible world (and it's not a day like last Friday). We talked about he symmetry of hearts, and hearts in nature... in clouds, in hooves.... I should have brought in that rock!  

This website made my day:

http://heygirlteacher.tumblr.com/

Thanks, Justin. This website speaks to what a weird, weird world teachers live in. Pass it on to the teachers in your life.