7 Points

Apparently that’s all I’m worth. 7 points. The RIF (Reduction in Force) process has already begun, and many found out early last week if they would be RIF’d. This process is different for every district, and the process can change yearly as it has with my district.  Now we are all worth points.

Let’s see  how you would score:

1. Give yourself one point for every FIVE years you have been in the teaching profession with a maximum TWO points.

2. Add on one point for each certification or endorsement you have.

3. Remember those evaluations we get yearly? Tack on two more points if you haven’t been put on a plan for improvement in the past two years. 

What’s your total?

Oh, and no, National Board Certification gets you ZERO points. It’s the same ZERO if you have your Master’s or PhD.   That makes sense.

So, you get RIF’d at your site if you are on a plan for improvement, are not highly qualified, or have the lowest number of points. Tied with same number of points as another person? Gets even more interesting now…

In an odd school year, the person with the odd social security number is “reduced.” In an even school year, the person with the even social security number is “reduced.”

Both of you odd? Well, the person with the highest last four digits is RIF’d in odd years, and the person with the lowest will be in even years.

Would you still have a job with your points?

Molly Reed

Molly Reed

Tucson, Arizona

My classroom teaching experience has been in Tucson’s urban public schools with grades first through fifth. Beginning my eleventh year of teaching, I am the Outdoor Learning Coordinator at a Project Based Learning primary school. I am a National Board Certified Teacher (ECGen) with a BA in Elementary Education and MA in Teaching and Teacher Education from the University of Arizona.

My introduction to teaching occurred during a National Outdoor Leadership School semester which led me to work as an outdoor educator traveling throughout the United States and South America. I am interested in connecting with other educators and those interested in the changes in schools with education policy.

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