Frustrated...Any new teachers out there?

[AZMermaid]

If you have not already done so, get a copy of The First Days of School by Harry Wong and read it NOW!
You need to cut back or you really are going to burn out your first year. There are ALWAYS more things that can be done, but you need to draw the line somewhere. Set a reasonable time that you will leave school every day, like 5:00. Then limit yourself to 1 hour of working at home. Some things will not get done, but it won't be the end of the world. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of a class of kids.

Agreed- all of it! That book is great! My first two years were in a Title 1 school. I teach in an upper middle class school now and it is a LOT easier, so I feel your pain. Are you grading everything? DON'T!!! I am not saying there is busy work, but not everything needs a grade. When I taught 3rd, about half the time, I just checked it for completion and stamped it or put a star or something.

The toughest thing management wise for me when I taught Title 1 was the kids got no recess (this was 2nd grade). There was very little to take away, because they got very little. We also had 2-3 real preps a week due to meetings. Those were often canceled when the specials teachers got pulled to sub in a classroom when they couldn't get subs. It was brutal. You have to choose a time to stop. If the recycling bin needs to grade something, so be it. Planning in the start is tough, but gets easier.

Do the kids have whiteboards? I learned a lot about student engagement at various workshops throughout the year and those are my best tool. The kids really like them, if they color on them during the lesson they have to use paper and if they are good listeners, they get 5 minutes to play on them at the end of the lesson. We use them almost daily for math and occasionally for the other subjects.

What about science? This was a great incentive. We had Foss Kits which were very hands on. There is a fair amount of prep, but the kids liked it so much that I could use it as a carrot.

Think of 100 different ways for them to show they are listening or agree with an answer. We do show me hang loose, a silent clap (clap but don't touch your hands), jazz hands, thumbs up, peace sign, Bullwinkle ears, the wave, binoculars, etc etc." You think they are too cool, but they love it! Those that don't participate, I just say "Bobby, I can't see if you agree" Usually that works. If they are engaged, they behave better. But, it is hard to make this an easy part of your teaching. It takes practice.

 

[Conesus_Kid]

If you have not already done so, get a copy of The First Days of School by Harry Wong and read it NOW!
You need to cut back or you really are going to burn out your first year. There are ALWAYS more things that can be done, but you need to draw the line somewhere. Set a reasonable time that you will leave school every day, like 5:00. Then limit yourself to 1 hour of working at home. Some things will not get done, but it won't be the end of the world. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of a class of kids.

^This!!

You need to work on time management.

I will begin my 19th year of teaching in the next couple of weeks. You will never feel as if you're "done" with the tasks at hand, no matter how many years you teach. Prioritize what's important, definitely read Wong's book, and don't burn yourself out.

Remember: Your students should be the ones doing the thinking and the doing. Your job is to plan fun and engaging activities that will encourage them to do the lion's share of the work. This is how they will learn. (Guide on the side vs. Sage on the stage)

Good luck and have fun! This is the best job you could ever wish for!

 

[DisneygirlTeacher]

I am unclear why teachers think that they are the only profession who arrives early, stays late, takes work home, etc.

They are, however, the only profession I know who get an hour of "planning time" paid for and the only profession who gets off early when it's hot, when it's snowing, or the day before a holiday.

The teachers here work 180 student days, and 3 professional development days. We'll assume they work the PD days for free, since I don't get extra pay for Saturday conferences, workshops, etc., and what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

I certainly don't get an hour of planning time a day. We NEVER get off because it's hot, it doesn't snow here and they are talking about making us take three unpaid days this year because of budget cuts. We haven't had a raise in five years and we work 195 days, not 180. Summers are spent taking classes. Most of the teachers work two jobs because they can't make it on one. Lunch = 15 minutes (once you get the children settled.) You teach because you love it, obviously. You go early and stay late. Just the way it is. We are even going in on Saturday (first day of school is Monday) for a Open House/Pancake Breakfast. You have never-ending paperwork and children that have special needs that are now in our classrooms. You either love it or you don't. To the new teachers - It's never easy, but it does get easier. Always remember you are making a difference and to some children, you are the happiest part of their day. That's why I teach. And, I don't let the "haters" get me down. Come walk in our shoes for a day. Good luck to the first poster and to ALL of us!

