Well…. I have once again found myself in a predicament. These predicaments are becoming very tiresome; especially since they all – in one way or another – seem to strike a financial chord, attempting to devastate us as a family. But these things are becoming way too obvious. It’s almost like the enemy of God is trying so hard to get us to curse the God in whom we put our trust, and to leave His plan in order to do our own thing and take care of ourselves (I’d be lying to say that the thought has never entered my mind). But now it’s almost like the enemy is desperate. He’s taken it to a pitiful level. I just have to laugh at this one.
Yesterday the Superintendent of Eastern Local Schools informed me that they would no longer be able to pay my contract because my certification (or alternative licensure) has still not been approved by the ODE (Ohio Department of Education). Therefore, the district cannot legally continue to pay me. The fact that they cannot pay me any longer did not surprise me. I knew that day was coming. But herein lies the problem. This whole thing is not my fault. There is nothing I can do about it. I am completely subject to the efficiency and the decisions of other men and women.
In August, the very week I began teaching, I gathered all of my papers, transcripts, background checks, FBI information, etc. and took them down to the county office. There is a list of requirements one must meet in order to be eligible for the alternative licensure program. I completed all of these and had them turned in back in August. According to the ODE web site, and according to my academic counselor at Rio Grande University, the only thing left to do was to have a principal and superintendent interested in hiring me write a letter to the ODE requesting a “one-year conditional permit” to be issued to me, the candidate. I could then teach in their school for one year, as long as I agreed to continue to pursue an alternative license (this is almost word for word from the web site). The web site clearly states that “conditional permits are granted at the request of the hiring superintendent.” I have read this a thousand times. I have even sent this information to my hiring superintendent. But every time I speak with someone about the conditional permit they look at me like I am speaking a foreign language. It’s like no two people understand the conditions and rules the same way.
So now, here I am. All other teachers will receive a paycheck this Friday. I will not.
Earlier in the year one student asked me why I chose to be a teacher. In my answer I mentioned that I love teaching and I love being with people, particularly high school people. He then asked, “Do you love it so much that you would do it for free?” I paused for a moment before answering, “Yes, I would.”
I guess now’s my opportunity to prove it.
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