back at work

We are back in the groove, with Lorraine back at Hirst Wood, and me getting what work I can in local schools. I'm averaging 3 or 4 days a weeks in schools mostly within walkin distance. By far the biggest headache for me is that I am employed by a private agency who has the contract for this district. Each contractor sets their own rates based on years of experience etc! The one I work for is hopelessly inefficent and constantly changes their mind about how much I am worth. They paid me once for day I didn't work at all! I have a new appreciation for the problems facing casual teacers, and casual workers in general, who have few rights and are easily exploited. The conditions in the schools vary greatly with some very cramped and others very spacious. They are obsessed with security and it is sometimes hard to get in the front door of the place! The kids are much the same, once you get to them, and the academic standards slightly above ours in general I think, depending on the drawing area, which is always the main determinant. The gap between haves and have-nots is expanding, as it is everywhere. Oh well...we'll just relax and plan the next holiday - to Paris!