Not a Pink Slip, But Just as Bad!
Posted by Sean Gardinier on April 3rd, 2008
Though many teachers I work with received a “pink slip” layoff notice, I received the other letter. After clarification with my principal and a phone conference with Human Resources, I learned that this was not a standard letter.
Reassignment Notification from San Diego Unified School District
March 19, 2008
Dear Sean Gardinier:
ASSIGNMENT SY 2008-2009
As you are aware, on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, the Board of Education approved a resolution to reduce certificated positions in the district. As a result of this action, it will be necessary to terminate the employment of some teachers. The District has reviewed each effected certificated employee’s contract status, certification and district seniority date to determine who may receive layoff notices. Even though you are not one of the certified employees to receive a layoff notice, you may be affected by this action.
If the layoff occurs, based on your seniority date, employment status, teaching credential, and current assignment; you may be reassigned to a teaching position in an area of employment need for which you are credentialed. Until such time that you receive notice from Human Resources of another teaching assignment for the 2008-2009 school year, you will be transferred to the Human Resources Department Cost Center when the current school year ends. If you are currently assigned to a year-round schedule, you will remain in your current position to complete the student instructional year (through July 21, 2008).
Please be assured that we are closely monitoring all certificated assignments, separations and retirements in the hope that reassignments will not have to happen. If teacher layoffs occur and reassignments are necessary, you will receive official written notification from Human Resources directly. Pleas ensure that your contact information in PeopleSoft is current so you can be contacted in an expeditious manner.
Sincerely,
Samuel Wong
Chief Human Resources Officer
Human Resource Division
cc: Principal - Correia Junior High
It should be most noted that the school district does not utilize criteria of any merit to determine your eligibility for employment or assignment. In fact, being No Child Left Behind compliant in any area is not even considered, nor being Teacher of the Year at our school site last year or the San Diego County Science and Engineering Fair Teacher of the Year. Your performance and success as a teacher means nothing to job security in this school system.
During the phone conference with my principal and HR, the HR guy explained that I would have received a pink slip since I have a multiple subject credential but was exempted for my authorizations in science. Since science and math are areas of need, I am in the next tier of affected teachers. Ironically, they will be pulling me from a math/science position (an area of need) to fill another position in an area of need.
My principal is just as frustrated, pointing out to the HR guy that she has spent time and resources training her teachers and does not want to lose anyone. HR said that principals may be able to place teachers as long as the position fits their credentialed area. For me, that would mean a science position. Though I am NCLB compliant in several areas with my interdisciplinary background centered on science and math, my multiple subject credential closes the doors rather than opening up options (as intended when I choose a multiple subject focus rather than a single subject secondary credential).
The outlook for me returning to my school and holding my position looks good though my principal will need to pull the right strings to make it happen. Worse case scenario, I move schools. Starting over at another school would be detrimental! I have invested so much at Correia Middle School that leaving will be like starting at square one again. Teaching isn’t entirely transferable. It takes an entire year to familiarize yourself with the school, faculty, procedures, and resources. It takes a couple years to build collaborative professional relationships, collect instructional resources specific to curriculum, learn and involve yourself in the school community, and to gain a cultural understanding of the student community. It takes many years to be recognized as a contributing community member and a respected youth leader. Solid teachers provide a school with stability, consistent program development, and a community reputation.