The Diary Of A Terminated DC Teacher

I decided to share an email that I received from a terminated teacher from DC Public Schools. This 14 year teacher wonder did little to deserve her arbitrary fate under the Rhee administration. A review of her school's DC-CAS scores obtained unofficially on my blog from an insider reveal that her school made significant gains. Too bad she was fired before the NCLB scores will be released on August 14th. Had she been a probationary teacher she might have had the chance of an expedited appeals process. I'm not sure what's been tougher for me than watching great teacher colleagues get fired this year by the Rhee administration or watching great teachers give up on their love of teaching. I don't blame them. This email sucks.

Dear Diary:

"It is Saturday and I could not wait to get home and write this. As you know, I was fired from my job as a teacher in June 2009 after 14 years. I have been at peace throughout it all as I have an abiding faith and know that God has all the answers. I have forgiven all and any people who had anything to do with my dismissal.

As it stands, I don't plan to return to TEACHING again, unless I am reinstated. However, I doubt that is going to happen. I have had many good years but I need a change. As such, I have been preparing for my "survival sale" to get more of a cash reserve. In order for me to move forward, I had to let go completely of my past. I am not sad or bitter as I had a wonderful teaching career. Also, I was blessed to be mentored by two of the greatest principals during my teaching career.

In the last few weeks, I have thrown away almost everything related to my former teaching career. Yesterday, I poured through a lot NICE board games, and books, and other items and decided to give back to my neighborhood. I just put everything outside my yard and placed a sign that said "FREE, PLEASE TAKE". I am happy to report that most of the items are gone.

Today, I decided to do a dry run of my sale at my hair salon. I went into the salon with a box of items for sale not really expecting to make any money. All my items already had the prices on them. In less than 15 minutes, I walked out of the salon $72 DOLLARS RICHER. Customer 1 purchased my CD Boom box for $20, customer 2 brought my pair of new leather tennis shoes for $10, customer 3 brought my pair of new Ralph Lauren collection tennis shoes for $20, and customer 4 brought 2 new DVD's for $6 each. If you add this up, it is only $62.00. Now here is where the love comes in: customer 1 gave me a $10 love gesture. When I left that shop, I was so happy, joyful and appreciative.

Most people would be going crazy if they lost their high salaries and did not have a spouse or relative to back them. However, God is working through me and in me by giving me a calm nature. I believe that I will one day make a lot more than what was taken away. I am a survivor when my back is up against the wall. For instance, I have central air and normally my electric bill is over $300 in the summer time. Yet, the day after I was terminated I turned my central air off and went to Walmart and purchased 3 extra large fans. My electric bill was $50.00 this month.

If you take anything from this, please know that I wish you good health and good fortune. Yet, be very thankful for what you have as it can be taken away. Now, I live each day to the fullest and relish even the smallest moments. I appreciate all your love and support. I will stand strong and never give up. I am determined that I will not live in fear. It would be easy for me to get another teaching job. Yet, I am going to try to go into another career. And who knows, I may even get a job in sales. $72.00 in 15 minutes that must be a record for an amateur like me.

Posted by The Washington Teacher