One Los Angeles Teacher’s Response to the Governor’s Education Budget Cuts

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

I cry every time I think that, come June, I will be replaced by another teacher

By Marisa Almada

My name is Marisa Almada, and I am a fully credentialed teacher with a certification to teach students learning English, a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education, and I am "highly qualified" under the No Child Left Behind Act. I am a proud graduate of Whittier High School and of the University of California, San Diego. My education is a testament to the excellence of California's public schools and universities. This is my sixth year of service to my district and I received a letter from the district recently telling me that I will be laid off next year due to state budget cuts.

I came to my school six years ago, and instantly loved the warm and generous families that call Pico Rivera home. I made deep connections with the staff and students of my school. My district invested thousands of dollars in my professional development, which I reinvest back into my students daily. I gave generously of my time, energy, and money to ensure that my classroom is a happy, stimulating place for children to learn.

Three weeks ago, my fiancee and I were pre-qualified for the purchase of our first home. We were hoping to set down roots and be able to start a family in the coming years. A few days after our trip to the bank, I learned that my six years of seniority, my education, and my excellent service to my students would not be enough to save my job. Now, John and I will be looking for an apartment to rent, and our dreams of starting a family will be postponed indefinitely.

If the legislature approves the budget cuts to education, I will be laid off along with 107,000 other teachers in California. My prospects for another teaching position are dim, as there will be a glut of qualified and hard-working individuals such as myself. I will find myself another job in another field eventually, but I know that no job can replace the career I may lose.