Tell us about the last thing you got excited about.

What an amazing summer we had! From taking our dog on her first road trip, enjoying our visit with family and friends, loving the weather we had and recharging from another school year, I loved every minute of it.

People sometimes seem to think teachers are paid for their time off. While we receive a paycheck throughout the summer, it’s only because our ten-month contract has been stretched out. This lowers our yearly salary and causes us to bring in less money per month.

Teachers, especially at our school, could all earn more money elsewhere but it’s not the reason why we are called into this profession and at this specific school.

Austin Discovery School is special. 

Nineteen years ago, after seeing a pamphlet that caught my eye, I went to visit this small elementary school that had chickens, a gardening program and offered a philosophy that aligned with my own.

In addition to opportunities in core subjects with some of the most outstanding educators, students enjoy outdoor education, project based learning,  they hike once per week, learn social emotional strategies and are building skills in critical thinking. 

Our school is a public charter school that receives a lot less money per student than local public schools. We teachers know that we could earn a lot more money elsewhere but choose this school because it’s the place we feel called.

Even though educators have multiple degrees, certifications, endorsements and continual training, every year we are asked to do more for less. It makes no sense!

We are helping to shape the next generation!

Which is why I got so excited by the news that our school was moving to a four-day a week schedule. I’ve been so excited since I found out a few months ago. This was their way to support teachers in a broken system.

We started the new schedule this school year and it has lived up to my expectations.

Everyone deserves a four-day work week.