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Maternity Leave

by Wondering

Nov 10, 2008

Did any of you have to take maternity leave at the beginning of the school year? Was it challenging. I know that I shouldn't, but I am afraid that I will inconvenience everyone if I do. Please let me know about your experiences. Thanks!

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Mary I took a six week maternity leave when I had a baby on August 9th. The teacher who covered for me had been a student teacher in my room the semester before so it seemed easier than my other two maternity leaves which were at the end of the year. We set the room up together and made up lesson plans for the first week. She was responsible for the res...See More

Dec 4, 2008

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suzy Oh my...do not worry about that. Your life and a baby come first. Everyone adapts at work. I know my experience has been that teaching is a way of life rather than a job...however..it really is a job and the life you want takes precedence? precidence?. (did I spell that correctly?) don't worry about it. just live your life and it all works out. hav...See More

Dec 4, 2008

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How Do You Teach Vocab?

by Eric

Nov 10, 2008

I need your expertise. I am launching an effort to collect and organize effective vocabulary strategies that student and beginning teachers can use in their classrooms.

How do you teach vocabulary? What strategies do you use? Do you have fun vocab games? Do you have a great way to teach word parts? Please reply to this post, email me at [e...See More

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Ideas for Demo Lesson

by nicole

Nov 12, 2008

Hey guys, I have a demo lesson scheduled for friday, it is for a teaching position in a third/fourth grade self- contained classroom and the principal wants a literacy lesson. Any suggestions? Thanks, Nicole

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MI and Learning Styles

by many ways to be smart

Nov 16, 2008

I am looking for a paper and pencil test or inventory that I can give 4th and 5th grade students to help them discover how they learn best. All of the resources that I have are for doing online assessments and inventories, but I want something that I can give them as a take home to do with their families so we can include a home/parent connection. ...See More

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Leah You are welcome to copy the following summary. The children could take it home and try to decide how they learn best with their parent's assistance. Also there is a My Strengths Activity that is reproducible and found at the same site under Children's Activities.

Nov 25, 2008

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Angry/difficult parents and meeting

by teachinNC

Nov 22, 2008

I have had a very difficult year with a few parents this year. I have had a lower/challenging class and I have noticed that some teachers have an easier time making parents like them or at least not making them dislike/making them mad. Do any of you veteran (or other) teachers have any tips you have learned over the years about how to handle parent...See MoreI have had a very difficult year with a few parents this year. I have had a lower/challenging class and I have noticed that some teachers have an easier time making parents like them or at least not making them dislike/making them mad. Do any of you veteran (or other) teachers have any tips you have learned over the years about how to handle parents, esp. of low children? I notice that if the child is doing well then the parent likes/loves me. If the child is a struggler/low student sometimes the parent lashes out/dislikes/wants to blame me. I did not have a good mentor at all for my first year of teaching. My principal just explained to me this year not to mention the word retention at all in at-risk and other parent meetings. No one, not even my teacher education program had ever taught that to me.

Yesterday I had a difficult angry parent meeting with the parents and my principal (who is wonderful/backs her teachers 100% thank-goodness). of a boy who ended up as a 1/2 running record last year. (I teach 1st grade). The mother seemed to hate me to start off with. She was seething venom. She wouldn't even make eye contact with me. Part of it stemmed from a meeting 6 weeks into the school year in which I told her her child was 2 reading levels behind and might have to be retained. She suggested a tutor and I told her a tutor was no guarantee (meaning we would have to have him reading a lot, staying in Title I, etc.), but I offered to get her some names in case she wanted to try and I did. She turned that around to say that I said nothing would help him, not even a tutor. When I realized my mistake about him being retained and that he would not be retained no matter what because examining his file more closely I realized he had already been retained in another state and finished part of his second year with us, so our policy is to not retain again until the 3rd or 4th grades. I called her to tell her that and calm her down (she had had a meltdown and called the guidance counselor and talked her ear off after our first PT meeting). She said she felt I had washed my hands of him after 6 weeks of school. She threw that in my face at the meeting with the principal even though I had explained that to her already--she was obviously out to get/wound me/make me look bad in front of my boss. I am trying to be nice to her and forgive her even though she complained to the principal about me. When we had our meeting I took responsibility for my error/apologized to her that we had gotten off on the wrong foot and did point out that I stayed on a Friday night at 5:00 PM to call her up and let her know that no matter what--he would not be retained and that we would do everything we could to catch him up. Now I am walking on eggshells and hope I never see the woman ever again as long as I live.

