Essential

I’m essential this time around. Usually, teachers for the department of corrections get lumped in with office associates and all the rest of non-essentials for snow day cancellations and the like, but for COVID-19 it’s “all hands on deck.” Since all the schools are shut down, if any CO’s (guards) have to stay home to take care of their kids, teachers, caseworkers, or other employees that used to be CO’s will be the first to be reassigned to CO positions. Then, as needed, the rest of us can expect to fill in for kitchen, cleaning crew, warehouse, boiler room, or other staffing needs. IF we get to that point, we’ll leave our 8-hour, 5-day-a-week schedules for 12-hours 3 and 4 days per week.

Now don’t get me wrong: I’m thrilled to have a job and be considered essential, but I really don’t want to stop teaching, nor do I want to end up on 12s instead of 8s. Frankly, I’m not sure my back could take it. But if the situation calls for it, I’ll do my best to do my duty, and I’ll be thankful to have a job.

In God’s good providence, I’m employed well and paid well. No complaints! Thank you, Lord.