“School has started again and I still don’t have a position.”

Former Lee County educator · cut in the 2026 budget reductions · submitted anonymously through the form on this page, August 2026

I am not a former employee by choice but by budget cuts. I taught a high needs subject, only had good reviews, and have my professional certificate and masters degree. I was cut and I do believe it was due to my credentials because I “cost more.” My only other assumption is simply due to favoritism and connections which because of the cuts I was not given the chance to form.

Most people I worked with (to my knowledge) would not have been allowed in a classroom prior to 2020 for not having the credentials and certifications I have.

If we were to go to a hospital, we would want a certified nurse caring for us. If we were to go to therapy, we would want a certified therapist to listen to our most personal thoughts. If we were to find a coach to train our children in sports, we would want a certified coach to ensure our children can excel in their chosen sport. Why isn’t it the same for our teachers?

I worked hard to obtain my credentials. I cannot get rid of them even if I wanted to. School has started again and I still don’t have a position. Though it should not matter it has taken a huge hit on my ego. I love teaching even though the current teaching environment is not good.

My heart breaks for all of those affected by these ridiculous budget cuts. And now the teachers who were lucky enough to keep their jobs are given more work. They will get so overwhelmed they will probably leave as well. I think all of us cut deserves way more than an apology. We should get a job before anyone else as well as lost wages for the time we missed working and the stress it caused us. And that should be public knowledge. I know that won’t happen but I can dream.

This is a personal account. The views are the storyteller’s own.