 

[Suz D]

OP HERE

Well I work in the inner city so that is one reason my salary is high, also I have a Masters Degree. I am working everyday from 7:00 am until 5:30 pm. Then I come home and continue to work from 7:00pm until 12:30 am. I am so burnt out but I cannot seem to catch up or even get ahead. I am also working on weekends trying to catch up. I am just so exhausted. I only get planning time 3 days a week. Wednesday it is for 30 min. and Thursday and Friday it is for 1 hour. Mentor teachers are unavailable due to budget cuts. My colleagues have been very helpful but they have their own classrooms that they have to worry about. Also my students are unruly and could careless if I call their parents. Uggh. I come home crying eveyday. My husband makes me suck it up and go back the next day. I am so depressed I have not eaten in two days.

I am not a teacher but I can recognize a cry for help when I see it. I agree with the other posters who have said that you must let some things slide for now. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you.

I know this is probably a lame suggestion, but what if you took some time over the next few weeks and watched some of the inspiring "inner city school" movies. Lean on Me, Stand and Deliver, The Marva Collins story. I know that on some level that's putting a fairy tale spin on things (but it's the Disboards right? What would it be without a little pixie dust).

My dear, you MUST make time to take care of yourself or you are right...you will burn out. There is a reason that an adult traveling on an airplane with a child is told to put on the oxygen mask first. You can't care for anyone else if you are passed out.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Bless you for taking on this difficult, but potentially very rewarding, career.

 

[Aliceacc]

Today is Friday. You need to make it through today.

Over the weekend, you need to streamline your planning. Talk to another 4th grade teacher and see if you can borrow his/her plan book from last year, and Xerox it. You don't have to stick to it precisely, but it should buy you some time until you can get your head above water.

Next, cut back on your grading. I teach secondary math, so I'm not sure exactly how you can do that-- I stagger deadlines so not all of my classes have tests or quizzes on the same day. But the people at www.atozteacherstuff.com can help there-- enough of them teach 4th grade that they can be of help.

As to behavior: relying on their parents to make them care doesn't work as well as some would hope. You've got to find a way to make them care. As someone mentioned, science and social studies are great hooks. My daughter's 2nd grade teacher last year did fabulous units on both bears and whales. The kids learned a ton and loved reading and writing about those topics, so she was able to get a lot of mileage out of one topic.

Talk to your colleagues. Some of them will have been in your shoes and can offer concrete help.

But spend this weekend rethinking how you approach your job.

Best wishes to you.

 

[Alexander]

Thank you! Well put! I don't get paid to work in my room at school over the summer, so it will be ready for the first day of school. I am starting my 11th year of teaching and have a master's degree and just now went over the 40,000 mark...and not even to 41,000 yet! Our schedule may say 7:20 - 3:20, but I say MUCH later, and don't get paid for all the planning and grading that has to be done at night and on the weekends!

I am entering my 17th year and my salary this year is $37,700. I have two masters degrees and have completed 1/2 of the course to have a third. I obviously don't teach for the money, I teach because I love it. I am in a Catholic School, but if I were in a public school in our area, I would be in the $60,000 range at this point of my career. I however, have no interest in leaving the place I absolutely love.

I am unclear why teachers think that they are the only profession who arrives early, stays late, takes work home, etc.

They are, however, the only profession I know who get an hour of "planning time" paid for and the only profession who gets off early when it's hot, when it's snowing, or the day before a holiday.

The teachers here work 180 student days, and 3 professional development days. We'll assume they work the PD days for free, since I don't get extra pay for Saturday conferences, workshops, etc., and what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

It sounds to me like you need to change careers then. Nothing is stopping you. It isn't a teachers fault that we have so much time off and work so little for so much money. I guess we were just smarter when we chose our career paths than you were.

OP--hang in there, it will get better. I wouldn't trade teaching for anything.

