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Help Me!

by I need to vent

Feb 6, 2012

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...See More

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I need to vent 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...See MoreWow! 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?

Feb 6, 2012

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been there 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 > teach...See MoreYes, 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?

Feb 6, 2012

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second vote for the book recommendation 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 op...See MoreI 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?

Feb 6, 2012

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been there In my case the students knew that I and not they would be held accuontable for their behavior, so they were not just acting out mindlessly; it was a calculated effort to get me to lose my job; and they were successful! They had been successful in getting other teachers fired in the past. So it was more than an issue of just classroom management. Pr...See MoreIn my case the students knew that I and not they would be held accuontable for their behavior, so they were not just acting out mindlessly; it was a calculated effort to get me to lose my job; and they were successful! They had been successful in getting other teachers fired in the past. So it was more than an issue of just classroom management. Principals should NOT put rookie teachers in with these kids, but you are considered dispensable.

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?

Feb 7, 2012

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Suggestions Hang on till the end of the school year, if you can.

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 ...See MoreHang on till the end of the school year, if you can.

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?

Feb 7, 2012

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