Unfired

I'm not sure how, but somehow I was unfired today. 6th period came again, and there was my Athletic Director at my door, a slight smirk on his mouth. He said, "Alright, we need to have meeting number two," and the next thing I knew, I was told that after a long meeting between a bunch of bigwhigs that morning, I'm now back in charge of the baseball program.

He didn't give me much of a reason as to why, probably because he's not the one who made either decision. I know that a wave of protest was starting to develop, and some folks had talked to the decision-maker. But we talked about improving communication and ensuring that cycles are not repeated, and then told me that I was back in charge.

It's all so strange, and I don't get it. However, I have to remind myself over the next few days to be humble. During the meeting today, there were intimations to problems that occurred last year that I had nothing to do with, and in fact I see myself as really putting myself on the line to do the right thing when it occurred. Part of me today felt that staying silent while subtle criticisms were smiled my way was the wrong thing to do: a bitter pill that I didn't want to swallow. And another part of me is frustrated by the seemingly random, mercurial nature of these decisions. But I'm going to grit my teeth, smile, and get back on that baseball field, because that's what best for those kids, and because it means a great deal to me.

I have to admit that I was getting a little primed for the fight. I read the contract, mapped out my grievance, and started thinking about organizing letters from colleagues, students, and parents. It's good that I didn't have to do it; conflict just isn't good for the soul compared to baseball. Yet, when a colleague told me today that she was happy for me, but disappointed that something more wasn't going to come from it in terms of making real change, I could relate. I guess I'm not Rosa Parks, though. They took my seat, but gave it back. I'm not the one.