Franklin Roosevelt told us that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. You have to wonder how FDR would manage as a teacher, facing another round of possible layoffs as his school district struggles to make its budget work, wondering where he will teach in the fall, what grade, what subjects, what class size.
We call it “churn,” and I doubt there are very many teachers out there who haven’t experienced it in some way—whether through your own layoff or witnessing it in your school or district, perhaps even by helping a friend through it. “Churn” means everything from moving all your files and geegaws to saying goodbye to longtime colleagues and getting used to new curriculums. It takes an emotional toll on the teacher and on the student as well.
Have you dealt with churn in some way? What is your experience? What advice do you have for those facing possible layoffs?
Don’t be afraid to let your feelings be known in the comments.