And so it begins...

I didn't really want to do this.

But how can I pass up the opportunity to share with the masses all the amazing stories that come out of my classroom? I got thrown into a position that has strict barriers that keep me from claiming full-time status. Of course these barriers are only of the monetary variety. In fact, I am expected to be a full-time teacher with the same drive, ambition, and dedication as those getting paid two, three, and four times the amount of money I do each month. No, no. Being new warrants me needing to show more drive, ambition, and dedication than my veteran counterparts. Now I realize not many of us in the field of public service are in it for the money. I certainly understood this as I watched my student loans pile higher than I would be able to clear within twenty years of working as a teacher. However, let us realize that I am not even really part-time. No. That is too high-class for someone like me. I am an hourly teacher. My hours begin when the bell rings and end five minutes before my students leave my classroom. Yes, before. Again, I knew full well that teachers, as many other professionals, put in much more time than for which they are monetarily compensated. Here comes the problem, though. I am merely whining if I point out that a field trip that lasts until 1:00 is rather disappointing since it means I will be working an hour for free. On a school bus. With thirty 10-year olds. By myself. This may not sting so much if my partner teacher (a full-time teacher and lifetime lunatic) did not get to use this extra hour to sit on her ass at school. In her classroom. By herself. Oh, and she gets paid for that. And she also gets the respect and designation as the students' real teacher. I am sorry if it is whining, but I should be entitled. Who likes doing work for free? And maybe worse than the lack of money, is the lack of credit.

This particular episode is only one in a long line of daily inequities I face in my position of Title I Reading Intervention Specialist which is really Option 2 Fourth Grade Teacher which is really Fourth Grade Job-Share Teacher which is really Do Everything Except Teach Kids Math But Also Teach Kids Math Because There Isn't Enough Time In The Afternoon And Don't Complain But Listen To Partner Teacher Complain Everyday About Being Diabetic And Hating Life.

No, I am not a normal teacher. However, I am definitely not a Nothing. My position simply doesn't make sense. So until interviews come around again, and the miracles of St. Obama allow throngs of teachers the financial stability to retire, I will simply be a Fourth Grade... Something.