Updated: I am changing this because I realize that he probably didn't mean to be insensitive, I just wasn't expecting anything like this and wasn't prepared for it. I expected something different and I might have read more into it than he intended.
After 33 years of teaching I made the decision to retire this year. I have many medical reasons for leaving a career that I love, but the leukemia has made it too hard to giving so much of my energy to teaching. It was a difficult choice to make but I really need to concentrate on getting better.
The retirement reception was on May 24. I want to thank all of those who came. I totally understand if people couldn't make it because it was at 3:45 to make it more convenient for teachers to come.
There were seven of us being honored, quite a few for our school. I was a little disappointed that there were only name badges and not corsages for the retirees. I know that times are hard and money is tight, but really. The retirement gift I got was a lovely memory box with my initials, but I would have preferred the pocket knife that the assistant principal got only because it was engraved with "Once a Sandie, always a Sandie." I really appreciated that the culinary arts students were able to make my favorite cupcakes--German chocolate. Delicious. I talked to some very wonderful people who came.
The choir sang at the reception because the choir teacher is retiring. They are always so good. Then the principal called us all up to the front of the room. I was expecting him to say something nice about each of us, how we're going to be missed and thanks for the memories. Then each of us were to say something. I was busy trying to come up with something not stupid to say.
When it came to my turn the principal made a bad, hurtful jab about how I made money for Lowes.
I was so shocked. 33 years of service and that is what he thinks of my career. He managed to say nice things about some of the others. Some he said nothing at all. He went on and on about his buddy the assistant principal who is retiring.
I was devastated. I cried for three days. When my students asked me how the reception was I teared up.
The only retirement reception I will ever get and he ruined it for me. Nothing will ever be able to sponge away the hurt and humiliation. No apology will ever be enough.
My family asked me, "Doesn't he even know you." I had to tell them he never even bothered to know me. I told him in August that I had cancer. Not once has he or his administrative staff ever made an effort to talk to me about my battle with the disease or offered any help.
Well, Mr. Principal, my career may be a bad joke to you but it wasn't to me or the many students I've had over the years that I taught.
Mr. Principal did you know what wonderful students I have this year? They were so understanding on the days when the chemo was giving me really bad side effects. Their compassion outweighs your apathy in so many ways.
Mr. Principal did you bother to know that this year 100% of my students who took the science TAKS test passed. They worked really hard to prepare for the test and kicked it's mass. (I try not to cuss.)
Mr. Principal did you ever know that I worked for NASA to write curriculum for the GRACE satellite? I was invited to the Phoenix Mars rover launch in Florida? I presented workshops at many local, state and national conventions.
Did you know that for nine years I have had night tutorials every week? Not just for my students, but any that needed help.
Mr. Principal you may think that I am just a bad joke but my coworkers and students, both past and present don't think I was a joke.
I have a large box with wonderful notes from students how they love me and how much I have changed their lives. I am greeted by my ex-students where ever I go. Many of the past students still come to see me. I am loved and I make a difference.
I am so much more than your hurtful statement, so much more. And if you had bothered to know me you would know how much I dedicated to educating young people not just about science but also about life.
If any of my students, past or present, read this blog I would love to hear from you and what you are doing now.
So to finish I always end my blogs (as I start every class) with the---
Question of the Day--
What are your best memories about your job?
