Teacher

[cathschaffstump]

I have just turned down a full-time administrative position with Kirkwood. I will remain an ELA Coordinator who teaches two classes on a 201-day contract.

While I didn't know what shape upper administration's offer to me would take when they finally got back to the English department about our proposal, the offer they made me was a great deal more work for a tiny bit more money. And while I would have liked to have done better for the college and the ELA program, a savvy employee must also respect herself and the work she does.

Therefore, nothing changes. I will continue to do the job I do with the time I have. As we gain more staff, this will help anyway, so perhaps the need for a full-time administrator will fade.

I still have the same great boss, the same great coworkers, and the same great support staff I had earlier today. I still matter to my students. I have a flexible job with awesome benefits, with the protection of a strong union. This means that I will be able to keep writing books, rather than having to scramble for evening times to do art. And I am not an at-will employee. And I don't have to be in the office all day. And I can still get professional development. What a great job I have!

Only my pride is suffering. I feel a bit dispensable and undervalued at the moment. I believed I was thought to be a more valuable player than I apparently am, and I suppose as soon as I get over myself, things will be fine.

So, yay?

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.