This is a really hard situation, but you're not alone. When we thought we would be using a hybrid-model and would be in the building three days out of the week, many teachers were jumping through hoops trying to figure out day care for young elementary kids, etc.
For what it's worth, I think this fall is going to be a whole lot better than last spring. You well know that teachers had literally a weekend to revamp ... well, everything. We're a whole lot better prepared for fall.
How married are you to the new position at the private school?
How about other public school positions? Surely some other school needs a teacher, and where doesn't matter so much if your public schools will be 100% online.
My last job in the public school killed my mental health and I can't go back there. I had things thrown at me, was called profane names on a regular basis and it was just a really toxic environment. It came to the point where my husband and friends were really worried about me because I became a completely different person due to the stress.
Nothing but sympathy. As a fellow teacher, I completely understand -- I've been treated this way; I've even been punched.
However, pointing out the obvious: if you're 100% online, much of this trouble will disappear. Your biggest problem is likely to be students who don't log on /don't complete their work, so you'll have to contact parents.
My son is adamant about not wanting to go to my new school, but that may have to be an (expensive) option. Thank you for weighing in! Good luck to you this year. There are really no good solutions, are there?
Okay, I see an answer -- not a great answer -- You tell him, "I know you want to stay at your old school, but we both know that last year your academics didn't go as well as we hoped. I expect more this year. If you maintain ____ grade, and you complete every assignment, you may stay at your old school; however, academics matter most. If I see your grades slip below ____ or I hear ____ from your teachers, you'll have two weeks to turn it around -- and, if you don't, you'll be transferring to my school." Write it out. Be very clear.
I'll probably have to look into hiring somebody to come help. This new job comes with a $20,000 pay cut, so it will be tight, but it looks like that's my only option.
2020 college grads (like mine) are having a hard time finding jobs. You might find an education major.
In your position, I think I would incentivize the 15 and 13 year olds to work together to oversee the 9 year old while getting their own work done. At least by paying your own kids, the money is staying in the family. They’ll likely use much of it to buy things you would have paid for anyway.
Yes, that's much like my suggestion of "finding his currency". Perhaps a big-deal bribe for the three of them? Something like, if all three make ____ grades and turn in every assignment, they get ____ reward. Something big like a Disney trip next summer or a pool membership or a new video game system. Create a big poster with boxes to fill in as grades are earned so they can SEE what they're working towards.
Good luck. It's true that no GOOD choice exists. That's true in so many areas of our lives right now.