Insert Sigh of Relief Here

After a long school year of uncertainty, my future as elementary music teacher is finally in the books. The past several weeks, even months, have been filled with tension throughout the school, low morale, them vs. us ridiculousness, and lost sleep. We've lost some great teachers altogether; others have been forced to retire or move into other schools. Luckily, I was not one of them. Friday, the teacher's union voted on the proposed contract that would increase insurance costs, but save 8 more jobs. Last night, I got word that the 2-year contract was ratified. I am safe for at least 2 years.....let me rephrase that......our students will be receiving the imperative arts education they need for at least 2 more years. Since the dawn of time, specials teachers have bucked the perception that we are simply someone's prep period. Well, it's the contract language that states all classroom teachers are required a certain number of prep minutes a day that saved my position. So, despite the misguided notion that we are simply there to give the classroom teachers a break, it has saved the art and music in my school. For that, I am thankful.
We've spent the past 2 months in a wait-and-see pattern, so now we are late gettting started on our home improvement project! It's GO time!!!!! :0) Thanks to all who've been checking in with me and pulling for us, as well as arts advocacy in general.