I felt like I needed to take a shower after that meeting. I kept holding up hope that if I did my best, things would change. You are all right, helping children does make the difference. My job, as it is right now, is about 20% dealing with adults/ego driven jerkwads.
I just found out that this is a systemic issue- another teacher that received a huge award took credit for someone else's project. I think the culture of my district is pretty 1950s, and will not change for a while. Leaders do not want to change that much, they don't want to be challenged.(and I'm not talking about aggressive, steamrolling challenged.)
I wish I could go to work, teach kids, go home and perfect the craft of teaching.
But the truth is, I need more. I need to be challenged.
I am not the kind of person that can do this for 35 years- GodBless all those that can.
My life would be so simple if I could be satisfied. Teach in a good job with good pay and benefits then retire.
What is wrong with me?!
I'll reflect... thanks for the advice and thanks for the shoulders
