Stagg Line <![CDATA[Stagg Line]]> http://my.hsj.org/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_npggb3555sn2ap55zr1jtuva_bd9679b6-0b0a-4b5a-8fe9-05b85d93bc75_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:30:37 GMT 15 <![CDATA[Pink slip ‘blues’: Teachers remain optimistic]]> By Erica Trevino

Chelsea Collura
Samantha Wirzberger (top) tells of her struggles after receiving a pink slip. Like Wirzberger, newer teachers like Kelly Finch (bottom), are unsure about their futures on the Stagg campus.

Right about now it seems that there are endless possibilities for the arrival of next school year. And questions tend to be the start of every conversation.  Not knowing the answer to many of these questions leaves people concerned. In addition to why teachers didn’t approve the 4x4 schedule, students are unclear which administrators, teachers, or counselors will be returning. Some staff members are finding a possible departure difficult because of how close they have become to the students. The pink slip notice has left some new teachers considering other options for next year. They are all hopeful, despite receiving the notice that they will be returning next year, yet they are taking precautions just in case.  English teacher Doug Phipps sarcastically said, “Yes, I received one … it made me feel so good.”  Comfort is hard to find for these teachers but they continue to stay positive and look for jobs elsewhere.  For some, confidence seems to be the key to optimism. “It was very sad (that) I received a pink slip, but I am confident that I will have a job next year because math teachers are in need,” said JoJo Garcia.  For others optimism is needed or stress will take its place. “I am a little nervous,” Finch said. “My wife just found out she was pregnant.” For many of these teachers their concerns seem to lie more with their students’ lives than their own.  “I think that learning will suffer,” Garcia said. “Students of America are not easily motivated and this is why they need a smaller learning environment.” The teachers aren’t the only ones concerned about the students’ education. The students themselves know that these losses will hurt their learning and their  “I would be upset, because I know he(Finch) has helped me, so I know he can help alot of other people too,” said sophomore Santos Rangel. These teachers don’t want to see their students’ education worsen but would like to be here for their students and be able to see them grow intellectually and in their lives.  “I feel that I have invested a lot in getting to know these Stagg students,” Finch said. “Once you put the time in then you feel responsible and accountable for the ones I have now.” New experiences have captivated some of these teachers as well, leaving them attached to their jobs. “I don’t want to leave,” Phipps said. “I’ve come to enjoy and love the kids here; I am also enjoying learning how to teach a different way than I’m used to.”  ]]> Thu, 14 May 2009 15:34:36 GMT