What a concept

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a retirement party last night. Since my services aren't needed as a teacher, because our children are in the hands of many capable teachers with thirty years of experience, I mean who really needs a young, fresh mind with new ideas and capabilities of connecting to today's child? I digress, and back to the point at hand, this party was for one of my co-workers from my job with the local parks and recreation district. She had worked for the district for 35 years. We had a lovely time, especially since the appetizers were paid for, and the beer was at happy hour price. However, my interest was not just in the food and beverages (shocking, I know). No, I was thinking about the overwhelming look of contentment on the face of my friend and now retired co-worker. She had done her job, and she is still able to do her job, but she knew it was her time to step aside. She has grandchildren to enjoy, her health to take care of, and so much more. This is the natural progression of work. Do your job, then move on.

For some reason that I cannot fathom, this isn't happening everywhere. Whether it is due to our booming economy, uncertainty of the future, or a fear of retirement, I see too many examples of those in my profession that seem to "hang on" for way too long. As a teacher, when you hang on too long, you are really defeating the whole purpose of being a teacher. No one decides to be a teacher because of the great money, because there isn't any. No one decides to go into teaching for fame, as the newspapers and television broadcasts don't show the wonderful people that shape the future of our nation. Teachers choose the profession because they want to make a difference in young people's lives. So I have to ask; how can you make a difference if you are merely "hanging on?" You can't. Now people have to suffer. The children suffer because they aren't being challenged and shaped to their highest potential. The young teachers that have that ability suffer because they are left out looking for other work while the teachers of the 1970's are hanging on. The budget suffers, as these teachers make over twice as much in salary as the young teachers, and that takes away from the programs and resources that the children so desperately need. The teachers themselves suffer, as they agonize through another long school year trying not to lose their mind as they collect their paycheck and health benefits.

Last night I came to a conclusion that the way things are supposed to be aren't working out that way. Working for a number of years and then stepping aside isn't happening. I have ideas of who to blame, but what's the point. Pointing a finger isn't going to change anything. I guess I just needed a venue to rant and rave about my disappoinment for the most important job in our society that is truly suffering. I guess there's nothing to do but rant and rave. If you have any good suggestions, my ears are open.