New teacher starting mid year (Worried, stressed, depressed)

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New teacher starting mid year (Worried, stressed, depressed)

by Whittywhit0678

Jan 12, 2013

Hi guys! I was just browsing the net and came across this forum. Im having a difficult time really grasping my situation right now...so I thought I'd look for advice from people who are in/have been in my situation...So, here goes.

I just turned 25 years old (2 days ago). I finished my Bachelors degree in Biology in 2010, Masters in Feb 2012, and I am now in my first year of my doctorate program. Although I still have 3 years left to finish my doctorate program I came up with the bright idea that I should be getting some "real world" experience while finishing up my education. I have been on FULL academic scholarship (complete with a pretty decent stipend) that has funded my full education and kept my bills paid since starting college...But now I'm sick of sitting at home and being bored day in and day out...Long story short, I was offered a job as a High School Science teacher at an inner city school. The inner city part really doesn't scare me too much as I am a product of ...See More

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good luck On 1/12/13, Whittywhit0678 wrote: You are falling into some unnecessary worries. What did you intend to do with your doctorate? And why does teaching now make you question that?

I'd say - stick to what's at hand. Giving teaching a try - lots of people do that. Some like me find they love it and some find they don't like it. The only real w...See MoreOn 1/12/13, Whittywhit0678 wrote: You are falling into some unnecessary worries. What did you intend to do with your doctorate? And why does teaching now make you question that?

I'd say - stick to what's at hand. Giving teaching a try - lots of people do that. Some like me find they love it and some find they don't like it. The only real way to know is to try it.

And it's a challenge in the beginning - I'd be lying if I didn't admit that. It's Work and very time-consuming. I did my own doctorate - I can't see why you've got nothing to do but sit home and be bored - why not have gotten a teaching fellowship at your grad school? Why not serve as an assitant to a professor? Who gets a full academic scholarship from Day 1 with a pretty decent stipend to boot and has nothing to do to for that scholarship? No work study responsibilities? My scholarship was dependent on me working as a grad assistant.

But anyway, your very unusual situation is not the matter at hand. If you have nothing to do to work for your scholarship, then you have time to teach and prepare for your teaching work day at night.

It's not uncommon to have no materials - textbooks are completely useless anyway. Do you have laptop? A video projector? Anything to show some visuals on? Search youtube - it's a Great Source of teaching material. Search online - there's a TON of great materials online. Interactive websites, worksheets, handouts, diagrams, activities and - youtube visuals.

What if you don't like it? Likely you can quit it - you have your decent stipend after all. It's not like this teaching job will make you or break you financially as it would for most of the rest of us. But give it a fair try.

If you're fair and respectful to the kids, they won't hate you. Be fair, give them the benefit of the doubt. Don't use grades as a whip over their heads. If you're from the inner city, then you should understand the challenges they face. Be generous in your praise and your grading - there's no good served by being stingy.

Start with something big - like cloning. Don't just stick to the science - delve into the ethics. Genetically altered humans, genetically altered foods. Topics that get attention.

Good luck. > > The > part that does scare me is the fact that I am starting well > into the second semester of school (Mid January), with no > materials, and completely unprepared. Im not sure what to > do. I am starting to become very stressed, depressed, and > worried as my first day is approaching. I keep asking > myself "What if I dont like it?", "What if the kids hate > me?", "What if the admin/teachers hate me/are mean to me?", > "How will I get through the remainder of the year?", "What > do I do if teaching is not for me?" Anyone have any advice > for me as I prepare for my first day as a new teacher in > the middle of the school year? What other options are out > there if teaching doesnt work out? HELP! > > -Nervous Teacher To Be > > BTW my Masters is in Higher Education and Doctorate is a > Ed.D. in Educational Leadership if that helps....

Jan 15, 2013

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