Fini

Nope, I couldn't do it.  I could not start this year and expect to finish it as a member of the ATR.  The idea of milking the system for a crummy paycheck just did not sit right for me and so on 9/3 I walked in to the TRS at 55 Water Street and handed in my retirement papers.  No big deal really as I am already half way through my sixth decade -I have plenty of time to start another career.  I do, however, feel for some of my colleagues who know nothing but teaching as a career and now unfortunately find themselves excessed and removed from their permanent teaching position through no fault of their own. Distressing and depressing would seem to be apt descriptions of this state of affairs for any teacher in the ATR whirlpool. However, there is a bright side to the exclusive membership and that is that you are not subject to the flawed evaluation system.

I don't regret leaving the profession if we can still call it that.  I will miss the students, some colleagues and the fight that has engaged and enraged me the past year.  As I have said before, if you don't have a stake in the battle, perhaps it's not your battle.  Since I am no longer a teacher, I won't write or make cartoons about teaching in the New York City school system.  I will say that I will continue to pay attention to the road this country is on - this still engages and enrages.

I would like to thank all three people who enjoyed my blog and with that I bid you adieu.