Here’s the short story:  I applied for the job in Waseca on a whim.  I’m a creature of habit and not real keen on change. That being said, I knew something had to give.  The last couple years had been rough.
I was offered the job and accepted it on the night before the last day of school.  It was so difficult to watch kids leave my classroom knowing that I wouldn’t be back to see them in the halls the next fall.  A handful of people knew about my decision.  I waited until the last work day and told my friends and colleagues an hour before the day was done.  After about 4 more hours of packing and loading 22-years’ worth of memories, I headed out.  A truly strange experience.
So.  The question is, why did I leave?  There are many factors that entered into my decision.  After my first child was born, I returned to Albert Lea as a part time teacher – an arrangement that worked for both the school and me.  About five years ago, the decision was made to eliminate part time teachers. This made it more difficult to be here for my own kids’ after school activities.  I always assumed that I would return to full time once my kids had graduated – I just wasn’t ready yet.  It was the first time in all my years that I even considered the idea of leaving Albert Lea.
I had always loved working in Albert Lea – my department was a second family to me.  The kids I worked with every day were amazing. I miss my department.  I miss seeing the kids from last year in the hallways.  I miss the kids I knew were coming into my class this year. I miss my neighbor.  I really miss my Advisory. I miss co-workers who I have known for 22 years. I miss the younger siblings of kids I’d had.  I even miss the kids of KIDS I’d had.  I miss knowing the routine and procedures.
But… there are things I won’t miss.  I most certainly won’t miss the 38 minutes I spent in the car each day…each way. I won’t miss being on a different calendar than my family.  I will miss my PLC group but I won’t miss the extra paper work.
With all those things in mind, the biggest reason I left Albert Lea is my family.  I get to see my son and daughter every day as they head to their math classes.  My husband teachers just down the hallway (not too close!). I spend most evenings watching my students on the field, on the court, or on the stage – something that was nearly impossible to do living in a different town.
It’s weird being in a school where people only know me as Mr. Nelson’s wife or Sam and Megan’s mom.  It’s going to take a few years to establish connections like the ones I had in Albert Lea. Even as a new teacher in Waseca, I do feel like people here value my opinion and want to know what I think about decisions that affect both teachers and students. That feels great.
I so appreciated the email asking me why I left.  It was good to know that somebody noticed and that somebody cared. I hope that I made a difference while I was there.  It was a great run! Please let me know if you need anything – you can always email me in Waseca. Have a great year.
Go Tigers!