This is a tough time for everyone, including teachers.
You are just experiencing what tens of millions of other hard-working Americans have already felt, only much, much later.
Thank your lucky stars that you have made it this far without being laid off. The private sector has been pretty much demolished – the banking sector, automotive manufacturing, real estate, construction – you name it, and pretty much every sector has been hard hit. There are few exceptions, and they are very rare.
The public sector is just now feeling the pinch that the private sector has felt going on 2+ years now. Firemen, police officers, teachers, etc. are all now starting to get downsized.
Be gracious that you still have a job. Many do not. Many have lost their homes, their livelihoods. Many have filed for divorce due the heavy strain on marriages and families during these dire economic times. Consider yourself lucky…and blessed.
My best advice? Volunteer this weekend at your local soup kitchen.