so, yeah she got the job!

She'll start on March 28th & the pay is above minimum wage.

It's probably enough to cover her rent & utilities with some money left over.

Now I can relax & get some sleep (at least I hope - I might have to strangle some cats, one in particular who insists on meowing at the door when she's hungry, which sometimes is around 3 or 4 in morning!).

Nervous Nelly

That's me.

We are awaiting word to see if Artist Girl got the job.

My stomach is in knots.

I know she is probably stressed as well.

Need . . . to . . . think . . . positively!!

Artist Girl is settled . . .

the next step for her is to find a job.

We found an apartment (a really cute little bungalow) in one of the best parts of the city. It has a small backyard, a fireplace, all wood floors, and the rent is very reasonable. So now she doesn't have to worry about finding a place to live, which means that all of her energy can be focused on getting a job.

The other really cool part is that my cousin works for the community arts program. He is taking her to various art events in the city. This will allow for her to network with other like-minded people & hopefully, in the process will land her some job leads.

She is so excited about being on her own.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that by pushing her out of the nest, she will be able to find her place in the world.

a principal calls the union for the help . . .

A few weeks ago, I received a phone from a principal with a subsequent follow up from the site rep, regarding concerns with a teacher.

This teacher has received several years worth of poor evaluations. This teacher has also been under our PAR program, which requires working with a mentor teacher.

This teacher is not showing any signs of improvement, even though our contract requires improvement when a teacher is placed on an improvement plan.

The District has not done anything to remove this teacher.

The principal is frustrated. The site rep and the department chair are frustrated.

I was called to discuss the situation.

I'm frustrated because of the lack of movement on the part of the District. I'm also frustrated because instead of the District being held accountable for their inaction, the union will be blamed & by proxy as president, I will be blamed for protecting a "bad" and "ineffective" teacher.

This is the not the first time I've had this conversation with a principal in my district. I suspect that it won't be the last.