Excessed: A Teacher’s Heartbreak and Resilience
Imagine starting the school year with excitement, ready to meet your new students and dive into a fresh year of learning adventures. Now, picture being told, just three days before classes begin, that you are being excessed. This was the gut-wrenching reality faced by Kelly Gonzales, a primary grade teacher in San Diego, and it’s a scenario that many educators have experienced.
Excessing, also known as involuntary transfer, is a practice where teachers are moved between schools due to lower-than-expected student enrollment or other factors. While it typically occurs at the end of the school year in the spring, fall excessing can be particularly devastating. Teachers like Kelly invest time and emotion into preparing their classrooms, only to be uprooted and relocated once the school year has started.
The Impact of Fall Excessing
For Kelly, being excessed meant packing up her belongings, stripping her classroom walls, and facing uncertainty about her future. The emotional toll of leaving behind a space she had carefully crafted for her students was palpable. The sudden shift from teaching transitional kindergarten to a newly created first-grade class felt like being thrown into uncharted territory with little support.
Navigating the aftermath of excessing was a whirlwind of tears, logistical challenges, and a sense of loss. Waiting weeks to find out where she would be placed next added to the feeling of being reduced to a mere number in the district’s staffing puzzle. Kelly’s experience highlights the human side of a bureaucratic process that can leave teachers feeling undervalued and disheartened.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
Despite the upheaval caused by fall excessing, Kelly’s resilience shines through. With the support of colleagues and loved ones, she faced the challenges head-on, adapting to her new role with determination and grace. The poignant image of her green chair, symbolizing continuity amidst change, speaks to the emotional attachment teachers form with their classrooms and students.
As Kelly reflects on her journey through fall excessing, her story serves as a reminder of the dedication and passion that educators bring to their work. Beyond the policies and procedures that govern staffing decisions, there are real people like Kelly who pour their hearts into shaping young minds and building communities within their classrooms.
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, it is crucial to recognize the human impact of administrative decisions and to support teachers like Kelly as they navigate challenges with resilience and compassion. As we strive to create environments where educators feel valued and empowered, stories like Kelly’s offer a poignant reminder of the profound role that teachers play in shaping the future.
Kelly Gonzales, a teacher leader with the California Reading and Literature Project, embodies the spirit of dedication and perseverance that defines the teaching profession. Her journey through fall excessing is a testament to the strength and resilience of educators who face adversity with grace and determination.
Through her story, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, support, and understanding in the face of challenges that impact teachers’ morale and well-being. As we work towards creating a more equitable and empowering educational system, let us honor the commitment and passion of educators like Kelly who continue to inspire and uplift their students, no matter the obstacles they face.
