Occupational Stimulus Plan?

It's strange that I just don't update as frequently as I intended when I opened up the blog. It's quite possible I just don't want to recall or reflect upon the events of this school year. Does that sound pessimistic and depressing? It may, but I'm being honest! I do have moments where I really love my students, but those moments get buried by the frustrations and dishearten-ments. I still teach, I still care. However, I do find the need to detach myself from the educational world a lot more this year.

It's caused me to question a lot of whos and whats of my teaching professional life. Am I meant to be a teacher in this capacity? Am I capable of performing to overwhelming modern standards? What happens if I cannot find a job elsewhere? What happens if I feel stuck? How will my students be affected?

Over the past few months, I've heard more and more of people losing their jobs. The sheer reality of that petrifies me (and fully grateful of even having a job). The TRT job (that I desperately want) is unfortunately from one of those departments that will always be in jeopardy of being cut from budgets. Technology is an integral and effective part of education, but it is an extra. It's like the thumb on the hand of schools. Schools would still function without, but it is so useful and powerful when utilized!

Well, because of these recent budget/job cuts and erratically declining economy, the likelihood of my switching jobs next year is becoming dimmer. I have job security now and probably always will as long as I stay in education. Classroom teachers will always be needed. But when do those classroom teachers decide to step out of the comfort box and take the risk of unemployment to improve their mental/emotional health, peace of mind, or long-term goals? Is it worth it? Or should those classroom teachers remain with the security of knowing they will have bi-monthly paychecks to deposit into their bank accounts?

So many questions. So much risk, caution, and practicality are at play. I don't know which to decide. Ultimately, my planning my own life will be trumped by the Ultimate Planner's... but I can't help but think about these things. I have about 5 more months to go. Hopefully some answers are discovered.

-- Miss Chelsea :)