 

[Kate and Pete]

OP HERE

Well I work in the inner city so that is one reason my salary is high, also I have a Masters Degree. I am working everyday from 7:00 am until 5:30 pm. Then I come home and continue to work from 7:00pm until 12:30 am. I am so burnt out but I cannot seem to catch up or even get ahead. I am also working on weekends trying to catch up. I am just so exhausted. I only get planning time 3 days a week. Wednesday it is for 30 min. and Thursday and Friday it is for 1 hour. Mentor teachers are unavailable due to budget cuts. My colleagues have been very helpful but they have their own classrooms that they have to worry about. Also my students are unruly and could careless if I call their parents. Uggh. I come home crying eveyday. My husband makes me suck it up and go back the next day. I am so depressed I have not eaten in two days.

The first year is really hard - I'm starting my 11th year. My first year, I cried every day, just like you. I remember saying that if I'm able to hang in there for five years, I'll be lucky. My whole entire life consisted of writing lesson plans and grading papers - I had no time to do anything else! Well, year two was WAY easier than year one, and year three...what a difference! I LOVE working with the students, and I'm glad I stuck it out through the difficult times, because there's nothing more rewarding than working with young learners!

You need to get support ASAP from your admin. on the unruliness immediately. That needs to be nipped in the bud - you are there to teach and the students are there to learn. Ask a colleague or assistant principal to sit in on your classes and give you suggestions - and then follow them.

Also, you MUST take care of your health. Your immune system is not yet used to all the germs you are being exposed to right now. I RARELY get sick, but my first year I was so sick I was almost hospitalized. You must eat, drink lots of water, and get lots of sleep.

Finally - this book, Two Parts Textbok, One Part Love, got me through the first few years. I reread it every couple of years now, just as a reminder...

We're here for you!

 

[girli565]

This is my 6th year teaching but my first year was tough. I mean, I cried in the car on my way home from work a lot. It's frustrating and as a new teacher everyone is watching you but if you do what you're supposed to and have a bit of fun with it you should be good.

Give it some time and you'll see how much better it gets. My second year turned out to be harder than my first but I was prepared for it so I got through it.

 

[Aliceacc]

No one is bashing. He/she wants encouragement, and I'm saying "great money!". That's encouraging, particularly on the Budget Board.

And I'm sure that, in the midst of a personal and professional crisis, she greatly appreciates the encouragement.

 

[csharpwv]

My words of wisdom to any new teacher -

I work in college admissions, I see schools from the absolute best, to the absolute worst.

The difference between those two?

Teachers who care, and administrators that know how to lead - and lead with confidence.

I recruit a lot in inner-city metro schools where often times, the students rule the school. However, there is one school that does not take an OUNCE of bull from a student or a parent, and they are the MOST effective school I have seen in terms of changing lives.

Teachers put up with crap, a lot of it - and for no real reason.

Are there school districts failing all across the country - YES, why? Because of a LACK of leadership at the school, and district level. However - the BIGGEST reason why kids are failing, and schools are failing, is that PARENTS are failing.

So many parents impart an attitude of entitlement on their kids, and teachers can't do any thing about that. TEACHERS DO NOT FAIL STUDENTS - STUDENTS FAIL THEMSELVES.

I was a A/B student all through school - including college - and what gave me the passion to learn was A)having a teacher that cared and B)having parents that made learning fun!

So - when you get stressed out and think teaching isn't for you, think to yourself for just a minute...

If I can touch one life, every day of the school week, I can reach one life - and give them the spark to learn - and the wonder and awe that comes with discovery. Remember the good teachers you have had, and carry on in your career what they meant in your life, from a young age - up to today.

Look to the stars - those teachers that are igniting a passion for learning, and excitement in students lives, and giving them life skills to be successful in all they do.

You can't reach every student in the same way - and often times a child's home life puts a wall that won't allow you to reach them at all. It isn't your fault - you are a teacher, not a fairy godmother or a magician.

Thanks for teaching, and thanks for giving of yourself - in hopes of a brighter tomorrow!

