Good morning! I have a story I thought some of you may enjoy. (Throwaway for personal reasons)
Backstory: I am a teacher. I have been teaching for quite a few years. I teach a hard-to-fill position (Special Education). Back in April, when contracts went out for the next school year, I declined and submitted my Letter of Resignation, stating why I leaving (I would unlikely be able to fulfil my contract for the whole school year). I would likely be leaving for a new career at the start of 2023 (Government job, requires background checks).
Some of you may be thinking “why? Just leave mid-year”, while that would be an option, I would likely have to pay a considerable fine for breaking contract. Also, finding a replacement for my position is hard enough, doing so in the middle of the school year is near impossible. I did not want my special needs student's having a revolving door of substitute teachers coming and going after my departure.
So I started considering other options and making other arrangements moving forwards as I wait for the final step in my new career.
As expected, my position hasn't been filled. Teaching is a dying career, especially in my state (top 5 -worse states for education). So I was not surprised when I get a call from HR yesterday. The lady who called me sounded excited and cheerful. “Hello! After some discussions with the district office, we have decided to offer you the amazing opportunity to return next year!” Curious, I listen, I wouldn't say no to coming back if they are willing to be a little flexible.
While listening to her, I start to feel like I would return to the position as a substitute on a long-term basis. However, she is careful not to say to specific words. While talking with her, I determine that I would complete the position as if I was the teacher, since I am a certified and highly-qualified education for this position, I would continue to be responsible for planning, grading, instructing, before and after school meetings. Usually, long-term substitute teachers are not expected to fulfil all of these responsibilities.
Oh, but it gets better (worse?), As a special education teacher, I am also a case manager for students with disabilities. I am responsible for drafting, creating, implementing, amending, and enforcing the student's IEPs. I am required to meet with teachers, admin, and parents regularly (before/after school), collect data, and attend meetings frequently (about 3-4 a week). When said and done, about an extra 6-8 hours a week in addition to my teacher responsibilities.
I ask if these other responsibilities would be required, and am quickly told “yes, you are qualified and specialized in special education, you would be required to continue those responsibilities.” I ask what the long-term sub pay would be, and she happily states “$120 per day”. I quickly respond with “so about $13 an hour”?
“I am expected to complete all responsibilities of my job, what I have been doing for years, however I am expected to do it for less than half the pay that before, with no benefits? You admit I am highly qualified yet want to pay me little more than a dollar above the state's minimum wage? I am going to cheerfully decline and wish you good luck filling the position.
She was agitated I decline, she said “we are offering you an amazing opportunity, please reconsider and call me back by the end of next week with your decision”, I said there will be no considering, I am not going to return to the same position, for such low compensation.”
With the current economy, my rent going up another $300 (to $1,800 for a 1-bedroom), there was no consideration. The fact she was genuinely thinking that was an amazing opportunity confirms I made the right decision to leave teaching.