My Me Time has been lacking lately. It has been go, go, go nonstop.
Last weekend was great - I was at an English Conference and presented on a topic I'm passionate about. I had a great reception overall. I had 16 participants in my workshop, which was awesome. All were friendly, inquisitive, and hopefully came away with something. Great way to build my resume.
I had an amazing time in that I also met up with one of my Wine Women unexpectedly from the State Board I partook. I also saw a guy, Thom, whom I met at the State Board conference. Sat at the bar talking for hours.
Back at work I'm doing 2 jobs for the pay of one. I basically told my principal today that I will do both jobs, but you'll be getting a bill. I'm going back in the classroom and doing some of the duties of the new position. He was agreeable. He also told me I am "too valuable that he doesn't know what to do with me." I am good in the classroom, but doing the position I've been doing outside of the classroom, he said. He said I don't have any discipline problems with students, the kids like me, I have 2 contrasting and valuable degrees that reflect my teaching assignment. In the new assignment I was successful in coordinating various activities around the campus, and the most important one had one of the best success rates in recent years. He doesn't know if he wants to keep me in the classroom, or out. He doesn't know if he wants to modify my assignment to 50/50.
I really don't know what the future holds with the position at work - everyday I am open to trying new things, am willing to work, and well, that's what I do. I know all of it is good experience, and will hopefully get me somewhere good. Ultimately this comes down to me - if I choose to accept/apply for the position that I am doing. I just hope that by not accepting it I don't get shitlisted if that's what I choose.
Anyways, crazy hours because of work- missed my hour massage last month, as well as this month. Have a 2 hour planned for me this month. My hands, feet, and neck really need it. Chiropractor too - I just feel out of whack, and my hands need adjusted.
Oh, and to top things off, I have lost my voice by the time I get home 3 nights in a row. I feel completely fine, but my voice just feels fragile.
So that sums me up for the past few weeks.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
The new position - thoughts
Work ---In my last post where I summarized my work life I have had a few more thoughts...
While on vacation in the Caribbean I had a voicemail from 3 different leaders at my school/in the district asking me to take a temporary position outside of the classroom at my school due to a shit storm that occurred at it and another school prior to going off on break. I agreed because it is good experience and when a district office person asks you to do something, you do it.
So I've been out of the classroom for the better part of a month. My new position is not bad. I have all of the qualifications and skills necessary to do the job. It involves little student interaction, which I'm told with how terrible my classes are right now, that is a good thing. Long term, I'm not sure about that...
The position could become permanent - we will find that out as the year progresses.
I am taking all of this in stride - not being pretentious - knowing it isn't necessarily permanent. If I decide to make it permanent my goal will be to get a part time gig teaching at a college to have some interaction with students/people. I am working on putting in applications at various colleges, which is a step in the right direction.
I am becoming pretty good friends with the new VP since we're working in close quarters. If I had to work under him we would make a good team. We both think alike and often I am doing the work before he even asks for it, and a couple times went back to check my work. When I showed I knew what I was doing and was doing everything correctly, he backed off and just let me run the necessary reports.
If the older new VP becomes principal I will most certainly move out of the classroom. The only reason he doesn't bother me is that he sees how hard I work, but he is harassing a lot of teachers, has a lot of grievances against him, and not the teachers he should be targeting. It would be easier to work in the new position under him than as a teacher.
A couple things could open up where I would go back into the classroom and do the AM shift.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Someone that I used to know...
Ever get news about someone you used to know that is really shocking to you? That is what I woke up to this morning. I go online and read the news after I made my way to the living room.
I see a story about a local teacher arrested for child molestation charges on a young boy, and immediately I knew who it was. I guess because it named his school, and I know this male teacher likes younger guys. Maybe it is because I always told this guy to be careful in who he was seeing. I always thought he would know better than to go after someone that young.
This person and I, I have probably blogged about him and his parties for his birthday, but don't recall what name I gave him... Found it... Teacher Friend.
We met years ago on an online site for guys. I was just starting my teaching career and he was well established. He invited me over and we hung out. I went to a couple of his birthday parties and always met people whom I am acquaintances with on facebook to this day. I'm waiting to see if they post anything. We have friends like Foot Fetish in common, and they hang out regularly.
This guy was a well liked teacher and the comments about him on the news sites substantiate this claim. Still, it doesn't excuse his behavior.
