down and out

have been really upset for about a month now and wasn't going to talk about it here - namely cause Palmy is a small place and I didn't want anyone to feel bad,etc - that and not erlated to kids in anyway.

So, as of today, I am out of a job. When i started at work, it was only as long term relief so it's not a big shock that I don't have a job there anymore, but the way it was handled has left me reeling.

In June I wrote a proposal for my school to start teaching japanese. I was really super excited about it. Everyone was. The DP encouraged me as did the VP.

Early this term, the principal asked if I would be interested in more long term relief for next year. I said yip, and thought nothing more.


Then the VP started hinting that I wouldn't have a position next year. I assumed the P hadn't mentioned anything about my relief work so left it.

About a month ago, i hear a new teacher talking about her relief work for next year. She was in a similiar boat to me re: employment, but as she was foreign, no visa at the time, and newer than me - no problem.   ANyway, i started to get excited as the P had said if they hadn't found anything permanent for me, the relief was mine. So i figured, something permanent must have been found. I overhear that Japanese proposal has been accepted and was really thrilled. OVERHEARD!!!


fas forward last month - I then overhear the DP telling another teacher that not only is the new teacher doing the relief work i was promised, she is now the new teacher of Japanese. Now, she lived in japan for two years but only speaks casually. This is her only "qualification". I have a post grad in second language teaching as well as qualifications in Japanese.

So I am incredibly upset about this and spend the next weekend in tears. I talk to the principal who basically tells me nothing and says that nothing has been decided about the japanese programme.

then new teacher starts talking about how she isn't interested in japanese at all, and is only doing it to keep her visa, etc. I am just so gutted. Then as I leave she asked for my email so i can help her with the curriculum planning.

I am just soooooooo upset about this. I talked to the PPTA and decided not to puch things - basically I need references. And everytime I think I'm over it, i see NT again and she talks about the programme.,

Today I dropped off my keys - NT was there and asking if I could help her select a textbook to use next year.

And when i had my leaving thing, everyone went on what a fanatstic person I was, blah blah, and i kept thinking, well why was she employed over me. I am pretty sure they had to make a commitment to her through an international deal thing they have, but the fact that not ONE member of managment took time to actually tell me about the results of MY proposal...really gutted.


so anyone, rant over and hopefully I'll get over this soon

thank you. as I said, i wasn't going to post, but i know when i do, and when i get replies it does really help with the whole "moving on" process. I WILL get over this, but it is taking longer than i think it should

Oh, you poor thing. It sounds like they handled that shockingly. Even if they had to let you go (as you mention, they might have been very pressed to keep the other teacher for other reasons that had nothing to do with you) they should have been upfront and honest with you every step of the way. Mate - I'd have actually expected them to be very apologetic about accepting your proposal but not being able to keep you on to implement it.

I seriously hope something twice as good is just around the corner for you.

I would want to know why she was picked over you? I certainly wouldn't be helping her with the course planning etc, because she will get the credit and in theory it should have been your position.

Sorry this has happened to you, what a stink time of year.

Chin up girl, concentrate on enjoying your Christmas holidays with your family then maybe sit back and reassess your options in the New Year.

Aw that really sucks, they handled that sooooo badly it's no wonder you are upset.

LTR is a crappy position to be in. I was employed that way for 3 years before going to the PPTA and being made permanent.

What you experienced is not a new thing in teaching unfortunately - you hear bits and pieces from everyone but no one will confirm anything with you.

I had a position taken off me in the same way by a woman who was also not qualified as such for the job and was gutted. It does leave a bitter taste in your mouth but it did lead on to me getting the job I currently have which is an awesome job in an awesome school (unfortunately the headmaster is a bit of a yes man but hey).

Hi there
I'd write the Principal a letter expressing how disappointed you were with the handling of the whole situation and how hurt you felt. Keep it professional and non accusing. Use I statements rather than You statements. Then forward it to the principal, vp, bot, ppta and anyone else important.

aww lizzle big hugs hun that relly suxs

I wouldn't write saying you were disappointed - as you say almy is small, and teaching is also small.

But I think it is well within your rights to contact the principal stating that you are aware NT is in this position, and you are looking for feedback on why she won it over you, so that next time you have an opportunity you can win the position.

The response would tell you a fair bit i am sure.