I am hoping next year that I can do better at getting along with parents of academically low students. It is Saturday and I have also felt very depressed about all of this, feel the woman made me look bad in front of my principal and wonder if I will get re-contracted next year since there are budget cuts (my state has a 15% budget shortfall and I am not tenure yet.) Any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated, I feel somewhat down and defeated as there have been other other unfair things done to me by parents this year that have nothing to do with this situation: For example: On the first day of school I had a parent try to talk to me while I was helping 6 other children put supplies up and the rest of the children were waiting on me--it was a stressful time. I met her child and spoke to her for a few moments. The child had a happy first day but at the end of the day the parent asked the principal if she could have a different teacher. She didn't feel I would be "loving enough" for her daughter. The principal said the child's kindergarten teacher felt I would be great and refused to move her. Mom got stubborn and left one child at the school and put that child in a different county because mom and dad were separated due to a divorce. This is an example of the kind of upsetting things that have been happening this year with parents. Another parent who is white trashy--a moocher who lives off of different relatives until the get tired of her told the principal that she didn't want her child in my class because a parent of a boy told her I have reading contest where children are expected to read 5 books a night (a lie) and that she didn't want to do any extra reading like that (He does no reading at home beyond maybe his basal sometimes.) This was also a few days into the school year). This is another child who had previously been retained. The principal reassured her and got a copy of my homework sheet which was like everyone else's and the boy stayed in my class. I am starting to wonder if this is normal (nasty, nasty complaining parents) or God wants me to quit teaching?!!!! No wonder people leave this profession after the first 3-5 years! My husband would love it if I would quit but I don't think it would be financially responsible to do so, plus I like teaching most of the time.

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suzy Sounds like she is trying to take the high road also. Hope this all works out well for everyone involved.

On 1/02/09, teachinNC wrote: > I invited the mom and dad of this situaton to come to our > Christmas party before the break. (Instead of avoiding/hiding > from the). We chatted some. I pretended she didn't dislike me > and ...See MoreSounds like she is trying to take the high road also. Hope this all works out well for everyone involved.

On 1/02/09, teachinNC wrote: > I invited the mom and dad of this situaton to come to our > Christmas party before the break. (Instead of avoiding/hiding > from the). We chatted some. I pretended she didn't dislike me > and for my part and I tried. I think it helped. I felt > that "choosing love" would be the best thing....taking the high > road. We'll see how it goes! I am feeling a bit more positive > about the situation now, though. > > On 12/07/08, Ellie Mae wrote: >> I am very sorry that you have had this bad expericience. >> Unfortantly, moments like that sometimes are part of our job. >> I'd like to address a few things you said. >> >> 1) Concerning your lack of a mentor. Everyone needs >> someone. I had a poor mentor my first year. Several times >> she came to me. I found myself an "unoffical mentor". This >> woman is still my mentor, and she always will be. It doesn't >> matter how accomplished I become, I still go to her. Why? >> Because every one needs a sounding board they can trust. >> Find yourself a mentor. Just choose someone who is >> experienced, effective, and has a good attitude. >> >> 2)Yes, there is something you can do to have better >> relationships with your parents. The secret to all good >> relationships is communication. My parents are my first >> objectives every year, yes, even before my students. Why? >> Because their child's success and to a large degree my >> success depends on their support. I call every parent >> at the start of the year and introduce myself. I always end >> by asking this magic question, "Is there anything that you >> can tell me about Johnny that would help me help him this >> year?" Keep a notebook handy. You'd be amazed at what >> they'll share! Keep the lines open all year. I send a daily >> email to 21 addresses everyday. >> >> You sound hurt and discouraged. Remember this is your >> calling and you're changing lives! If you'd like to talk >> more, please email me at [email removed];

Jan 2, 2009

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Andrea i really feel for you. Last year was my second year of teaching high school math. I had previously taught a section of algebra that was supposed to be "accelerated" for students to take in the 8th grade and thus be a year ahead. This was leading to all kinds of problems.. some kids were being placed in this program due to their parents complaints b...See Morei really feel for you. Last year was my second year of teaching high school math. I had previously taught a section of algebra that was supposed to be "accelerated" for students to take in the 8th grade and thus be a year ahead. This was leading to all kinds of problems.. some kids were being placed in this program due to their parents complaints because they wanted thier kids in the "smart" class (their words not mine) and thus they were not prepared with the basic skills they needed to be ready. It then created problems when they did poorly in the class and were not adequately prepared to take higher level math. As a department we wanted to explain to the parents and students in general that taking this class wasnt always in the best interest of the student if it wasnt something they were ready for/interested in. We assumed this would be seen by the parents as something in the best interest of their child. IT WASNT. All you know what broke loose. The next thing you know, I am the wicked witch of the west and do not want any of their kids in higher level math (which is insane...as it would mean i was out of a job).

