From a struggling teacher

[Anonymous]

OP here. A recent education post reminded me of this thread, so I thought I would post an update.

Things got worse. I had a formal observation, which was largely good – all of the readings were essentially satisfactory or almost satisfactory. I got a lot of good feedback from the AP.

However, I was still terminated, without any allegation, or letter in my file. In fact, when my entire file was sent to me when I was terminated, they added in the letter that they never gave me. Doing that is a violation of my contract, and my current principal said I have the right to remove that letter.

I interviewed for many jobs for months, but was not hired, mostly because their line of questioning forced me to reveal what was going on. Right at the end of the school year, a connection put me in touch with the principal searching for a teacher. I met the principal and she liked me. She hired me on the spot. then 10 days later later, I received the official termination letter.

I had to explain to her everything that went on and there was a whole lot of red tape – a lot of communication back-and-forth between the district, and she decided she still wanted to hire me. I went through a long hiring process and did not know if I would have a job for most of the summer. It was incredibly stressful.

The school is so much better than either of the previous two I had worked up. I am so happy to be there. The students are engaged and for the most part, really want to learn. The expectations are reasonable – as reasonable as they can be for public-school teachers. I leave school every day feeling accomplished and, for the most part, happy. The administration has made it clear they are happy with me.

I did not think this would be me a year ago. In April and May, I did not know if I should be teaching anymore. I was incredibly depressed. I feel so lucky and grateful.

Just wanted to share because I enjoy when people update.

[Anonymous]

Great news and thank you for sharing. I am happy sth opened up for you and you didn't give up.

[Anonymous]

So glad to hear you made it through to something better. 3rd year teacher who read the whole thread rooting for you.

[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.

That's the truth. It's a lotto ticket as to whether your call will give you a winning situation with a kid. For our population, we call numerous numbers and sometimes they are disconnected or the person on the receiving end doesn't speak English. You then have to document your efforts online, otherwise it may not count. It is a very time consuming process especially when you have 101 other tasks to do like recording and analyzing data. Don't get me started on how I have to explain why some of my 34+ students are failing class when they come in and refuse to do work...even if spoonfeed. None of this seems to be changing, to me it is getting worst.

[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'm guessing the homelife of these kids is very unstable and calling parents doesn't help. I know where my sister teaches she says the parents have issues, too.

[Anonymous]

Wow, happy to hear this. Congrats!

[Anonymous]

OP thanks for updating! I am so happy for you! I hope this new teaching job continues to be a great match!

[Anonymous]

I am so relieved to hear you escaped. I have had several different jobs (husbands moves/promotions). My first jobs were in different states were wonderful. The 3rd was a nightmare and I had my union get me out before the end of the year. I have PTSD because of that job (it was admin, not the kids, although it was an alternative urban school). I was afraid I wouldn't teach again. But right b4 school started I was hired at an amazing school. I had to leave in the summer due to another DOD promotion and I miss it terribly. My new job is "ok" but I am not returning. Not sure where I stand eval wise, but I'm not happy. It's tough, and when you find the right school, it changes your life. Administration in schools can truly be a nightmare. The evaluations are utterly subjective.