 

[Aliceacc]

Are there school districts failing all across the country - YES, why? Because of a LACK of leadership at the school, and district level. However - the BIGGEST reason why kids are failing, and schools are failing, is that PARENTS are failing.
!

I appreciate a lot of what you said.

But making this into a battle of US vs THEM doesn't solve the problem.

Sure, there are bad parents. And bad teachers. And bad administrators. And bad students. And bad advice. And bad "encouragment."

But as teachers, all we can do is deal with the hand we're dealt. No washing of our hands, saying "Johnny is beyond help. His parents didn't raise him right. It's THEIR FAULT."

As caring eductors and dedicated professionals, it's our job to try to reach and teach every one of the kids in our charge.

Sometimes we won't succeed. And sometimes it will take a while before the lessons we've striven to teach are realized by our kids.

Some will re-appear years later, with a sincere thank you for the lessons you taught them. Some won't. You'll read the newspaper some days and see the face of a student who showed great promise, but who made bad choices.

But that we can't control. What we can control is how hard we attempt to reach each and every one of our students, and do our best by each one.

 

[RumpleMom]

Hang in there. I guarantee things will get better. Be sure to take care of yourself by getting enough rest and eating properly. You will be prone to pick up every germ that is around, especially in flu season, boost your immunity now. After your first year, you will have great immunity.

Call your favorite college education professor and ask for help with classroom management. You will be eating, sleeping and breathing this first teaching assignment for the first year. Your family will need to be understanding of the enormous amount of time this will take.

Call the teacher who supervised your student teaching. If he/she was not especially talented, call one of the other teachers in that school who you saw doing a good job. Good teachers are usually eager to share their skills.

Here are some sites that may help- Google for more-
Thinkfinity
edhelper.com
educationworld

Best wishes, in my opinion there is no better job than being a teacher.

Remember you touch the future!

 

[englishteacha]

I'm about to start my 10th year teaching middle school. My first year was really tough. If it makes you feel any better, you're making more now than I make with 10 years experience and a Master's degree!

It will get better. Give yourself some breaks. Take a night off once in a while. So what if spelling tests or math quizzes aren't graded for the very next day?!

 

[SDSorority]

I am a first year teacher and I am extremely frustrated and ready to quit. I am making almost $49,000 a year so the money is great , but I can not handle the stress (the students and the workload). I am just looking for some words of encouragement.

WOW. My first year teaching salary would have been $23,000.

I say "would have been" because I got out of teaching pub school and now I'm a private school Admin and private music teacher. And... I'm much happier.

These are NOT words of encouragement.... I'm sorry! Hang in there- that salary is great and you'll love your kids I'm sure!

 

[Debbie]

Teachers, don't get suckered into defending our profession.

Anyone who realizes how tremendously satisfying a career teaching is can certainly take the appropriate courses and licensing exams, gain certification, and try for a job.

If you think it's easy money, then you would be a fool not to do it, wouldn't you??? It's not too late; most colleges don't begin classes for the fall semester for a few weeks yet.

I wouldn't call it easy, but as someone who has been teaching since 1980, I can definitively state it's the only career for me.

Today is Friday. You need to make it through today.

Over the weekend, you need to streamline your planning. Talk to another 4th grade teacher and see if you can borrow his/her plan book from last year, and Xerox it. You don't have to stick to it precisely, but it should buy you some time until you can get your head above water.

Next, cut back on your grading. I teach secondary math, so I'm not sure exactly how you can do that-- I stagger deadlines so not all of my classes have tests or quizzes on the same day. But the people at www.atozteacherstuff.com can help there-- enough of them teach 4th grade that they can be of help.

As to behavior: relying on their parents to make them care doesn't work as well as some would hope. You've got to find a way to make them care. As someone mentioned, science and social studies are great hooks. My daughter's 2nd grade teacher last year did fabulous units on both bears and whales. The kids learned a ton and loved reading and writing about those topics, so she was able to get a lot of mileage out of one topic.

Talk to your colleagues. Some of them will have been in your shoes and can offer concrete help.

