Education Tirade

Dear Mr. Schwarzenegger,

Despite my apprehension and dislike of politics, I feel the need to express my astonishment at an event that occurred this evening regarding a letter you recently sent to some Californians.

However, before I launch into my tirade, I will give you some background or context, if you will. I am a teacher. A teacher in California. And I've worked both in industry and in education. I've worked since I was 15 years old, paying into social security, as well as about 10 years, paying into STRS (on and off). I have teaching credentials. I have a Master's degree in a technology field. I have other credentials as well, but in the interest of brevity I'll just list the above. I've worked in industry for some very large finance and technology companies in the Bay Area.

As a member of the Churchill Club, about 1 1/2 years ago, I listened to Spelling talk at one of their events (she's the Education Secretary for the Bush Administration). Her take on the teacher shortage was to just use Business and Tech workers to fill in for the missing teachers. I found that offensive. I still do. Maybe when I retire I can fill in for a CEO.

Which leads me to a letter you've been sending out to retired folks in California. Apparently an easy way to make cash and supplement their pensions is to teach, according to you. I guess you think anyone can teach. My neighbor has just informed me that she received such letter and is considering collecting an easy paycheck by teaching.

Did I mention the fact that I have more education than medical students, as a teacher? But I guess it doesn't matter. All of the money I spent on my graduate programs I should have used as wallpaper in my house. Probably would've been more useful. Because all I needed to do, if I wanted to teach, was retire!!! After all, anyone can teach.

Since you are looking to save money and teachers are pretty much replaceable, I'd like to know why you don't save even more money. After all, monkeys could probably teach and for even less money than retired folks.

I'm just sayin'.....

Then again, if teachers are so easily replaceable, how about a Governer? How much education do you have, Mr. Governer?

Sincerely,

A PISSED OFF teacher

School Sucks

Rumor has it that our school will be shut down next year.

Morale at our site is very low.

I went into another teacher's classroom today and it couldn't have been more apparent that she was just going to push through this year and wasn't planning on staying long term.

And I've really been trying to get a consulting gig. But I just don't have the energy right now...and I don't know what is going on with me but I'm really frustrated.

I'd like to start a company, do some consulting, work on something inspiring.

I love my kids and I love teaching but I know that I'm meant for something more. And it's so frustrating.

And then there's the money.

I should be making twice what I'm making. At least...no, make that I should be making at least 3 times what I'm making.

I've taken in a roommate and she's eating me out of house and home.

And I feel like I want so much more from my life.

I'm really frustrated.

Oh well.

It seems like life is a confidence game. And whomever is the biggest bullshitter, the biggest blowhard, the best liar and the biggest scammer, gets the most out of life. I know that isn't true and that there is such a thing as karma. But I'm really tired and frustrated right now. On a lot of different levels.

Part of me wonders if I should move. I'm really considering it.

10 Things I do....

10 things I do to avoid work, relationships, socializing or anything else that will propel my career and myself into advancement:

1. Browse best-of craigslist for a laugh (this one is good for hours)

2. Laundry

3. Reading. Reading anything. But especially trashy novels or hilarious self-help books ("cleaning your toenails will help you self actualize into a pickle..." etc.,)

4. Yardwork. I love yardwork. Unfortunately, today, when I tried to trim back the tree, I was attacked by a squeaking rat, who was angry that I'd interrupted his nap. That was fun.

5. Knitting. Knitting purses and blankets. But especially baby blankets, 'cuz their fast, easy, don't need a pattern, and people oooh and aahh about them (feeds my ego).

6. Cleaning out my closet (which I need to do more of)

7. Blogging. Which I don't do enough of...

8. Websurfing...especially for the news

9. Checking email.

10. Drinking tea while watching t.v....

okay, let's see, have I avoided work for enough time yet? Do I have a case of worried panic, as I assess the few hours I have left until Monday to post my lesson plans???