I began this school year full of hope. I accepted a new role in a new district. Covid is over? And I truly felt like we were getting back to a new sense of normal. Teachers can finally TEACH! Students are ready to learn.
Except for one thing.
There are no TEACHERS. Like zero, zip, zilch.
No mental health staff..no support staff..no bus drivers..no kitchen staff.. and the list goes on.
I read this article and it left me feeling even worse..
2022 Teacher Shortage Statistics That Prove We Need To Fix Education (weareteachers.com
It makes my heart hurt. In my new role I support special education teams at our elementary roles. I started with 10 schools...now I have 15 because we are down one coordinator and cannot fill the position.
I am also picking up a .5 role as the Mental Health coordinator because we could only fill it part time.
So currently I am 1.5 Sped Coordinator and .5 Mental Health Coordinator. Hmm.. I am terrible at math, but that means 1 employee=2 jobs.
Hear me..I AM NOT COMPLAINING.
I would take on an additional 3 more roles if it meant my teacher, students, and schools receive support.
I would drive the bus, make the lunch, support the class, and do my own role to keep kids learning and teachers less stressed.
But I feel like our educational system is going to break soon. The tape I have on busted pipes is not going to hold much longer and I am looking for the lifeboat for the flood. I imagine myself paddling and paddling to save the staff and students who might drown when it does.
WE NEED HELP.
But honestly, I do not know what that help is. Money, structure overhaul, laws, systems.
What is the answer??
My servant leadership, notes, treats, cheers, time....is not even making a dent.
This is a system that is more than broken. And it is impacting our youth.
OUR STUDENTS, BABIES, KIDDOS..
They will feel the impact.
OUR TEACHERS, SCHOOL STAFF, ASSISTANTS, DRIVERS...
They do feel the impact.
Working in the school system is a true labor of love. We don't do it for a title, money (HAHAHAH), or status.
We do it because it is a calling that tugs at our hearts.
But I am scared. So scared.
It is time to Turn the Page on this system and bring change....
