Confirmed Loser

My die hard readers will remember my elation at having secured a teaching position for the school year, as well as my disappointment when I was told that my current school would not have a job for me next year. Well today, the saga continues.


I was at a training (I'm taking 2 grad classes and have attended 3 trainings on top of that so far) and was talking with a woman who is in a similar position, only she's been in this position for several years. She asked if I'd gotten my "letter of reasonable assurance" yet, and of course I had no idea what she was talking about. As it turns out, this piece of paper prevents one from collecting unemployment during the summer months. I told her I'd gotten no such letter, and she snickered. "You'll get it this week. Trust me."


Lo' and behold, what did I come home to but a letter from personnel in my mailbox. "Reasonable assurance" that I might have a job as a long term substitute next year, which could be a job that lasts anywhere from 2 months to the entire school year. Apparently, there is a loophole for the school department written right into state law.


I am so bullshit right now I can't even see straight. It's not MY fault I'm unemployed! I applied to work summer school, and was denied due to budget cuts. I've been applying all over the region, but won't get calls back until at least August because all these bastards at the school departments don't work during the month of July. I can't go back to the hellhole just yet because I MIGHT get called back to work in the fall.


How are people supposed to live like this? This is just one reason why more quality people don't bother becoming teachers. Letters of "reasonable assurance" certainly don't pay the bills.