I expected to retire in two years, and then the pandemic struck.
I listened to the many reports related to pandemic-time teaching, and then made a list of pros and cons with regard to teaching in the fall. The list moved me to retire for multiple reasons.
As with any big decision, there remains some trepidation about this unexpected step, but I believe in the long run, it is the right choice.
How will this decision affect my students, school system, family, and self?
School and students
I have no doubt that I'll be replaced by an extraordinary teacher. In fact, I've already emailed the principal about one candidate and if that candidate doesn't work out, I have another one in mind. Over the years I have connected with countless, wonderful educators who are ready to fill the shoes of retired teachers. As far as the school goes, we have an incredibly strong school, and as long as decision makers take teachers' lives, knowledge, and abilities seriously and create a doable, healthy, positive pandemic learning scenario, the school and school community will remain strong.
USA Education
Many dangerous and foolish leaders in the United States think of education for the masses as purely childcare or as a way to create a servant class to support their self-serving privilege, wealth, and power. These leaders don't regard education as the life-enriching power that it is. They don't realize that a well educated population is a more peaceful, positive, and happy people, and that when everyone is well educated we have a greater potential to live together in ways that exemplify good living for today and into the future. These heinous leaders' ignorant, me-first, power-hungry actions put all lives in peril--they even put their own lives in peril as they tear at the strong foundation and even stronger potential we hold as a free nation. I am worried that these criminals are using the pandemic to misdirect education funding and potential toward the direction of their gain at the expense of the gain of the nation's children, families, and educators. This is a clear threat to our democracy, and one that every individual must rise up against.
Family
In many ways, my schedule of reduced demands at school will create time for me to nurture and care for my extended family members more. I look forward to this.
Self
The incredibly busy and task-full schedule of a teacher takes a toll on one's health and sense of self. I've written about this time and again. The fact that we are called to work very long days in the care of lots of people in addition to our own family members with not enough good support makes the job taxing. Every teacher knows that. In the best of worlds, the country would take this burden seriously and look for ways to make education a less taxing, more doable career choice. While it's great that teachers are mostly inspired by their will to help others, it's also vital that educators earn a fair wage and have adequate supports to do their jobs well. There is room to re-make and elevate teachers' working conditions and wages across the country. After all, educators are nation-builders, and they along with other vital professionals have the potential to empower and enrich our country in countless ways. For me, however, this retirement time will give me added time to focus on health which is a positive focus.
I'm curious about where this next chapter will take me. I feel like I'm stepping down the plane steps and looking out into a new horizon wondering what I'll discover and the adventures that await. The multiple kind and thoughtful messages I've received yesterday and today signal to me that there are good things on the horizon--I'm looking forward to that.