Dealing with loss

I was laid off in April from a charter school that, unfortunately, has some administrators that aren't the most ethical and don't like to be called on it.  It was a HUGE surprise to the students, parents, other staff, and of course, me. I had nothing but positive reviews from academic coaches and other teachers, and even the administration, until I became vocal. There is a reason you cannot be a part of the teacher's union when you work for a charter school; they can get rid of you for ANY reason they want to. Even if you're a great teacher.
I was really hit hard by this, especially because I devoted a TON of time to my class, the school, and those amazing students. Students cried when they found out, parents kept asking "why", and I was a blubbering mess for a many, many days.  I just couldn't wrap my mind around why they would do this to those students and to a good teacher, but it wasn't about me or the students; it was about covering their butts and continuing on their unethical ways.

Although I had no intention of renewing my contract for the following school year, I felt bad that the students were left in a lurch and were told lies about my leaving. I truly loved those kiddos and I was luckily able to let them know that they were amazing and that I wanted them to continue on the path to excellence that I was trying to help pave for them.

I entered the education world to help make it better, change the things that needed changing, and help students get to places that they never dreamed they could go. This experience was hard to deal with but I have learned and grown from it. My passion for education is even greater now, as is my desire to help address those "issues" that are negetively affecting our youth.

My advice to anyone who goes through this type of situation is to never lose hear,t and really think about why you became a teacher.  We all go through the same type of politics, the same long hours, the same obstacles in our way, but we're in it for the same end result too; to make the world a better place to live in by educating and caring about our youth. Go TEAM!