Okay, maybe I graduated from a somewhat inferior teacher education program, although I didn't know it at the time, but the local teachers that I worked with during my student teaching kind of left me in the dark as far as following a Course of Study to invent lesson plans, and, although I have a better idea now and am aware I can borrow lesson plans off of the internet, I still feel like it would benefit me to have it broken down again, perhaps in the form of a video or powerpoint presentation. Also, if there is a website that has videos of experienced teachers acting out their lesson plans, that would really help. I think my main issue is presentation and explanation.
My attempts at inventing lesson plans when I'm not collaborating with other teachers in my field, (and sometimes I don't have the opportunity to) sometimes result in very inferior products that leave the students confused and upset.
On 1/21/12, subteacher86 wrote: > Hi, > > > Okay, maybe I graduated from a somewhat inferior teacher > education program, although I didn't know it at the time, > but the local teachers that I worked with during my student > teaching kind of left me in the dark as far as following a > Course of Study to invent lesson plans, and, although I > have a better idea now and am aware I can borrow lesson > plans off of the internet, I still feel like it would > benefit me to have it broken down again, perhaps in the > form of a video or powerpoint presentation. Also, if there > is a website that has videos of experienced teachers acting > out their lesson plans, that would really help. I think my > main issue is presentation and explanation. > > My attempts at inventing lesson plans when I'm not > collaborating with other teachers in my field, (and > sometimes I don't have the opportunity to) sometimes result > in very inferior products that leave the students confused > and upset.
It may seem like a strange suggestion, but have you looked in Mobile, AL? There's a demand for math and science teachers here, and I've seen a lot of minority faculty at the schools where I sub. These aren't the best of neighborhoods, and the students are rough, but I, a young timid white female, would gladly take a job at one of these schools if I could find a position. Unfortunately, though, I majored in English, and there is no shortage of English teachers here; on the other hand, they hire math and science teachers who haven't even completed their degrees yet. That's how desperate they are. Also, if you are male, that's a plus, too. Male teachers generally have an easier time with classroom management and discipline. Also, the students would probably be interested in a teacher from the North. I've met a few people from other countries here, but I haven't met many people from the North. People from the North are a small rarity here, apparently. Good luck.
I've put in several resumes in my state, but I haven't had any luck at all finding a teaching position. Currently, I substitute teach, and it's a somewhat miserable profession The pay is very low, and the students sometimes insist on treating you like a second-class citizen. I've even had textbook throwing occur! My experiences as a sub were definitely not something the teacher education program prepared me for. In spite of all of this, I still have a lot of enthusiasm for teaching at the end of the day. I would really like to settle down in my own classroom, though. Despite the challenges, I would like to try real teaching. I imagine even the worst most draining classroom as a potentially wonderful experience. Do you know of any areas where English teachers with bachelor's degrees are needed?
On 2/04/12, 8-9 public school systems accepting applications in AL... wrote: > you seem to be from Alabama -- so am I. Are you registered with > the state website here? [link removed]?
With the international schools, they will usually help with transportation in the way of a plane ticket; however, if you're wanting to stay within the state (or in the States, as many Americans living overseas call it), you'll at least have to arrange enough transportation for the interview and/or for a one-way trip should you move to accept an offered position. I think a lot of teachers are facing the options of either moving to find work, accepting alternate employment in their hometown, or going back to school -- so there are a lot of people who can relate.
In my case, my biggest draw is to teach, and it doesn't matter so much where. I'm teaching out of subject area at the moment but will be back in my certification area by next school year.
Hope the website is helpful to you!
On 2/06/12, subteacher86 wrote: > Yes, I'm from Alabama. Did you deduce that from my description of the > public schools, or did you read it in a previous post? I live in > Mobile, on the Gulf Coast, though, so certain parts of Alabama might be > too far away. Couple that with the fact that I do not have reliable > transportation, and I guess my choices are quite limited. I would like > to take a look at options within the state, though, since I'm only > registered with the Mobile County Public School System currently, and > they are NOT hiring English teachers, (and complaining about the > reading scores, sadly)! > > > > > On 2/04/12, 8-9 public school systems accepting applications in AL... > wrote: >> you seem to be from Alabama -- so am I. Are you registered with >> the state website here? [link removed]?
I am a first year teacher and to say that I hate my job is an understatement. I've thought about quitting so many times since the school year started in August. The only thing that has kept me is that I don't want to be labeled a quitter. I teach at a high school in a small town. The kids are horrible! In each class period, I have like 3 students o...See MoreI am a first year teacher and to say that I hate my job is an understatement. I've thought about quitting so many times since the school year started in August. The only thing that has kept me is that I don't want to be labeled a quitter. I teach at a high school in a small town. The kids are horrible! In each class period, I have like 3 students out of 30 that actually do what they are supposed to do. The rest of the students are unmotivated lazy bums that complain about EVERYTHING. If I gave them $25 each, I am positive they would say "you could have given us $50." The students don't want to learn and believe that the only reason for coming to school is to be with their friends. Talking while I'm speaking, horse playing around, throwing things, you name it, the students to do it. This is an everyday thing. Discipline referrals, calling their parents, docking their grade, etc., nothing helps. Additionally, my school has the type of administrators that have forgotten what is like to be in the classroom and have something negative to say about everything the teachers do.
