"A Teacher's Trenches"

Beginning in January of this year, an English teacher (Jo Ann Nahirny) from Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida, began writing about her day to day life as a teacher and publishing the articles in an online periodical. She explained that although contractually her day ended at 2:15, the work never stopped. She spent several hours a night at home reading essays, grading exams, answering emails, writing recommendation letters for seniors going on to college, etc. Please understand that Mrs. Nahirny is in no way complaining about her situation, she is simply shedding light on the different aspects of her job that are unrelated to face to face instruction. Recently, Mrs. Nahirny found out that her cancer had returned from six years earlier. She continued teaching, but realized that this is something that she cannot ignore and must take care of immediately. Despite her situation, the Flagler County School Board has hired a long term sub for three months. Mrs. Nahirny, said, "I will not see you until  January 2^nd, Mrs. Beale [the substitute teacher] will be in charge of you starting end of today. You may email me at the same email school address and I will respond to you." Mrs. Nahirny has setup a computer in her classroom as well as one in her room at the American Cancer Society's Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge where she will be staying while undergoing cancer treatment. The Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge is a place where cancer patients can stay for free while being treated. She has instructed the students to email her or Skype her with any questions they may have.

Mrs. Nahirny is not a music teacher, but she is an extremely dedicated, National Board Certified and caring educator that absolutely loves what she does. She is the type of teacher that we need to look toward for encouragement and help. She is the type of teacher that pushes through and does everything for the students despite the problems in education in the country. I do not personally know Mrs. Nahirny, but I am extremely appreciative of what is doing and I pray that she recovers quickly is able to return to teaching.

I encourage you all to read her articles: http://flaglerlive.com/category/commentary/jo-ann-nihirny/

Marshaun Hymon
Treasurer, Florida NAfME Collegiate