I was there for him a few times - the night we were chatting on AIM and he was drunk because he just came out to his mother after his long term boyfriend moved to NY to become an actor. He has supported me as a teacher and let me vent to him as I was first starting out. I enjoyed him since he played devils advocate often, and he was good at separating emotions.
The last time I messaged him was back in May or so when I got a few of his students in my classes and the conversation wasn't anything worth noting.
What he did was completely wrong - I am assuming he did since there is evidence to substantiate it. I feel bad for the kid - maybe the kid consented, but the kid was under 15. This guy should have known better. I have to side with the kid. The kid is underage. The kid I'm sure was going through a lot, exploring sexuality, curious about sex, but probably went about it the wrong way. I feel bad for the kid.
I guess what shocks me more was it was someone I used to know. He was a teacher with over 10 years in the profession. His life will never be the same. He is now going to be a sex offender. He is in jail now and has bail against him. He will likely never be able to be a teacher again. He is almost middle aged and will have to start over if he does. He has lost his pension. Was all of this worth it? Whether it was a short or long term infatuation with this minor, was it worth it?
It shocked me because it hits close to home. I am gay. I basically hide it, especially at the school I am at, with the less than supportive staff I have. I am out to 5 out of 45 people at the school. The 5 people would never tell. I don't tell students unless they were to ask - and so far few have. They think I am straight, which amuses me. I would NEVER EVER consider dating, doing something with a student, or someone younger. For one, I am in a relationship, but even if I were not, I would have wanted ID etc. to confirm the person was above 18. Also, I know that if a student doesn't like a teacher they can say things that can slander them, put them under investigation, and that's something I don't want, and sexuality seems to be one of the easiest targets. I have been targeted by an administrator for me being gay, and it made my life hell. I was worried about my career. Its a fine line you have to walk when you are gay and a teacher...
EDIT: Nearly 24 hours later I'm still in shock. I keep thinking about it. I guess because I thought he knew better. It is someone I knew who seemed like the person to hold everyone to a higher moral standard. I have had all sorts of thoughts like I wonder how he's surviving in prison. What is life for his family and the boy going to be now? What about his students? So many cans of worms.
I see a story about a local teacher arrested for child molestation charges on a young boy, and immediately I knew who it was. I guess because it named his school, and I know this male teacher likes younger guys. Maybe it is because I always told this guy to be careful in who he was seeing. I always thought he would know better than to go after someone that young.
This person and I, I have probably blogged about him and his parties for his birthday, but don't recall what name I gave him... Found it... Teacher Friend.
We met years ago on an online site for guys. I was just starting my teaching career and he was well established. He invited me over and we hung out. I went to a couple of his birthday parties and always met people whom I am acquaintances with on facebook to this day. I'm waiting to see if they post anything. We have friends like Foot Fetish in common, and they hang out regularly.
This guy was a well liked teacher and the comments about him on the news sites substantiate this claim. Still, it doesn't excuse his behavior.
I was there for him a few times - the night we were chatting on AIM and he was drunk because he just came out to his mother after his long term boyfriend moved to NY to become an actor. He has supported me as a teacher and let me vent to him as I was first starting out. I enjoyed him since he played devils advocate often, and he was good at separating emotions.
The last time I messaged him was back in May or so when I got a few of his students in my classes and the conversation wasn't anything worth noting.
What he did was completely wrong - I am assuming he did since there is evidence to substantiate it. I feel bad for the kid - maybe the kid consented, but the kid was under 15. This guy should have known better. I have to side with the kid. The kid is underage. The kid I'm sure was going through a lot, exploring sexuality, curious about sex, but probably went about it the wrong way. I feel bad for the kid.
I guess what shocks me more was it was someone I used to know. He was a teacher with over 10 years in the profession. His life will never be the same. He is now going to be a sex offender. He is in jail now and has bail against him. He will likely never be able to be a teacher again. He is almost middle aged and will have to start over if he does. He has lost his pension. Was all of this worth it? Whether it was a short or long term infatuation with this minor, was it worth it?