I have a countdown going and I'll be so ready when this school year is over. Its a little over three months left and for some this may seem like a short time, but not for me! This is probably obvious, but I have no intention of returning next year. As a teacher who actually gets paid to be there, I am looking forward to the last day of school than the students.
It often helps to hear what other people are going through. So is anyone going through a similar situation? If so, how do you deal? And how do you plan on making it to the last day of school?
On 2/06/12, second vote for the book recommendation wrote: > I also found Teaching Outside the Box (Louanne Johnson) really helpful > as a new teacher. Sorry you've had such a challenging first year! My > first job was taking over midyear (in February) after a teacher had > quit because of the behavior of the students. It's a great opportunity > to learn classroom management through trial by fire but also a great > opportunity to raise your blood pressure! You have my empathy! On a > positive note, though, I still keep up with some of the students from > that first class, who have matured a lot since that time! > > On 2/06/12, been there wrote: >> Yes, I was hired at the end of the summer as well; sorry I did not >> make that clear enough. >> >> >> On 2/06/12, I need to vent wrote: >>> Wow! You have really been through it. I empathize with you, as >>> well. I didn't even have the summer to prepare, though. It was >>> more like a weekend! I was hired in late August to replace to a >>> teacher who-surprise, surprise-quit. So far this school year, >>> four teachers have quit at my school. I am trying to be >>> positive, but I have a feeling my contract won't be renewed. >>> Granted no one wants to be "non renewed," but a very, very small >>> part of me doesn't care because I have no intentions of coming >>> back next year, anyway. >>> >>> On 2/06/12, been there wrote: >>>> I totally empathize with you. Being new, it is ahrd to project >>>> the kind of confidence and authority you would have ifyou had >>>> been assigned higher level students. It your situation is >>>> anything like mine, and it sounds like it is, being a first >>>> year teacher, you probably did not have a lot of time last >>>> summer for advance planning, you are struggling to keep up >>>> with planning and grading, and you probably were assigned the >>>> most disruptive students that the more senior teachers did not >>>> want to bother with. Maybe the other teachers aren't being too >>>> helpful because they are just glad it isn't them who is stuck >>>> with these students. This is how it was with me in my first >>>> year. I was not renewed at the end of the year. I managed to >>>> land another teaching job, but was put in the same situation >>>> again. On the verge of an emotional breakdown, I resigned mid >>>> year rather than be fired. That was a few years ago. It takes >>>> a while to even recover from the emotional trauma of being put >>>> in that situation and then being blamed for not being able to >>>> excel. I have been subbing and working other part-time jobs >>>> ever since, and became very proficient in being able to >>>> project authority and confidence, but it is easier when you >>>> are a sub because there is less pressure on you. I have no >>>> health insurance, and am living as a member of the "working >>>> poor." If you can afford to decide now that you won't return, >>>> that is wonderful. I kept struggling with my last breath >>>> because I am divorced and had nothing to fall back on. If you >>>> have living parents or a boyfriend or husband that you can >>>> live with, then by all means get out and find something where >>>> you won't feel like you are being constantly disrespected. If >>>> you want to try to salvage the situation, read "Teaching >>>> Outside the Box" by Louann Johnson for some excellent >>>> suggestions. Best of luck to you. >>>> >>>> >>>> On 2/06/12, I need to vent wrote: >>>>> I am a first year teacher and to say that I hate my job is >>>>> an understatement. I've thought about quitting so many >>>>> times since the school year started in August. The only >>>>> thing that has kept me is that I don't want to be labeled a >>>>> quitter. I teach at a high school in a small town. The kids >>>>> are horrible! In each class period, I have like 3 students >>>>> out of 30 that actually do what they are supposed to do. >>>>> The rest of the students are unmotivated lazy bums that >>>>> complain about EVERYTHING. If I gave them $25 each, I am >>>>> positive they would say "you could have given us $50." The >>>>> students don't want to learn and believe that the only >>>>> reason for coming to school is to be with their friends. >>>>> Talking while I'm speaking, horse playing around, throwing >>>>> things, you name it, the students to do it. This is an >>>>> everyday thing. Discipline referrals, calling their >>>>> parents, docking their grade, etc., nothing helps. >>>>> Additionally, my school has the type of administrators that >>>>> have forgotten what is like to be in the classroom and have >>>>> something negative to say about everything the teachers do. >>>>> >>>>> I have a countdown going and I'll be so ready when this >>>>> school year is over. Its a little over three months left >>>>> and for some this may seem like a short time, but not for >>>>> me! This is probably obvious, but I have no intention of >>>>> returning next year. As a teacher who actually gets paid to >>>>> be there, I am looking forward to the last day of school >>>>> than the students. >>>>> >>>>> It often helps to hear what other people are going through. >>>>> So is anyone going through a similar situation? If so, how >>>>> do you deal? And how do you plan on making it to the last >>>>> day of school?
You might get a large calendar and keep it at home and tell no one about it. When you get home each school day, mark off the day.
