May 16, 2012

To whom it may concern,

It is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do this year not to sign this contract. Over the last four years, teaching has become my life. I love the kids, fellow educators, and my subject. However, what I’ve had to accept is: my husband and my family come first. I cannot sustain a life with him on a half-time contract. I am honored to have been offered one in the first place – I know the county had to make many cuts this year, so it says a lot that you offered me one at all. Still, though, I must worry about my finances, as my husband will begin pharmacy school this fall.

Thank you for a wonderful year. Teaching at the Career Academy has been a dream – I had amazing resources, incredible students and a wonderful faculty to work with. I don’t know what I will do next year; however, I know teaching is most likely out of the question, as every county is in the same financial bind as us. Therefore, I would also like to thank you for making my last year of teaching the best one I’ve had so far. I learned so much that will prepare me for any endeavor set before me. I will miss the very essence of teaching, but I know I will teach again one day, maybe after I complete my PhD, or once the economy decides to make a comeback.

Please keep me in mind if a full-time English or Special Education position becomes available. This letter is not a “goodbye” to Clarke County forever; it is merely a statement that I must find something that betters suits my needs next year. I hope we can work together again in the future – in fact, I’m counting on it.

Thank you, again, for everything. I will miss all the people who made this last year great.

Sincerely,

Jennifer J. Whitley