All You educators I need your advice!!!

[rsudock]

Good morning friends,
 As I sit here and am calling off for the 10th or so time I am completely confused what to do. The dialysis is making it hard to teach especially since I still get sick from D sometimes and my dialysis shift is from 7:30 to 11pm. Getting up the next day is a challenge since I am usually wired when I get home and just want to stay up and have "R" time.

I have a hard group of kids, no money for resources, no curriculum, and over sized classroom numbers. I came from a school that even though it was "poor" i always felt supported as a teacher. Here I am isolated all the time and even eating lunch alone. It is hard enough being on D but this job is killing me too.

I read a post on here from a teacher who mentioned about splitting teaching contracts. I contacted my union and they said that this district has never done this...do you think I should ask the administration to do this for me? Is this a reasonable accommodation? I guess I am a little scared to ask for help. My first year of teaching I only called off 5 days and was never late to school. Now here I am dreading my job, calling off, and counting down each day to the next break. I don't want to live like this...I have so much sadness in my life now....

Just need your support and encouragement. Love my boyfriend but he thinks I should just "stick it out."

Also what would I say if I did resign in December?

Thanks,
xo
R

[Rerun]

Gosh, I'm not a teacher, but maybe if you could take a sleeping aid when you get home from D you would have some energy the next day.  Sounds like you need some sleep. 

We have a few teachers on here so maybe they will answer.             

[Poppylicious]

I'm not the one on dialysis (my Blokey-husband is) but I am a teacher and can relate on that level.  Teaching is such a stressful job anyway, but to have to deal with dialysis on top of it must be terrible.  You have my sympathies.  Over here (the UK) job sharing is not that unusual in teaching, but I realise that doesn't help you.

If you were in the UK I would suggest getting signed off for a few weeks so that you can re-energise and think of what you want to do long-term without the exhaustion weighing you down and clouding your judgement.  However, I'm not sure what the deal is over there with regards sick leave.  Is it a possibility to do that? If so, then do it immediately, even if only for a week to start with.

It sounds like it could be the school rather than the dialysis.  Right now you need to be in a supportive work place, and you're not.  By 'calling off' do you mean ringing in sick?  Assuming you do then the school should surely be doing something, given that this is the tenth time (in how long?).  There must be systems in place for that?

Can you look for a new position elsewhere?  Perhaps a part-time one?  I don't know how the education system works where you are so I may not be helping at all and if I'm not then I apologise.  However, I really do think that being signed off by a doctor would be your best bet right now.

Failing that, is there someone at work whom you can confide in, or talk to - someone who can offer a solution, or mediate on your behalf to find one?

I really hope you get this sorted.  Dreading going to work is horrible (I know!).

Many *huggles* ...

[Sunny]

I was an educator when I contracted kidney disease. It was extremely difficult to work full time so I know how you feel.
If you are a tenured teacher with a contract, then you have rights and the school will need to accommodate you, as long as you have a doctor's note stating you need to work less hours. My district was required to provide a split contract for me.I worked the mornings and my co-teacher worked the afternoons. I needed the money and couldn't quit. I would recommend strongly that you do not quit your job. Just follow up with your doctor regarding getting partial disability and the school will then have to accomodate you. However, if you work for a private school, things may be different and they won't have the same regulations.
There is benefit to being a Union contracted teacher!

[boswife]

I too am STRONG on not 'quitting' your job, but getting prepared for disability or partial disability.  I believe it's very much to your advantage to get this in place.  You need that back up, and if you still are wishing to push through and work part time, at least you have the disability started.   Unfortunatly, hubby had no choice but to go on disability (was having heart issues as well) but on that same note, what a blessing it was to have it there when the time came. 
ps.....I worked in special Ed for years.. Wonderful but oh so very stressful when not getting the much needed support.  You dont need other issues put on your body such as STRESS so do what you can to take care of that. 

[del]

I am a teacher ( my hubby is the one on dialysis) as well so I know how stressful it can be.  If you have a teaching contract and a union you may have some type of disability insurance or sick leave days. I know I have about 160 sick days banked that I can take if I need it plus I have disability insurance.  I have taken some of my sick leave the past few years because of stress from the dialysis stuff.  Maybe if you check with your boss or your union rep there may be something available.

[brandi1leigh]

I was a teacher but gave up my job when I started dialysis. I just couldn't handle both so I completely understand. Talk to your human resources department. I had disability insurance. In Texas we don't have tenure, but if you've taught 10 years or more you qualify to retire through the State Retirement System. There are a lot of complicated options. Talk to your social worker as well so tha tyou have a plan in place before you take any drastic steps. Beofre I officially resigned I had my disability policy in place, medicare in place, and a plan for when my COBRA insurance ran out (I'll get private insurance through the retirement system). Also you might be able to substitute teach, which is an option for me in the future (if I ever feel well enough). Subbing would allow you to pick the days you work, not have to deal with lesson plans or grading, and is just generally less stressful. Of course it pays less than a full time teaching gig.

[rsudock]

Thank you everyone! I appreciate the advice!!

