Burnout.

I'm annoyed. Really annoyed.

I've spent pretty much my entire weekend grading, and I'm still not finished. This is my "normal." The sad part is that I had FOUR days this weekend (because of a furlough day and President's Day). I've accepted spending most of my "free time" grading as part of my lot as an English teacher. That's not the problem. (Well, it is a problem, but it's not THE problem.)

The problem is that I keep hearing on the radio, in the news, and on Facebook about the unfair perks of being a public school teacher. You know, the "powerful teacher's unions," insane pensions, and amazing health benefits?

My reality: I managed to acquire $1,500 in medical bills last month due to my pregnancy-related medical care, and I pay out of pocket every time I go to the doctor. My class sizes are INSANE--to the point that it feels unsafe (both for my sanity and because of the sheer number of bodies in the room). I don't get paid, ever, for the "overtime" I work. If I want to attend a professional development conference, I'm expected to pay for it. One of my dear friends, who is one of the best English teachers I know (and a tenured teacher--you know, the kind who have jobs forever, no matter what), was told to expect to not have a job next year.  I pay into my retirement every month, and I think I deserve a sensible retirement after teaching until I'm 65. Our "powerful teacher's union" is our only advocate, and even their hands are tied in the current climate (and their power is definitely not unchecked--despite their efforts at advocacy, they're often simply told "no").

I just don't get it. If I hear one more thing about how teachers have unfair perks that they don't deserve, I'm not going to be able to hold back these tears. It feels unfair, yes, but not the perky kind of unfair.

They call me a public servant, but lately it feels more like slavery.