Crisis? State of Emergency? Help!

 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....

Teachers are Miracle Workers, Difference Makers, and Life Changers

 

I LOVED school. It was my happy place. I have some of the best memories of my teachers, learning, and experiences. 

My relationship began in 2nd grade...Mrs. Bailey. She ran this contest where the top readers got to go her house for dinner. In 2nd grade I didn't win, but I had the chance again when she was my third grade teacher. I inhaled books and was a winner. Going to her house was a dream. I remember imagining what it must be like to live there with her. How perfect her life must have been. 4th grade..Mrs. Bruder and our Blue Jay Clubhouse. She taught us sign language, let us have a school sleepover, and let us have these parent performances. She really made us feel listened to and believed in. 6th grade.. Mrs. Grace. She was so kooky, but her heart was HUGE. We would make banners for the Indiana Hoosiers, listen to Jackson 5, and adopted a man in Indiana with a brain tumor. Finally, Mrs. Johnson in high school. She was honest, direct, and had a way of teaching life lessons. These teachers taught me academic skills, but also more...They are stamped on my heart for life. 

Mrs. Bailey..self confidence

Mrs. Bruder...creativity

Mrs. Grace..compassion

Mrs. Johnson..courage

Fast forward 20+ years and I am working in the place I fell in love with...SCHOOL

I am surrounded by miracle workers, difference makers, and life changers every single day.

It makes my heart full..so full it probably explodes on the daily.

I witness the other side. As a student I loved school, learning, teaching. As a professional I witness the teachers who love their students, teaching, and still learning.

Teachers give. They give their entire being Every. Single. Day. They show up. They show up with commitment, courage, and love.

Honestly, I do not know how they are doing it right now.

This is hard. So hard. 

Tears, fear, long hours, stretching thin, anger, frustration, pushed beyond limits.

Still, they show up.

They give their all.

They love with their whole heart.

They smile.

And I do not know how they do it. 

And every day I fall in love all over again. I observe. I listen. I absorb. 

These teachers continue to teach me...

Kinder Team: Gentleness

1st Grade: Organization

2nd Grade: Compassion

3rd Grade: Determination

4th Grade: Dedication

5th Grade: Grit

AMP: Creativity

Service Providers: Flexibility

The Entire Team: Love, Compassion, Selflessness..

I fall in love again and again. Grateful I work in a place that saves kiddos, that changes the course of lives, and is a safe space. 

A happy place.