Apologies: I know this isn't coherent, but I needed to write.
Long story short: I did not get renewed.
Simple as that.
Long story long:
I said my piece and then left the executive session, then the general session began, and I returned. Students and parents showed up to the board meeting. They were prepared to say their piece. But before anyone could say anything, the board president moved the agenda item of teacher renewal to the first of the list (from the second page of the agenda). Before acknowledging the people who wanted to speak. He moved the vote. They voted to renew everyone but me and a teacher who resigned. They voted without seeming to think about it. Only then did they ask what people would want to speak, and even then they pushed that item to the very last.
Let me recap: Vote first, item discussion last. That's the democratic ideal, right?
They then went on to go over all of the other items (which were boring and merit little discussion here except to mention that they spent far too much on sports). Then they allowed the parents and students to speak (can I mention that, but for maybe three people, the entire crowd was there to speak on my behalf? I think those three people are the ones who are always there. And the board looked stunned to see so many people there).
Y'all, I was so touched, so humbled when my students spoke. They attributed so much to me I am sure was not entirely because of my teaching (one student said she scored high on the PSATs because of me), but then many others said things that brought me to tears. Here is a sampling:
When it was all over, my group left the library, leaving the board to have a second session after we exited. I don't know what was said in the session. What I could see through the windows looked serious. I know what it looked like because my group stood outside the doors and hugged, cried, and discussed plans. My students have decided to make petitions (I didn't enlighten them that petitions are pretty much useless, they seemed too excited), matching t-shirts that read "Team May" (like the ubiquitous Team Jacob or Team Edward t-shirts) and posters for the next board meeting.
Oh, yeah: It came out that the next board meeting would be ON the day of the state required renewal date, and a parent asked that I be put back on the agenda for the next month. So we will do this again, it looks like, with more advertising. Come down if y'all want. Have fun storming the castle!
Even if I have to find a job somewhere else, it is extremely vindicating to have this kind of support.
Simple as that.
Long story long:
I said my piece and then left the executive session, then the general session began, and I returned. Students and parents showed up to the board meeting. They were prepared to say their piece. But before anyone could say anything, the board president moved the agenda item of teacher renewal to the first of the list (from the second page of the agenda). Before acknowledging the people who wanted to speak. He moved the vote. They voted to renew everyone but me and a teacher who resigned. They voted without seeming to think about it. Only then did they ask what people would want to speak, and even then they pushed that item to the very last.
Let me recap: Vote first, item discussion last. That's the democratic ideal, right?
They then went on to go over all of the other items (which were boring and merit little discussion here except to mention that they spent far too much on sports). Then they allowed the parents and students to speak (can I mention that, but for maybe three people, the entire crowd was there to speak on my behalf? I think those three people are the ones who are always there. And the board looked stunned to see so many people there).
Y'all, I was so touched, so humbled when my students spoke. They attributed so much to me I am sure was not entirely because of my teaching (one student said she scored high on the PSATs because of me), but then many others said things that brought me to tears. Here is a sampling:
- One said I inspired her to want to be a teacher.
- One said I made sure to not let the class lag for the high achievers, and yet motivate the ones who struggle.
- One said I made Shakespeare interesting, and that she was pretty sure that no one would have cared about Macbeth if I hadn't taught it the way I had.
- One said I was one of the best teachers she'd ever had.
- One said that when students were given the assignment to write letters to an inspiring teacher, half her class wrote to me. Including her.
- One said I have pushed her to apply for colleges, write stronger essays, and help her be all around better.
- One said that he had never seen a teacher care so much about students (sob!) and that I had noticed those times when I had asked students how they were doing in other classes, and encourage them improve.
- One parent praised my efforts to get her child writing.
- One parent said my emphasis on writing was a vital thing for the future.
- One parent asked how such a poor, rural school can hope to attract strong teachers if they keep pushing them out.
When it was all over, my group left the library, leaving the board to have a second session after we exited. I don't know what was said in the session. What I could see through the windows looked serious. I know what it looked like because my group stood outside the doors and hugged, cried, and discussed plans. My students have decided to make petitions (I didn't enlighten them that petitions are pretty much useless, they seemed too excited), matching t-shirts that read "Team May" (like the ubiquitous Team Jacob or Team Edward t-shirts) and posters for the next board meeting.
Oh, yeah: It came out that the next board meeting would be ON the day of the state required renewal date, and a parent asked that I be put back on the agenda for the next month. So we will do this again, it looks like, with more advertising. Come down if y'all want. Have fun storming the castle!
Even if I have to find a job somewhere else, it is extremely vindicating to have this kind of support.