Evaluation and Layoffs

And I'll tackle those in reverse order, thank you.
I did not get laid off. I did not get surplused (that's a verb ONLY in
Education, don't use it elsewhere.) This means that next year I have a job
here, and I'll be Permanent after my first day--which means no more
nervousness each year about employment. It'll still be possible to fire me,
of course, but only if I do something really crazy--as long as I teach well,
I'll be ok.

Anyway, that's good, but what was better was that the Principal let me know
that she's really glad I stayed on this year, and that she hopes I'll return
next year, and that she really thinks I'm an asset to this school. More on
this in a moment. I've got an annoying git knocking on my office door.

Some teachers, man.... Anyway, I'm back. I got my formal evaluation last
week. These are required every year for Probationary teachers, and every
other year for Permanent teachers. I've always done pretty well, but this
year's was special. I got "Consistent With Performance Standards" on
everything, which is not as good as if I'd gotten some "Exceeds Performance
Standards," but oh well, I'll try for that next time. I've got a year to
get better.

These standards are the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.
If you're interested, run a google search; they're not that interesting.
Basically they're all about "Can this idiot teach?"

Anyway, the cool part was the comments on some of them, which clearly praise
the hell out of me (probably more than I deserve). The only recommendation
I got was that I should attend some summer training in various branches of
American and British literature, Shakespeare, etc. as personal learning and
enrichment. And, hey, I'd love to, but that's not easy when you've got a
baby you need (and want) to take care of. Maybe next year, however, if it
becomes possible, I'll attend the Folger Shakespeare camp. That would be
awesome. But these things cost money, and I need to save, since I'm going
to start my MA studies the year after next, and I'd like to avoid more
student loans if I can manage it.

Anyway, the short version: My Principal loves me, really wants me back next
year, and I have a job practically guaranteed. There is some worry over
school closures and the like, but they're not likely to happen.