We Don't Need no Education!

The girls' papa has taught the girls the lyrics to the Pink Floyd song, and I couldn't help but feel that statement echoed in our community on election night.  Our district had a mill levy proposal on this year's ballot, and I had big hopes it'd pass, so we could build more schools, pay our teachers decently, and have more resources for our kiddos.  Unfortunately that was not the desire of the community as both issues were shot down, not even a close race.

I was livid!  How is education not a priority to everyone no matter if you have school-aged children or not?  We all know by now that Colorado is 48th in the country when it comes to education funding, and we, as a whole, are a very educated state (Denver, as a city, is the most educated city in the nation).  They said there were too many conservatives voting this election.  Some people complained there wasn't ample campaigning for the issue, but my feeling  - there shouldn't have to be.  When you see that on the ballot it's a no-brainer no matter what side of the table you're on.

Earlier that week I was in a meeting with Brooklynn's principal and we were analyzing the testing data and she started talking about the obstacles the school and teachers have right now.  I could immediately feel my blood pressure rising.  It took me back to my teaching days - 35 kids in my class, unattainable expectations from administrators, teaching some kids to read while challenging others at the same time, and constantly trying to appease parents.  Teachers have it easy, right?  The argument about 3 months off is bullshit too - I spent most of the summer taking classes to improve my teaching.  And then to make a measly salary to deal with all this?

So we have to sit back and wait to see what happens in our schools.  The district is talking of pay-freezes for teachers, year-round schedules for the elementary schools who are 200+ over capacity, and less resources for our children.  Are the teachers going to stick around for this?   How can we expect children to learn in the 21st century without the technology they need?

As the girls get older I know I'm getting closer to returning to work.  What I'm not sure about is what I'll be doing.  Don't get me wrong - I LOVE teaching.  There's nothing more fulfilling than watching a kid learn.  I just don't know if I can put up with the rest of it anymore.  And the schools are in worse shape now than they were when I left.  Returning to a stressful job where I'm getting paid 40% of Steve's salary (with a Master's degree) and constantly stressed out just doesn't appeal to me.  So if you find me behind the counter at Starbucks in 3 years don't be surprised.  I make a mean latte!