passion

I realized then that it wasn't just me that the whole thing would be affecting, but it would affect whoever was horribly chosen for this predicament. After speaking to many people, no one seems to understand the rationale of how they just recently hired so many teachers over the summer and now want to get rid of many people. Are teachers really that expendable? Are teachers worth anything to society?
Why do teachers continue to do what they do, face the adversity they face, deal with people placing blame on them for every under achieving student and school system, and still desire to teach?

The answer my friends is passion. Pure, passion.

I arrived this morning and checked my mailbox at school. There was my normal attendance folder, a few notices informing me of things happening around our school, and a letter from the chancellor. For some reason I began reading this letter as I ascended the stairs to my classroom. This letter was filled with information stating that there was a large budget problem and that many teachers would be losing their jobs. Notification would be sent out by September 30, 2009. Teachers who then have lost their jobs would be expected to work for another month.

At first, all of my thoughts began racing. I started thinking maybe I should go downstairs to the principals office and ask if my job was safe, and how they would make the determination for who they would lose.

Then, I began thinking about how I had just given up everything...my entire life in Colorado, to come here. To be closer to family, to try out something new and have a support system, to be able to take short weekend excursions, or even travel overseas once again.