The End of an Era

Dear Dr. Z,

I am writing to inform you that as of today I have left the education department and withdrawn from my specialized methods course. My purpose in writing you is in hopes that this e-mail will save you any further time and effort placing me for observations and student teaching.

Thank you for your time and take care.

***

I am no longer an aspiring teacher/educator/instructor. After long thought and discussion with my family, I am changing my major to a B.A. in History from my B.A. in Social Studies Education. This decision has been a long time coming, and I couldn't be more relieved. For over a year I have been contemplating this move. When I entered the department, I was much younger in age and maturity and seeking a profession that involved anything but working as an underpaid, overworked tool for some over-sized corporation.

I'm older now, and could care less about a job that supposedly makes you feel "good". I'll have a son and a family come December. I no longer care about the imagined benefits of being an educator that I once did. Among literally dozens of reasons, I made this choice for two primary reasons:

1. My student teaching placement would be at least an hour away, resulting in 500+ miles of driving per week. This insane amount of travel would cost thousands of dollars and a priceless amount of time.

I was told that I would "definitely" be placed in the Harrisburg Area by the director of the Teacher Education Center for my specialized methods course observations after I informed him that I commute from home. I WAS PLACED IN WEST CHESTER. Keep in my that these observations - unlike student teaching - do NOT require professors to visit the location of the placement.
After some good-natured complaining, I received this message from the head of the Teacher Education Center:

Derek,

I spoke with Dr. X who is the Assistant Superintendent at Y. He indicated that if you were a student or currently live in the district, he will permit you to observe up to one day.

He has attached a form which you need to complete.
You will still need to contact the teacher I originally assigned to complete the remaining hours.
Please complete the forma and return it and work through Dr. X to arrange the hours.

Dr. Z

There are a few problems with this. First, the location he offered is FURTHER AWAY THAN MY FIRST PLACEMENT. Second, what the hell does "if you are a student or currently live in the district mean?" I told the guy I live in Harrisburg. Why the hell would I also be living in a random school district EAST of West Chester? Third, the offer is only for UP TO ONE DAY. Even if I observed all nine periods (which would require multiple teachers to observe) it still would only be HALF of the required hours!

Wow.

If this is how I was placed when I was guaranteed a reasonably close location, where would my student teaching placement have been? Mexico? FACT - Professors are required to observe student teachers a maximum of four times a semester. Why is there a "within 60 miles of campus" requirement? Music majors get 75 miles. What the crap? Did I mention that student teaching is unpaid, and I'll have a son in 2 months?

2. I don't want to be a teacher. Most importantly, I don't want a job that requires nightly take-home work outside of the office. Occasional take-home work is fine, not the suggested 2 hours of take-home to every 1 hour in-class. I want to be able to come home, kick off my shoes, and do whatever I feel. Not to mention being improperly trained for inclusion (the customization of lessons for special education students), wanting not to be tied down by a morality clause in my contract, wanting not to deal with insolent little bastards in class, and, oh yeah, my desire to make more than $40,000 some day, as well as possibly be promoted.

***

I hesitated so long because I thought it was impossible to find work without teacher certification as a history graduate. It's not. There are numerous opportunities for graduates like myself in the State Government, where my Mom and best friend are currently employed. While that is a lengthy process, there are many interim jobs available like the Postal Service to get me on my feet. I can finally earn more than my personal best of $7.25 an hour, provide for my son, and escape a terrible career. Also, I may be able to graduate in December rather than May with my new major. Huzzah!

There are seemingly infinite reasons for this change, and I couldn't be happier. I now only have one class this semester. Unfortunately, there's no point in applying for a new job so close to Owen's due date, I'll have to wait until January for that. At least I can enjoy the last few days of my tenure at the movie theater while December draws ever closer.