Recently I have talked with two different wonderful and generally optimistic individuals who had similar feelings of misery, disappointment and gloom concerning their first year in Denver Public Schools (DPS). And hearing them essentially say "me too" felt comforting. It's nice to know I'm not alone in my disappointment and gloom (which I am definitely trying to remedy).
One of my friends was a professional counselor, who, while dealing with heavy, dark gang related issues of the students had to face down right mean, unappreciative and very burnt-out coworkers, teachers and supervisors.
My other friend was also a paraprofessional as I am and her stories of the lack of support, order, direction, communication, accompanied with a general sense of disarray definitely topped my experiences.
There is a semi-toxic aura in our building partly because 50% of the 7th grade staff are about to lose their jobs (due to the "turn around" nature of our school) and partly because so many people are so angry and burnt out with urban school children and all of the pressures placed on them from above. It's definitely a threat to my personal happiness, so I am having to be more intentional about remaining light-hearted and positive.
The "me too" factor showed me that I'm not alone and I'm not crazy and that this actually IS a difficult but worthy environment (DPS in general and Lake Middle School in particular).
3 comments:
great outlook. it helps HEAPS to know others are going through something similar. i pray god pours his strength and insight and love into you so you can pour it out. xoxoxoxox
Oh Dear Molly, My heart hurts for you ,your coworkers and even the students who are also a product of the bad system. Just remember our God is bigger and Greater then any problem. We pray that your beautiful spirit is not burned out what a sad day that would be for everone.
Blessings Dj
praying for a light-heartedness for you in regard to your job - miss you friendy
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