April 3, 2019-
I began the work day ready to help keep our charges occupied, and relatively productive, as ever. I ended the day, back in retirement mode- at least until I can get another position. I chose to leave, after a brief pitch for me to take a position for which I am even less-suited than the one I have left behind. I declined the offer, and the end game was set.
For all the platitudes that my co-workers and I have received, over the past two years, regarding loving and working with autistic children, there are people watching who do not have the best interests of those children in mind. They are the ones who call the Governing Board, Human Resources-and the hapless school administrators. I know this, because I once took the calls that my former boss has been getting. I know this, because I heard the veiled threats and “you don’t know who you’re dealing with”- from individuals like the person who has been threatening me, personally, with the loss of my job, since last October. I know this, because for refusing to take the earlier threats seriously, I was relieved of my position as Principal, in 1999, twenty years ago, this month.
So, it behooves my former supervisors to protect themselves. Follow due process, but do not fall on your swords for others. You are doing excellent work and deserve to remain in your leadership roles. I will make my way, just fine, and being of “retirement age”, no one can come out of the woodwork, on the other side of the equation, and blast me for “not delivering”, as has happened a few times during my checkered career. I will find work to tide me over until I hit 70, and, no, I will not heed the threats from last Fall.
My former co-workers remain like family and have already been in touch, wishing the best-as I do for them.
A Sagittarian Seeker 
Oh, no! With only two more months to go, that has to be terribly wrenching for the students involved! Dare I ask/wonder what happened?
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With respect for the confidentiality of those involved, I can only say that there did not seem to be a good fit. I have no idea how disturbing it will be for the students- many of whom are nonverbal.
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“Human Resources-and the hapless school administrators.”
I know these people well. They are why I retired early. You can identify them immediately because they always preface what they say with, “We are here for the students.”
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I was a school administrator, for 2.5 years. I actually WAS there for the students, which is why I never broadcast that, publicly. There are those who talk and those who do.
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I’m sorry to hear of this. I recall the vicissitudes that Thomas faced in his years as an educator. I faced a few myself, as well, but being only part time most of my teaching years, dodged many bullets because of a lower profile, I suppose. Working with special needs students seems to leave one either more exposed to assaults from helicopter parents and administrators, or tearing one’s hair out trying to lovingly figure out how to get parents who seems totally disconnected involved in their child’s education. Teachers are a beleaguered breed and seem to always have been. They rarely get the respect they deserve, definitely get the cutbacks whenever budgets are concerned, and only reap the benefits as they watch a student’s face light up with comprehension and gratitude for taking the time to care and listen to them. Personally, I learned that the caring and listening part are a strong bridge to the actual teaching work itself. You are a good representative of that, yourself. All the very best in your next endeavor! ❤
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Thanks, Michele. I am sure it will be a rewarding experience, whatever it is.
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Gary I’m so saddened to hear of this turn of events. I know you are resilient and will no doubt will be able to find a position. It is not very fair to the students to make an abrupt change so close to the end of the school year. Change isn’t always a bad thing – this might just be the universe’s way of moving you toward a better situation. I trust it is. Hugs to you friend!
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I was the oldest of the team. The only trepidation I still have, regarding the students, is if the substitute who replaces me has a hard time adjusting to their behaviours and quirks.
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