But spend this weekend rethinking how you approach your job.

Best wishes to you.

I appreciate a lot of what you said.

But making this into a battle of US vs THEM doesn't solve the problem.

Sure, there are bad parents. And bad teachers. And bad administrators. And bad students. And bad advice. And bad "encouragment."

But as teachers, all we can do is deal with the hand we're dealt. No washing of our hands, saying "Johnny is beyond help. His parents didn't raise him right. It's THEIR FAULT."

As caring eductors and dedicated professionals, it's our job to try to reach and teach every one of the kids in our charge.

Sometimes we won't succeed. And sometimes it will take a while before the lessons we've striven to teach are realized by our kids.

Some will re-appear years later, with a sincere thank you for the lessons you taught them. Some won't. You'll read the newspaper some days and see the face of a student who showed great promise, but who made bad choices.

But that we can't control. What we can control is how hard we attempt to reach each and every one of our students, and do our best by each one.

Alice, so wise. I hope everyone takes your words to heart.

OP HERE

Well I work in the inner city so that is one reason my salary is high, also I have a Masters Degree. I am working everyday from 7:00 am until 5:30 pm. Then I come home and continue to work from 7:00pm until 12:30 am. I am so burnt out but I cannot seem to catch up or even get ahead. I am also working on weekends trying to catch up. I am just so exhausted. I only get planning time 3 days a week. Wednesday it is for 30 min. and Thursday and Friday it is for 1 hour. Mentor teachers are unavailable due to budget cuts. My colleagues have been very helpful but they have their own classrooms that they have to worry about. Also my students are unruly and could careless if I call their parents. Uggh. I come home crying eveyday. My husband makes me suck it up and go back the next day. I am so depressed I have not eaten in two days.

Honey, you HAVE to look after yourself. You need to sleep, and get out with hubby-if only for a walk around the block to get some fresh air. Teaching is like being a parent, or a "housewife" You could work 24/7 and there is always more to be done. And, I think with the computer age, it has only gotten worse. I sometimes refer to myself as an infomaniac...(say that one fast! ) You have to be disciplined to say to yourself: "Enough."

If you have not already done so, get a copy of The First Days of School by Harry Wong and read it NOW!
You need to cut back or you really are going to burn out your first year. There are ALWAYS more things that can be done, but you need to draw the line somewhere. Set a reasonable time that you will leave school every day, like 5:00. Then limit yourself to 1 hour of working at home. Some things will not get done, but it won't be the end of the world. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of a class of kids.

Agreed- all of it! That book is great! My first two years were in a Title 1 school. I teach in an upper middle class school now and it is a LOT easier, so I feel your pain. Are you grading everything? DON'T!!! I am not saying there is busy work, but not everything needs a grade. When I taught 3rd, about half the time, I just checked it for completion and stamped it or put a star or something.

The toughest thing management wise for me when I taught Title 1 was the kids got no recess (this was 2nd grade). There was very little to take away, because they got very little. We also had 2-3 real preps a week due to meetings. Those were often canceled when the specials teachers got pulled to sub in a classroom when they couldn't get subs. It was brutal. You have to choose a time to stop. If the recycling bin needs to grade something, so be it. Planning in the start is tough, but gets easier.

Do the kids have whiteboards? I learned a lot about student engagement at various workshops throughout the year and those are my best tool. The kids really like them, if they color on them during the lesson they have to use paper and if they are good listeners, they get 5 minutes to play on them at the end of the lesson. We use them almost daily for math and occasionally for the other subjects.

What about science? This was a great incentive. We had Foss Kits which were very hands on. There is a fair amount of prep, but the kids liked it so much that I could use it as a carrot.

Think of 100 different ways for them to show they are listening or agree with an answer. We do show me hang loose, a silent clap (clap but don't touch your hands), jazz hands, thumbs up, peace sign, Bullwinkle ears, the wave, binoculars, etc etc." You think they are too cool, but they love it! Those that don't participate, I just say "Bobby, I can't see if you agree" Usually that works. If they are engaged, they behave better. But, it is hard to make this an easy part of your teaching. It takes practice.

