March 23, 2011

Sad, sad day

Monday was a sad day here at the National Writing Project. Our ED let us know that they have to reduce staff by 60%, due to the fact that our federal funding was cut. My emotions have been all over the place - from sad, to angry, to optimistic - to everything in between. I was told that my last day is June 1. I bawled. I knew it was coming, but there's something about getting a letter of termination that makes it so official. I know that I'll be fine, that every cloud has a silver lining, and that this is an opportunity for me (despite the shitty circumstances). I can get over getting laid off.

I can't get over what this means for our country.

The message our politicians are sending: that it's okay to devalue teachers and educators - people that are creating our future citizens. While other countries are investing in children, we are divesting at a seriously alarming rate. It's hard to wrap my head around how we have gotten here. It doesn't matter what political party you are. We are all members of the human party - and if we don't value our children - our future - than what is worth valuing?

3 comments:

Janel said...

I could not have said it better myself! The current situation is truely sad and whether we realize it or not will affect us, and our children, and our children's children. I'm so sorry this affected you on such a personal level. On the bright side, our world is lucky to have educators like yourself to inspire and never give up on our kids!! Things will get better, just use it as motivation to create some real change!! :)

Sophia said...

My mom has been a teacher for 30 years and her whole career has been on the edge of getting the boot due to funding cuts, especially since she's been working on the development side of things the last 5 years or so. It's such a tragedy, but good teachers will always make the needed sacrifices for the kids. It's just a completely unjust, unfair system and it always boggles the mind. Good luck with whatever opportunity you get next and know that you made a huge difference while you WERE working there and that the 40% that weren't let go will continue to fight. <3

Unknown said...

Aww Shan! I didn't know about this! I am sorry for you and for our youth. I was watching Jon Stewart last night (that's real news, right?:) and he brought up the cost of our strike on Libya during this time when every other project is getting cut financially.The quote I remember was "You can't fire teachers and Tomahawk missiles at the same time." So true.

I'm thinkin' of you, dearie.