I love my job, working with gifted 6th graders. I especially love 6th grade because I get to guide these wide-eyed newbies into the world of middle school.
But our numbers are down.
Just over a month ago, our admin team came to tell us and said that our four person team would be reduced to a three person team if the numbers stayed the same. They also said they had applied for an additional position, which, if it were to be granted, would keep us a four person team. They also said that, if it didn’t come, we would go from 2 Humanities teachers to one. That meant my job or my teaching partner’s job.
I worried that last month of school. I was the newer Humanities teacher. I was the one who had changed jobs and/or rooms five times in the last six years. Finally, the last week of school, I heard that, although they were still hoping for the additional teaching position to be added, I would be the one to change jobs.
And so I am enjoying summer, trying desperately to ignore the elephant that is with me on vacation.
The team I would move to is wonderful.
I wouldn’t have to change rooms, though I would be teaching regular 7th grade.
Even though this year’s 6th graders have moved on, I feel as though I am leaving them.
I try not to check my email and phone several times a day, hoping for the message that say we got the position. It has yet to come.
I figure I can pretend and ignore the elephant through July, but once August rolls around, I might need to accept reality – unless that call finally comes.
booksandbassets 
Reassignment is one of the hardest things to deal with in education, and can be the most cruel, often happening just days before the first day of school, leaving little time to prepare. Ugh!
That’s why the admins will move me to a team that won’t require a room change.
It’s so hard to switch positions, especially when it’s a position you love. At least you would be going to a great team. I taught seventh grade reading, starting in October last year. I had never gone above fourth grade, and I was really nervous, but I loved them! I bet you will too!
I n my head, I know it will be fine, but my heart is sad.
Not knowing would be the hardest part for me. Have fun, enjoy your summer, and, as you know, it will all work out regardless of what happens. By the way, I loved your title–it drew me right in!
Thanks. Sometimes writing titles is a joy.
Titles are typically the bane of my writing existence!
I have had several changes throughout my teaching career and I know what it is like waiting to hear if you will be reassigned. It always puts a cloud over summer vacation. Here’s hoping things work out well and the way you would like them to. No matter what grade level you are teaching next year I know that your students will benefit from having you as one of their teachers.
I know that, no matter where I am, I will do my best. I will be wistful if it really happens.
Waiting is so hard! Change isn’t easy either. I was told I was moving from 2nd grade to Kindergarten 9 years ago. I was so sad to leave 2nd grade. However, fell in love with Kindergarten! Best of luck! Change could be good as well!
Fortunately, it is only a one year shift. And beginning of the year 7th graders are really just end of the year 6th graders.
Best of luck. I hope things work out for your best. Change can be challenging.
Ugh, I had an elephant in my summer once and it did put some things on hold. Try to ignore it and enjoy the moment. Not knowing might open a door to something else personally or professionally.
I really relate to this! I feel like I am used to it now though. Every year my class shifts. What and who I think I am teaching in June changes several times before the first day of school. Then, during the 3rd week of school it often changes again based on our actual enrolment compared to projected enrolment. On the last day of school I went from being a straight grade 2 teacher to a grade 2/3 teacher and had to pick out 6 of my grade 2’s who would continue on with me next year as grade 3’s. So, I’d tell you not to worry, but I know that worry well! Hopefully you’ll get the news well before the first day.
Hard, hard, hard! I can imagine it is hard to not keep checking. You are great about noticing the positives of the proposed change, but I hope for you the position remains yours.
I can only imagine how hard it must be to not know. For me, June and July are mental preparation for the rest of the year. Good luck.