I was very sick and needed surgery.
I had been in lots of pain for several years. I didn’t know why.
Something happened that made it clear I couldn’t ignore it anymore.
One day, I was on the way to registering my children for school and I ran into the principal. They needed 3rd grade teachers. This was during the major teacher shortage.
My daughter was in the third grade.
Teachers get insurance.
I told the principal I was interested, submitted a formal application and I was hired in three days.
I went and taught class every day in pain, still doing music at night. I write more about this time in my life in my book, but let’s just say it was a rough experience.
I was kicked. I was punched. The principal was changed three times in a year. 60% of my students couldn’t read.
But one story stood out to me. I got a big gig… on the night of the open house.
I had already told the previous principal who hired me I could not do the open house due to a prior commitment, though I admittedly did not specify why. The new principal was not very happy about this.
And the show?
It was directly across the street from the school I was teaching at.
I played the show as Gin.
Many parents walked their children to the show after open house, not knowing who the performers were.
I dodged the students on breaks.
“Miss Klüg!” I heard from the audience.
The next morning at school, students came up to me. “Miss Klüg! I saw you sing last night!”
“Did you?” I said, wearing my glasses that helped me see the smart board.
“Yes! I thought it was you…”
“Interesting.” I said.
All day I felt like Clark Kent, with students peppering me with questions.
“And you missed open house…”
“Hmmmmm.” I’d say.
A few months into teaching, I was able to get my surgery. I felt better than I did in years.
After I was kicked and punched, receiving no support from admin, I decided the profession wasn’t for me.
I wrote my song Small Town Rockstar after I resigned in a scathing resignation email.
The principal was changed two weeks later.
I still hold my Florida Educators Certificate.
Jack and Gin is an indie Southern rock duo bringing coastal storytelling, powerhouse vocals, electric guitar, and piano-driven soul to the stage. Led by Sandi “Gin” MarLisa and Eli “Jack” Ingram, their music blends Southern rock, folk, blues, and raw, rootsy charm into a sound they call Salty South.