It's Raining- The State of Education in Texas

So, I am a teacher in a prominent district in San Antonio, and I am an amazing teacher. Ask my students. They will tell you that I am great. And honestly, I deserve that. But truthfully, the reason I am great is because I have an amazing group of teachers who support me, and a phenomenal administration that gives me room to teach. My team of teachers is exceptional- every one is a gift in their area. Each one has a unique way of reaching the students and creating meaningful learning experiences for each one. My administration is responsible for making sure I have what I need to teach and making sure that I am doing everything in my power for my students. Their level of care and concern for each student and staff member is inspiring- I truly love working where I do.

But because of the MAJOR deficit in the TEXAS budget, my job is in jeopardy. Districts all across the state (and the U.S.) are going to lose GREAT teachers because of this cut in funding to public education. Texas Public Schools are currently operating on numbers and formulas that were set in 2006- without any kind of inflation curve, or increase as more students come in to the districts. As property taxes increase- common sense would say that that money would go to the district- NOT IN TEXAS. Still working on that same price per student that was set in 2006 (which comes from property taxes), TEXAS puts anything over that 2006 figure ($5200 per student) into the RAINY DAY FUND. The same fund that they refuse to touch to address the current financial turmoil we are faced with.

In San Antonio alone- IT IS POURING DOWN RAIN -more than 1600 jobs are at stake- in my district alone. Mine, just one of the many. Displaced teachers will fill the voids left by QUALITY teachers- teachers who were hired for the specific positions that they currently teach. Add to that equation the fact that class size is sure to increase- from 22-1 up to 26-1. What's four students, you ask? Walk into a Kindergarten classroom on the first day of school with your daughter and twenty-five kids running around crying for their parents- and ask that question...when your child is getting picked on in class because there are too many students to monitor, and no one to send the troublemakers to- Ask that question...When your child fails next year because there is no one to pull them out to help fill the gaps left by those teachers who sat at their desks and slept in class- ask that question.

We each have a passion for what we do, and that in and of itself, makes us extraordinary teachers. We don't sit at a desk and pass out worksheets, we don't belittle the students, and we don't ever give up on them...we are teachers, parents, drill instructors, counselors, self-help coaches, friends, listeners, disciplinarians and a kind word when they need it the most- and we are all fine with that...we knew that coming in to the job. And I am not looking for any kind of recognition or thanks- but I AM asking to keep my job.



If you would like to contact the Governor go to: http://www.governor.state.tx.us/contact/.
If you would like to contact the Lt. Governor go to: http://www.ltgov.state.tx.us/contact.php.
To Contact Senator John Cornyn go to: http://cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactForm