Public School...and paper towels
Dec 10, 2008Back when I first became a speech-language pathologist, I decided to do one of my internships in a school. My mom asked, “Why would you want to work in a school?” And I said something to the effect of, “because it’s my favorite place to be.” I’ve always liked school, liked learning, so it only makes sense that I would end up back in school but at the other end of the instructional continium. Despite a short stint at an outpatient clinic, I find myself back in school. Luckily, I still like working in a school.
My first week back at full time hours for the first time since before my daughter was born was rough, I’ll admit it. I like to be on top of things and I felt about three steps behind all week. This week, I only feel about 2 steps behind and I’ve managed to work with quite a few kids, which is what I really enjoy.
Say what you will about public school and their effective or non-effective-ness (I love making up words!) there are a lot of very dedicated and hard working people there, doing the best they can with they’re given and then some. The “then some” is the important part because they aren’t given much. Probably every politician I’ve bothered to listen to in the last 10 years has promised to “fix” the educational system. Yet the school nurse where I work has to ration paper towels or buy them herself. When the school system can’t afford to buy enough paper towels, do you think it has enough money to deal with educating students properly? It would be nice if one of those politicians out there would actually stand by his or her word and “fix” the system.
The first thing I would do if I were one of those politicians? Weed out the unnecessary managers who sit at desks all day looking important and sending out memos every once in a while. Enourmous amounts of money would be gained by streamlining the educational good old boy (and girl) network. I imagine there would be plenty of money to supply resources for the students and to give the teachers a substantial (I mean at least 20k a year) raise.
The area where this school is placed is somewhat economically depressed and was so even before the recent nationwide downturn. Many of the kids came to school this week wearing short sleeved shirts, some of them too small for their rapidly growing middle school bodies. Many of them effectively raise themselves while Mom and Dad (if they’re lucky) work , trying to keep bread on the table. There are behavior problems, of course, but most of the kids are good kids and I am priviliged to work with them. Some of them are responsible beyond their years.
I actually had a dream last night wherein my boss called and offered to buy Christmas presents for 6 of my most needy and deserving kids. I couldn’t pick just six…
Reader Comments (4)
You're already dreaming about work? This doesn't bode well . . .
The last line just breaks my heart. Thank you, dear Laura, for all you do. My prayers with you.
Laura, I imagine it will take a little while, at least! to get the routine down. Not sure about the getting used to the heartbreak part though. Thank you for keeping us posted.
Off topic: I checked out the Med. Vegan Kitchen from the library, except now I think I want to own it! It looks great. I will be trying some of the recipes in the next couple weeks!
Thanks Ladies....
Peter...well, I don't know if it doesn't bode well or not...
Amy...it is a great cook book. Mine was a gift from one of my blog reader friends about 3 or 4 years ago, I think. It's definitely well used around here!