Moving On

I handed in my letter on Thursday.  The stage was set.  I’d already asked Jackie to go into the classroom to set up for me (done so I’d have moral support in there), so I asked greed-ridden co-ordinator if I could have a quick word with her.  We went into the classroom and in my very best voice of contrition, I told her,

“I don’t know how to say this, but I’m going to have to leave here.  I’m really sorry and you know how much I love working with you, but there’s only me to look after me… and my reasons are purely financial.”

Oh my god, she started crying.  She came over and hugged me and over her shoulder I caught Jackie’s eye and just shook with barely controlled laughter.  Greed-ridden co-ordinator thought they were the shakes of sobs.

She asked me if I’d got another job, so I explained that I’d got one teaching ESOL to carers in a care home and that the rate of pay was brilliant.  Later, in a carefully manipulated conversation, Jackie told them exactly how much that rate of pay is.  I wouldn’t have such bad taste as to mention it myself.  Apparently, when she told them, it was a true conversation stopper.

She didn’t mention that it’s only a 20-week contract.  They don’t need to know that, do they?

On Friday, I’m visiting the lady who is organising the ESOL training programme.  Now I’m getting scared.  I haven’t taught ESOL since training; I’ve never seen a care plan in my life and I have no idea what level my students will be at.  The lady I’m visiting has just come back from Poland where she’s been recruiting, so chances are the carers haven’t been in the country long, if indeed, they’ve even arrived here at all yet!

The co-ordinator of the Monday AltEd scheme (the best scheme ever this year) where I work, is having talks with a vocational training provision at a town which nestles nicely on the borders of three counties – meaning they have three close by local authorities to “sell” to.  They’re looking to set up a completely new alternative to AltEd, with five years funding (using the European Social Fund and others) and have asked Jackie and I if we’ll be part of it, at a higher tutor rate than we’re currently getting, plus travelling time and expenses.

This is for the future and not yet at all definite, but of course we’re interested!