Great advice. Just a thought. I use "whiteboards" too, but I get plastic plates from the Dollar store (you have to get the right kind, though-smooth plastic) 4/$1. For less than $10, the kids have their own plate, that lasts at least half the year. I do buy the more expensive dry erase markers, though, because the ones at the Dollar store wouldn't rub off easily.

My dear, you MUST make time to take care of yourself or you are right...you will burn out. There is a reason that an adult traveling on an airplane with a child is told to put on the oxygen mask first. You can't care for anyone else if you are passed out.

Also, you MUST take care of your health. Your immune system is not yet used to all the germs you are being exposed to right now. I RARELY get sick, but my first year I was so sick I was almost hospitalized. You must eat, drink lots of water, and get lots of sleep.

Finally - this book, Two Parts Textbok, One Part Love, got me through the first few years. I reread it every couple of years now, just as a reminder...

We're here for you!

My daughter just finished her first year-in Egypt! She was sick every other week. Another daughter did Montessori (first year teaching, again) last year, and she, too, was ill over and over. It's a rite of passage to teaching. I've only had strep throat once in my life....yep, in the first year of teaching!

OP, you have a lot of experience here. Come and talk anytime. We've been there. We've done it. We have the t-shirts. And we love what we do and keep going back. We are here for you!

 

[Aliceacc]

Speaking of whiteboards, try these:http://www.etacuisenaire.com/catalog/product?prodId=15-338524-3&dept=GENERALOUTLET

I got a set for my own 3 kids.

 

[daughtersrus]

Speaking of whiteboards, try these:http://www.etacuisenaire.com/catalog/product?prodId=15-338524-3&dept=GENERALOUTLET

I got a set for my own 3 kids.

I just forwarded the link to this website for to my DD. She's starting her second year teaching but first year in her own classroom. Last year she was a resource teacher in another district. It looks like they've got some good deals but the whiteboards are sold out. I'm sure that she'll find something that she can use.

 

[spaceacewannabe]

yes, the first year is the hardest! I cried a lot those first few weeks. But it does get better each year. After 4 or so it gets quite a bit easier.

Heck, the second year is worlds easier!

OP, remember that all of the planning you are doing could potentially last you your entire career---so while it is horribly overwhelming right now, some of it will only ever have to be done once. That said, you do need to let something go. One of the best pieces of advice I got was that not every assignment requires the same level of grading. Some you can just leave comments on, some just get a check for completion, and some you really dig in on. If you thoroughly correct every piece of practice the students do, you will be overwhelmed. What if you made a list of the things you would do outside of student contact time, and prioritize---must do, nice to do, and let it go. Make sure the must do's get done...everything else is just an extra. Because you'll have so much of your planning done in your second year, you can start picking up some nice-to-do's then. Every year you'll have more time to add to your bag of tricks.

In terms of the classroom management, that is tough! I also wonder how long school has been in session. I taught in a school that, while not inner-city, had very, very high poverty and the issues that came along with it (I only am not there anymore because my district restructured and my grade moved to a different building). In that school, we had a lot of success using Responsive Classroom. One of the very helpful things we did was focus on routine, behavior, and bonding as a class in the first 6 weeks of school (there is actually a book by this title---The First 6 Weeks---about this). The philosophy was, "go slow to go fast." You start out practicing how the classroom runs so that you aren't dealing with it every day all year long and you ultimately get MORE time for academics. Model every behavior you want and practice, practice, practice!

This site is great: http://www.originsonline.org/rc_index.php
It has a lot of activities that help kids bond with each other (and YOU!). It's harder to misbehave when you have a social investment in the people you're with.

Good luck!

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

and if you decide to do a postcard project with your class and collect postcards from all over, let us know! The people on the dis boards are great about sending a postcard to your class.

 

[okeydokey]

That's amazing money. You work 7 hours a day, 180 days a year... That's almost $39 an hour! To be making that with no experience is phenomenal! Lucky you.

This is laughable. First year teachers working 7 hours a day, how funny.