Decisions

This week was much better. Still busy, but I like it that way. I had an IEP meeting and our school was observed to receive our IB accreditation. I think we did just fine. My IEP meeting went smoothly. I used to really freak out about these meetings. They are legal documents and I am responsible for planning each child's educational and behavioral goals for the next year. Big responsibility. I make it and then present it to the parents. It's getting easier.

Something spectacular happened this week. One of my kiddos has been in a Spanish class, at school, for the last three years. He doesn't say very much. He has significantly progressed over the last couple of years. He is different and everyone knows it. He knows it. Last week, he was in his Spanish class and the teacher asked who would like to come to the front of the room and converse in Spanish with her puppet. My little guy never volunteers, but last week he did. The teacher called on him and expected him to just stand there or not say much. Instead, he had a full conversation with the puppet, in Spanish. The teacher couldn't believe it. The teacher cried tears of hope and amazement. The teacher emailed his Mom and thanked me for making such a difference in the life of these children. I am humbled that God chose me to teach these special little ones.

I am so torn. We have made progress. I have been blessed by these children. I feel like I built the barn to watch it burn, if the board is serious about closing my classroom. The district is 7 million dollars short next year. The state has cut budgets as never before. They say they don't want the children to suffer, but they will. We don't have enough money for the basics at our school. I am just sad that my classroom may be cut short or changed. I fear that the progress, in these students, will be cut short. I feel guilty looking for a job in another district, but unsure as to whether mine will be renewed, in my district, next year. Please pray for me and my students. We all face an uncertain future.