From a struggling teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wonder if you know anyone from the elementary level you can reach out to, or a mentor at that level? I know you're at MS but they are transitioning and some of the behavior strategies I use with 5th might work with older kiddos, too--a call and response Chang that indicates they have to focus, for example (we use "watch me whip/watch me nae nae" right now),using a timer to transition--and if they do it in less time than is allotted, they earn a minute towards a game or activity at the end of the week, etc.

I used this idea a few years ago with a group of students that would not stop talking. I worked like a charm. It only took one week for them to figure out that time at the end of the week to play games was really worth quick transitions and being quiet so we could get to work. They played simple games like cards or checkers or we would play a group game like 7 Up, Hangman or Pictionary.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Things are so much worse.

A few weeks ago I had an observation, and was rated very badly in three areas. I have been rated "effective" every year as my end of year score, comprised of student results and evaluations. My prior 2 evals this year were fine- a mix of developing and effective ratings, nothing ineffective.

This one was much worse. My administrator put language about terminating my license in the contract at the end of the evaluation. After this one observation, same weight as the other ones, after 3 years of showing results with students and 2 prior satisfactory observations this year.

I am broken. I am struggling to go to work every day. I am depressed and having trouble thinking and planning lessons and doubting everything I do. I have been applying for jobs outside teaching. I have talked to admin from my old school, who say don't let it get you you, you'll find another school, you're bilingual, forget them and apply and you'll be fine.

And for months I have to go there. I feel sick. And more than that I am angry. Angry that they threatened to take away my job after 1 evaluation where they didn't see what they wanted. Angry that the administrator refused to speak about it during our debrief. I feel that was professionally irresponsible and malicious. I have spoken to our union, and the language was not appropriate. But I just feel so broken.

[Anonymous]

OP here again. To add, this evaluation was the only time in 4 years I ever received an ineffective in any area. I feel so disrespected.

[Anonymous]

You need to leave this school. It is not selfish to look after yourself. You should not feel broken and unworthy.

Teach somewhere where teaching is seen as a profession, not charity work. Teach somewhere with stability and credibility. Don't worry about who needs you more. Worry only about where you feel you will be most productive and effective, and right now that's probably not where you are.

You can leave teaching if you want, of course, but consider trying a different kind of school. Perhaps a private? Or at least a suburban school that's not so high needs.

[Anonymous]

Thanks PP. I know I have to leave but I need to finish out the year ... Financially I really need to, and I don't want to desert the kids. I cannot go back there in the fall.

I don't even know if the admin u derstands how it affects teachers when they're treated like this. I am teaching one hundred students a day and depressed and uncomfortable. That's not going to help their school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks PP. I know I have to leave but I need to finish out the year ... Financially I really need to, and I don't want to desert the kids. I cannot go back there in the fall.

I don't even know if the admin u derstands how it affects teachers when they're treated like this. I am teaching one hundred students a day and depressed and uncomfortable. That's not going to help their school.

Okay, just focus on getting through the next three months. And your plans for the future.

Have you been applying to other teaching jobs as well?

[Anonymous]

I can't apply for public school jobs officially for a few more weeks (due to our transfer system) but will start emailing principals directly soon. Looking at private and independent schools now and will work on those applications this week.

Thanks,

OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just curious. Have you ever tried reaching out to their parents? Maybe I'm naive. I'm not a teacher. I've had my DCs' teachers reach out to me about their unruly behavior at times (though this was in ES, so maybe it's different?). I set my kids straight, and they usually change their behavior in class. I fully believe it's a team effort. I know not all parents are engaged. Was just curious if this is something MS teachers would do.

I do. I have. These kids' parents have been contacted throughout the year. Today I called three parents after school. I had the student speak to them and then myself. It took 30 minutes. Imagine what that thirty minutes feels like as a teacher when you've been at school for nine hours and have a splitting headache directly from that class' behavior. I should probably call more, but results are not often seen.

I don't think you're cut out to be a teacher. Not everyone is. Life is too short to live like that. Find a job that is less stressful and more enjoyable to you.

[Anonymous]

^ I don't think that's true. a high needs middle school is probably the most difficult population to teach. And there's little reward for a lot of effort.

[Anonymous]

But there are other teachers who do this every day for their whole lives and do not feel like OP.

Both my in-laws are like this. They spent their whole careers at a very low income, inner city MS and while there were a lot of difficult children they did not feel it was a sacrifice to stay after school to talk to their parents or give them extra help. They felt it was part of their job and I never heard them once complain the way OP has.

It's not a criticism to say this may not be OP's calling just a reality check.

[Anonymous]

But there are other teachers who do this every day for their whole lives and do not feel like OP.

Both my in-laws are like this. They spent their whole careers at a very low income, inner city MS and while there were a lot of difficult children they did not feel it was a sacrifice to stay after school to talk to their parents or give them extra help. They felt it was part of their job and I never heard them once complain the way OP has.

It's not a criticism to say this may not be OP's calling just a reality check.

How many years ago was this? Things have changed A LOT in education. The pressure on teachers has increased exponentially. More students and fewer resources. More "mandates". More focus on "getting rid of the "bad" teachers" because we are not firing enough. More scores, data, benchmarks, data driven decisions, etc., etc. Seriously, there are levels of absurdity that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Everything gets pushed down to the teacher.

OP, is there someone else besides the administrator who can talk with you? Does your district allow for some other help? It is really not good for anyone (you, the students, the whole school) for you to feel this way. You need to make a plan to help you get through this year. Can you take a day off every couple of weeks? Can you reward yourself in some way at various intervals? Do it.

[Anonymous]

I don't even know if the admin u derstands how it affects teachers when they're treated like this. I am teaching one hundred students a day and depressed and uncomfortable. That's not going to help their school.

This is why you need to leave. You will get through this OP.

I have been there. Much better days are ahead.

[Anonymous]

I hear you OP. I was in my forth year teaching at an urban, low income high school when I decided I was done. It's hard. You are over worked and under appreciated with little to no support. I left to go to graduate school. After grad school I taught part time a a couple private schools but now I work for the federal government.

[Anonymous]

For the PP's. Teaching is very hard especially with today's pressures of testing and achievement. Many many teachers feel like OP which is why there is such a large burnout and attrition rate around the 4-6 year mark. OP, you can get through 3 months. Start polishing your resume for transfer season. It's a shame that admin is like this but it is not uncommon at some schools. If you are in the public school system and you have put in 4 years, please be mindful of your pension. It might not make sense to switch to a private school. The pension is one of the best benefits to teachers. You may want to check out how long you need to be in the system to receive one before switching out of the district entirely.

[Anonymous]

OP,

I've been in the profession for over 20 years - second career. All of my experiences have been in low performing schools.

I told my daughter I would not be paying for college if she became a teacher. My son, who's younger, said he wanted to be a science teacher but he'd reconsider and be a "plain scientist" instead bc he knows I how I feel!

While I've developed a tough exterior and ways to manage some wickedly defiant high school kids, I would NEVER wish this hell on anyone - especially not on my own children.

Get out while you can.