I'm Sending A Letter

I am experiencing frustration. I think it stems from the fact that, essentially, I am applying my American cultural values/norms to Scottish systems and way of life.

I went to Edinburgh University today to inquire about getting a matriculation (registration) card, so that I may access the library system so that I may complete the summer reading list. I cannot get a matriculation card right now, but they’d let me know when I could. I need a matriculation card to enrol for a library card. Without a library card, I cannot access the journals, books and periodicals on the reading list. Basically, I’m stuck. The most frequent answer when I asked about this interesting conundrum: “I don’t know.” Grrrrr. Calm down Ryan

In addition, it has been six months since I applied to supply teach in the schools over here and after numerous phone calls, fees, paperwork, applications, I am officially on the list, but haven’t received a call from my contact who is “out of the office” for who knows how long. Of course, for anyone who knows me, I’m sending a letter. The following letter was mailed today to: the First Minister (like Prime Minister of Scotland), Education Minister, Head of Education of the Scottish Executive, my Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP), the local Midlothian Council and the Chief Executive of the national teacher registration organisation. I cannot wait to hear what they have to say.

I have to ask myself, what is all this trying to teach me? Patience? Persistence? Determination? A different way of doing things? I think I need to rely on the motto from my first master’s program: “Trust the Process”. I’m still sending the letter!



Dear ___ :

It is with the humblest of intentions and sincere altruism that I write to you today. I am an American who moved to Scotland last fall because my partner accepted employment for a study abroad program; as a result, I was granted a 20 hour a week work visa. After fulfilling a volunteer post, I decided to seek work as a supply teacher for the local schools to earn an income, fulfil a need that the schools have and integrate myself into the wonderful community that I live in, Dalkeith of Midlothian. I started my inquires with the Midlothian Council about becoming a supply teacher in late November; since the winter holiday consumes much of December, I waited until January 2005 to send my first letter and application to GTC Scotland.

I am writing to you today to express my concern over how much time the process took. It was not until 2 June, 2005, that I received my letter confirming that my personal details had been forwarded to the person who would place me on the call list for work. At this point, I am still waiting to be called. I am aware of the necessity for criminal background checks and the occasional need for outside organisations to review some materials, but I think the process may be excessively drawn out. Though the process took six months, I do not believe it reflects negatively on the national organization, GTC Scotland or the local organisation, Midlothian Council, as both are merely completing there portion of the process. I believe that the method, as a whole, is a convoluted one. I speculate that part of the problem lies with the duplicate paper work (regarding references, applications, previous employment information, medical assessments, etc) that is required by applicants or the processing requirements of the paper work (many different levels of bureaucracy handling specific documents). I earnestly feel that there may be some room to streamline this process.

My concerns are being forwarded to you for several reasons. I am intrigued and impressed by the newly devolved Scottish parliament and governing system. I decided to follow the intent of this new system, and make my views heard; as Scottish Executive website expresses, I may:
• Have different ideas about what should be done;
• Have an interest in a particular policy area or
• Have expertise in, or particular insights into, a particular policy area;

I have been a politically active government teacher for six years in the state of Minnesota. I know that education and government systems have rules and operating procedures in place based on the historic needs and laws respective of their communities and nation. I am also aware that at times, after many committees, individuals and agencies contribute to a system, that the end result may not operate, once implemented, as the creators envisioned. My concerns are being passed along because I want to help. Having lived in the Dalkeith community for almost a year now, I am aware of the need for supply teachers and teachers in general; letters from the Midlothian Council and articles in the Scotsman have made this fact evident. I am a qualified—with two education degrees, able-bodied and ambitious professional who is ready to help and work in the local schools, and yet I have been held up for six, and mostly like, by the time it is finished, 7 months from fulfilling this wish.

I would like to make you and other individuals within the system aware of these concerns, in hope that it may lead to constructive changes. Ultimately, it may lead to a more efficient and responsive system. I appreciate that the change process may a gradual one, but I also know that if I want change to happen, I have to be a part of that change; hence, my letter to you today.

I hope that my sentiments reach you as they were intended, a friendly observation and not a condescending or arrogant criticism. I am simply one person who ‘immigrated’ here, at least for a short term, who is attempting to access a system in a country that is in need and in search of professional workers. As I am starting a full time graduate program in 3 months at the University of Edinburgh, I fear that my efforts—phone calls, letters, paperwork—time and over £100 of fees and postage will all be for naught.

I sincerely appreciate your work and efforts in your role. I have a great deal of respect for individuals who work for the public and/or in the education field. I also want to thank you for taking the time to read my letter and address any of the concerns where and when they are appropriate within your sphere of influence. This letter and your response may do one of two things. It may either enlighten me to the reasons for this exceptionally deliberate system or it will begin a productive dialogue for healthy change. Either way, I am eager to receive your reply on this matter.

Kind Regards,