Do not bring home a lot of work. If you can find a quiet place to work, go in early in the morning (30-45 minutes, tops) and/or stay after school( 1 hour, tops). There are not enough hours in the day to do all that a teacher needs to do. So go home. "Tomorrow is another day."
Anytime, if there are free minutes at school, work on school things.
Smile at the students as they enter. Seem glad to see them, IE you can.
Try to catch them being good, if they ever are.
Plan something special for you for the weekend. It does not have to be elaborate or expensive. Do not do school work over the weekend, if this is at all possible. If it is a meal out, a movie, sleeping in, seeing friends, reading a good book, enjoying an old or new hobby, or whatever you want to do, just do it. You will know what will be special for YOU.
Do you have any sick/personal days left? Even if you don't, take some 3-day weekends. They can really help when you need a break. The only thing more relaxing is a 4-day weekend.
Since you are sure you are not coming back next year, do your best and know that you will not have to face these students ever again. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Vent anytime you want. I'm here and I am interested and I care(I was a first year teacher, too, but in a time when teaching could actually be fun and students were more interested in learning).
Please let us know how things are going.
On 2/06/12, I need to vent wrote: > I am a first year teacher and to say that I hate my job is > an understatement. I've thought about quitting so many > times since the school year started in August. The only > thing that has kept me is that I don't want to be labeled a > quitter. I teach at a high school in a small town. The kids > are horrible! In each class period, I have like 3 students > out of 30 that actually do what they are supposed to do. > The rest of the students are unmotivated lazy bums that > complain about EVERYTHING. If I gave them $25 each, I am > positive they would say "you could have given us $50." The > students don't want to learn and believe that the only > reason for coming to school is to be with their friends. > Talking while I'm speaking, horse playing around, throwing > things, you name it, the students to do it. This is an > everyday thing. Discipline referrals, calling their > parents, docking their grade, etc., nothing helps. > Additionally, my school has the type of administrators that > have forgotten what is like to be in the classroom and have > something negative to say about everything the teachers do. > > I have a countdown going and I'll be so ready when this > school year is over. Its a little over three months left > and for some this may seem like a short time, but not for > me! This is probably obvious, but I have no intention of > returning next year. As a teacher who actually gets paid to > be there, I am looking forward to the last day of school > than the students. > > It often helps to hear what other people are going through. > So is anyone going through a similar situation? If so, how > do you deal? And how do you plan on making it to the last > day of school?
I am a first year teacher and to say that I hate my job is an understatement. I've thought about quitting so many times since the school year started in August. The only thing that has kept me is that I don't want to be labeled a quitter. I teach at a high school in a small town. The kids are horrible! In each class period, I have like 3 students o...See MoreI am a first year teacher and to say that I hate my job is an understatement. I've thought about quitting so many times since the school year started in August. The only thing that has kept me is that I don't want to be labeled a quitter. I teach at a high school in a small town. The kids are horrible! In each class period, I have like 3 students out of 30 that actually do what they are supposed to do. The rest of the students are unmotivated lazy bums that complain about EVERYTHING. If I gave them $25 each, I am positive they would say "you could have given us $50." The students don't want to learn and believe that the only reason for coming to school is to be with their friends. Talking while I'm speaking, horse playing around, throwing things, you name it, the students to do it. This is an everyday thing. Discipline referrals, calling their parents, docking their grade, etc., nothing helps. Additionally, my school has the type of administrators that have forgotten what is like to be in the classroom and have something negative to say about everything the teachers do.
I have a countdown going and I'll be so ready when this school year is over. Its a little over three months left and for some this may seem like a short time, but not for me! This is probably obvious, but I have no intention of returning next year. As a teacher who actually gets paid to be there, I am looking forward to the last day of school than the students.
It often helps to hear what other people are going through. So is anyone going through a similar situation? If so, how do you deal? And how do you plan on making it to the last day of school?
I have attended some summer workshops and would love to become a workshop instructor to the teachers.
Could someone please kindly tell me how to become a teacher trainer (I still want to keep my teaching job - like the trainers do....it's just that during the summer they teach teachers.)
Is six years enough time to apply to be a trainer? Is there even an application process?
I would really appreciate any advise in this area. Thank you so much in advance.
I got my degree in Elementary Ed in 2002. I have never taught, and now I would like to start my teaching career. The problem is that I really do not remember much of anything and I need to take the Praxis II. Are there teacher refresher courses in Elementary Education? Please let me know any resources that you are aware of. Also, this question may have been presented in the past and please let me know any links and I will be happy to read the information.
On 2/14/12, Mary wrote: > Hello: > > I got my degree in Elementary Ed in 2002. I have never > taught, and now I would like to start my teaching career. > The problem is that I really do not remember much of > anything and I need to take the Praxis II. Are there > teacher refresher courses in Elementary Education? Please > let me know any resources that you are aware of. Also, > this question may have been presented in the past and > please let me know any links and I will be happy to read > the information. > > Thanks!
On 2/20/12, Krystal wrote: > What are/ were that most challenging moments you first had > going into your job? How should I prepare to be ready for > those challenges?