I was really really hurt by this at first. I had put so much effort into trying to find ways to help kids who struggle in higher levels..and one of the best ways to help is to make sure foundational knowledge is strong and concrete before moving on. I really did and said everything with the intent to help those kids and do my job. I felt like going home and sticking my head in the oven. :) At that point i felt like leaving teaching....but thankfully i have a great principal and an awesome department head that taught me some wonderful lessons on their own 1) You cant redo the past....just do your best to move on positively 2) The best intentions can always go poorly with a little misunderstanding 3) there are some people out there who will always look for a pot to stir. Working in education we run into a lot of them. As long as you know your intentions and work on avoiding situations like this in the future by adjusting your tactics...thats the best you can do

dont give up.... and dont let people get you down, hindsight is ALWAYS 20-20 On 1/02/09, suzy wrote: > Sounds like she is trying to take the high road also. Hope this > all works out well for everyone involved. > > On 1/02/09, teachinNC wrote: >> I invited the mom and dad of this situaton to come to our >> Christmas party before the break. (Instead of avoiding/hiding >> from the). We chatted some. I pretended she didn't dislike me >> and for my part and I tried. I think it helped. I felt >> that "choosing love" would be the best thing....taking the high >> road. We'll see how it goes! I am feeling a bit more positive >> about the situation now, though. >> >> On 12/07/08, Ellie Mae wrote: >>> I am very sorry that you have had this bad expericience. >>> Unfortantly, moments like that sometimes are part of our job. >>> I'd like to address a few things you said. >>> >>> 1) Concerning your lack of a mentor. Everyone needs >>> someone. I had a poor mentor my first year. Several times >>> she came to me. I found myself an "unoffical mentor". This >>> woman is still my mentor, and she always will be. It doesn't >>> matter how accomplished I become, I still go to her. Why? >>> Because every one needs a sounding board they can trust. >>> Find yourself a mentor. Just choose someone who is >>> experienced, effective, and has a good attitude. >>> >>> 2)Yes, there is something you can do to have better >>> relationships with your parents. The secret to all good >>> relationships is communication. My parents are my first >>> objectives every year, yes, even before my students. Why? >>> Because their child's success and to a large degree my >>> success depends on their support. I call every parent >>> at the start of the year and introduce myself. I always end >>> by asking this magic question, "Is there anything that you >>> can tell me about Johnny that would help me help him this >>> year?" Keep a notebook handy. You'd be amazed at what >>> they'll share! Keep the lines open all year. I send a daily >>> email to 21 addresses everyday. >>> >>> You sound hurt and discouraged. Remember this is your >>> calling and you're changing lives! If you'd like to talk >>> more, please email me at [email removed];

Jan 4, 2009

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Help with passing the TExES Special Ed 161

by New

Nov 25, 2008

I passed EC-4 in August and am now attending an ACP training. Still have no job and looking to be more marketability. Don't know anyone in the professional to ask any questions.

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holiday hum bughs

by lynn

Dec 1, 2008

hi all, I would like to know your opinion on this situation that happened to me today:

I was talking to my students, and a woman who works in our school came walking right in and without even saying excuse me, started talking about giving me hanakauh cut- outs. I thought she was being nice and said oh, you must mean for my fireplace, which...See More

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Diana The woman who did that to you was being mean-spirited and unpleasant. I'm sorry it happened.

Because I live in a rural Southern town with a very homogeneous population, there is no problem with Christmas stories, songs, etc. Anything that we do has to be tied to grade level learning standards, but if it is, then anything goes.

We ...See MoreThe woman who did that to you was being mean-spirited and unpleasant. I'm sorry it happened.

Because I live in a rural Southern town with a very homogeneous population, there is no problem with Christmas stories, songs, etc. Anything that we do has to be tied to grade level learning standards, but if it is, then anything goes.

We have some people who are not practicing Christians (not church-goers) but all are of Christian heritage. None at all belong to or profess a different faith.

We do also teach about Kwaansa and Hanukkah just to give the kids exposure to the idea that other faiths exist and have alternate traditions, and those are valid and to be respected. I know nothing about Diwali or winter celebrations of other major religions. If I had background knowledge and suitable materials, I'd include those as well.

I think that it is very odd that our society expects us to respect diversity by honoring the traditions of others, but in many places, that does not include honoring or practicing our own.

On 12/01/08, lynn wrote: > hi all, I would like to know your opinion on this > situation that happened to me today: > > I was talking to my students, and a woman who works in our > school came walking right in and without even saying > excuse me, started talking about giving me hanakauh cut- > outs. I thought she was being nice and said oh, you must > mean for my fireplace, which I had hanging in the hall > near my room with stockings for my kids I made. I said ya > sure, maybe I'll put them up, as I was toatlly off guard, > and did not want to put something up that none of my kids > celebrate and which did not go w/my display. She smirked > and said ya maybe unreal. Soon after she went to the > principal and complained saying I had outrageous x-mas > decorations (i have a charlie brown tree, one pair of > lights and stockings...all my kids 7 ell's only celebrate > x-mas, and I planned on talking/reading about hanakuah and > kwanza too). The principal even came up and said it was > beautiful and not outrgaeous and a book would survise to > have out. I can't believe the nerve some people have. I > would never make someone feel bad or tell them how to > decoarte their own classroom. Tomorrow I'll put up a > menorah and a kwanza symbol, but why can't we all just > mind out own business? I feel guilty when I shouldn't. > Thanks for listening and happy holidays!

Dec 7, 2008

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Sara I think that it is very odd that our society expects us to > respect diversity by honoring the traditions of others, but > in many places, that does not include honoring or practicing > our own.

We are certainly allowed to practice our faith and its traditions - that's silly to think we're not. My school doesn't allow us to put up...See More

Dec 7, 2008

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