[kitkatz]

O Sweetie. Part of the tired is from the school situation you have found yourself in. The worst thing is to feel unsupported.

My advice:
Look into retiring or doing disability through the system.
Relax and do the best you can to take care of yourself.
Look for what is called a "shared contract" Another teacher shares the classroom with you and you work part time.  Ask around.

If you decide to resign be sweet and let the district know how much you like your job, but health reasons have caused you to resign.  Education world is small.


Keep your head up.  I have been on hemodialysis twelve years and still teaching.  Yes, I am tired. Yes, I have days that suck rocks. I love the kids.  Adults make me crazy.

[rsudock]

O Sweetie. Part of the tired is from the school situation you have found yourself in. The worst thing is to feel unsupported.

My advice:
Look into retiring or doing disability through the system.
Relax and do the best you can to take care of yourself.
Look for what is called a "shared contract" Another teacher shares the classroom with you and you work part time.  Ask around.

If you decide to resign be sweet and let the district know how much you like your job, but health reasons have caused you to resign.  Education world is small.


Keep your head up.  I have been on hemodialysis twelve years and still teaching.  Yes, I am tired. Yes, I have days that suck rocks. I love the kids.  Adults make me crazy.

hi kit thanks for the thoughtful advice...I checked my teacher disability policy and I can't apply until I have taught at least 5 years. boo!

Your comment about education world is small...so true! my boyfriend worries that I won't get a job if I leave this one now. makes me so mad I am such an awesome teacher but I need a district that is supportive and has the ideal teaching situation for me. I feel sad that I might be penalized for this one time in my life I had to walk away...stupid kidneys!

agree with you on the adults part, but the kids are extremely crazy here too!  I had a student today tell me to go "f*** myself and throw a book at me." Ahhh the joys of teaching! Who would of thought homophones would get that kind of reaction!?     

I am going to ask the administration about splitting the contract...what's the worse they can say...no?

xo,
R

[kitkatz]

Homophones! You must have made the kid mad using the wrong one!

Did you tell him when he told you to f*** yourself, No thanks I have a date already!   

I have had horrible class, one year I actually called District Office twice to quit.  The phone was busy and I took it as a sign things would get better.  Things have gotten better.  This year's sixth graders are sweet kids.  A little dumb, but sweet.

[brandi1leigh]

I taught speech. One semester I asked a kid to stand up and introduce his best friend for one minute. He said, "Can I sit in my chair?" I said," Nah. Everyone else stood up. It's not that bad." and then I laughed. He replied, "If you make me stand up, I will shank you." Me: "All right, standing's not that important to me either." It was a very long semester. LOL

[rsudock]

update got called in to talk to the assistant and superintendent...basically more engaging work would help and building relationships with kids. Also I heard, "we will accomodate you if this is a disability but we need to see written documentation from your doctor." which i get they are running a school, why help someone if it will cost you money, but splitting my contract would mean I would get less money right?

xo,
R

[brandi1leigh]

update got called in to talk to the assistant and superintendent...basically more engaging work would help and building relationships with kids. Also I heard, "we will accomodate you if this is a disability but we need to see written documentation from your doctor." which i get they are running a school, why help someone if it will cost you money, but splitting my contract would mean I would get less money right?

xo,
R

Yes, you will make less if they split your contract, but it will also cost them. First, they have to find someone else willing to work part time. Second, there are benefit costs. They now have to pay for benefits for two people instead of just one. I don't know about your school district, but in mine, even part time employees, who work at least 20 hrs, are eligible for health insurance, etc.

My 2nd to last year teaching I kept getting pulled into my AP's office to be counseled on "engaging" the students. I truly believe they were setting me up to get rid of me with cause. I fought on, and eventually went on disability the next year.

Remember that your health is more important than any job.

Hugs!

[rsudock]

Hi friends just an update....
Last week I told them I wanted to resign and today I said I wanted more time to consider resigning. I feel so torn. I mean if I hang in their for 5 more months then I will have income over the summer and maybe find a part time job. I would finally be able to save for Aaron and I's wedding. Also 2 teachers from my old district are getting tested to see if they can donate. I would hate not to be able to get a kidney b/c I don't have insurance. On the other hand what is going to happen to my mental health in the next 5 months...maybe I should get prozac and hang in there. so confused....it is so hard when I have never let this disease dictate my life. I feel like a quitter...what do you think friends? I know ultimately it is my choice to make.

xo,
R

[rsudock]

resigned today....I signed the papers it's official. makes me sad that if they would have consider accomodating me I could have probably made it the entire year. I know from a healthy person stand point they probably look at me and think, "she doesn't look that sick." and they are probably glad that I am gone....oh well can't look back now. all I can do now is move forward....I hope someday after I get a new kidney I am able to pay it forward to someone else by helping them if they are struggling...

xo,
R

[Sax-O-Trix]

I am sorry to hear you had to resign. Perhaps you can look for a part-time job and can concentrate on feeling better.   Keep your chin up!

[kitkatz]

Good luck rsudock.