I resigned this morning

Yes, I did it. I finally resigned this morning. My old school offered me my former position back (1st/2nd special ed). I took it. I loved that job. I helped to identify kids who weren't performing to grade level standards and get them the help they needed to be successful in school. I love teaching sight words and phonics. I'm not so crazy about the alphabet, but I'll do it. I love teaching addition and subtraction. I love teaching. I don't love diapers, seizures and feeding tubes. The job was slowly sucking the life out of me.

This is my old, old, old classroom.


The collective feeling when I told my friends was relief. Apparently they all noticed what a giant bundle of bitter stress I was this past year. I already feel less tension in my jaws and shoulders. I haven't recuperated yet from this past school year, despite now having six weeks off.

A high school position was just posted and I know the guy who just took the 4th grade job wants it, so I might take the 4th grade. It would be a more secure position for me and something new. They could also all tie their own shoes!

Things I need to do now:
1. Request my teaching license. Central office has been holding it hostage. I'm not sure why they haven't mailed me my copy yet.
2. Find out when my benefits end.
3. Secure gap coverage if necessary.
4. Find out when the first new pay on this contract begins.
5. Find out when benefits begin.
6. Request sick day transfer.