It shocked me because it hits close to home. I am gay. I basically hide it, especially at the school I am at, with the less than supportive staff I have. I am out to 5 out of 45 people at the school. The 5 people would never tell. I don't tell students unless they were to ask - and so far few have. They think I am straight, which amuses me. I would NEVER EVER consider dating, doing something with a student, or someone younger. For one, I am in a relationship, but even if I were not, I would have wanted ID etc. to confirm the person was above 18. Also, I know that if a student doesn't like a teacher they can say things that can slander them, put them under investigation, and that's something I don't want, and sexuality seems to be one of the easiest targets. I have been targeted by an administrator for me being gay, and it made my life hell. I was worried about my career. Its a fine line you have to walk when you are gay and a teacher...
EDIT: Nearly 24 hours later I'm still in shock. I keep thinking about it. I guess because I thought he knew better. It is someone I knew who seemed like the person to hold everyone to a higher moral standard. I have had all sorts of thoughts like I wonder how he's surviving in prison. What is life for his family and the boy going to be now? What about his students? So many cans of worms.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Almost a month of no posting
I cannot believe how crazy this month has been. Gather round and let's talk about it.
Work ---
While on vacation in the Caribbean I had a voicemail from 3 different leaders at my school/in the district asking me to take a temporary position outside of the classroom at my school due to a shit storm that occurred at it and another school prior to going off on break. I agreed because it is good experience and when a district office person asks you to do something, you do it.
So I've been out of the classroom for the better part of a month. My new position is not bad. I have all of the qualifications and skills necessary to do the job. It involves little student interaction, which I'm told with how terrible my classes are right now, that is a good thing. Long term, I'm not sure about that...
The position could become permanent - we will find that out as the year progresses.
School ---
I finished my last admin credential class this month, which is awesome. Before my vice principal finished his. LOL. Part of the shit storm.
So back to that, the class was painful. I had no interest in it. The book was of little help. The professor was of little help also.
Had a ridiculous 75 slide PowerPoint to complete that just wasn't writing itself. It took some serious drinking on my end to get it there, and then the only comment I got from the professor was how I didn't cover the topic. Oh well, I got an A, still.
Family ---
Sister is a hot mess. We were at dinner a few weeks back and she swore one of the waiters was her student. Didn't even give her the time of day. I went up to the guy afterward and asked if he went to the schools she has taught at. He didn't. She lied.
Things are going well with my partner and I. His parents have been here for a few weeks. They're fun. His mom is nice and easygoing. His dad is fun, especially since he treats us to dinner, and is amusing in just the stuff he says. They're here for a few more weeks.
Me ---
Little gym time with the parents here, but I am making it a point to walk and stay active however that may be.
My favorite drink of the moment - a Manhattan. I can make a pretty bomb ass one if I do say so myself.
I discovered when I get too overheated at night from too many covers is when I will usually start dreaming. And I have some weird ass dreams. A lot of them about my grandma's property. GRRR.
Work ---
While on vacation in the Caribbean I had a voicemail from 3 different leaders at my school/in the district asking me to take a temporary position outside of the classroom at my school due to a shit storm that occurred at it and another school prior to going off on break. I agreed because it is good experience and when a district office person asks you to do something, you do it.
So I've been out of the classroom for the better part of a month. My new position is not bad. I have all of the qualifications and skills necessary to do the job. It involves little student interaction, which I'm told with how terrible my classes are right now, that is a good thing. Long term, I'm not sure about that...
The position could become permanent - we will find that out as the year progresses.
School ---
I finished my last admin credential class this month, which is awesome. Before my vice principal finished his. LOL. Part of the shit storm.
So back to that, the class was painful. I had no interest in it. The book was of little help. The professor was of little help also.
Had a ridiculous 75 slide PowerPoint to complete that just wasn't writing itself. It took some serious drinking on my end to get it there, and then the only comment I got from the professor was how I didn't cover the topic. Oh well, I got an A, still.
Family ---
Sister is a hot mess. We were at dinner a few weeks back and she swore one of the waiters was her student. Didn't even give her the time of day. I went up to the guy afterward and asked if he went to the schools she has taught at. He didn't. She lied.
Things are going well with my partner and I. His parents have been here for a few weeks. They're fun. His mom is nice and easygoing. His dad is fun, especially since he treats us to dinner, and is amusing in just the stuff he says. They're here for a few more weeks.
Me ---
Little gym time with the parents here, but I am making it a point to walk and stay active however that may be.
My favorite drink of the moment - a Manhattan. I can make a pretty bomb ass one if I do say so myself.
I discovered when I get too overheated at night from too many covers is when I will usually start dreaming. And I have some weird ass dreams. A lot of them about my grandma's property. GRRR.
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