It Never Ends

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Just when I think things in my classroom are finally settling down, something else happens. Today was our first day back after an unexpectedly long break. I thought things were going well until one of my paras quit in the middle of the day after being attacked* by one of my students. I had really liked her and thought she was doing well. I'm not mad at her, I know my room is tough and often times overwhelming. But it does mean I am back to square one yet again.

I received a letter over the weekend from a school district that I sent out a resume to last year. I think I am going to go ahead and interview with them. I don't think I will leave my classroom at this point, but I am curious to see how that would go, what they would offer. At this point I think I want that ace in the hole, particularly with the talk of more cutbacks next year. I'm just so frustrated at this point. It's kind of nice to fantasize about having a "normal" classroom where your biggest concern is talking out or kids not doing their homework. Okay, vent over.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Just when I think things in my classroom are finally settling down, something else happens. Today was our first day back after an unexpectedly long break. I thought things were going well until one of my paras quit in the middle of the day after being attacked* by one of my students. I had really liked her and thought she was doing well. I'm not mad at her, I know my room is tough and often times overwhelming. But it does mean I am back to square one yet again.

I received a letter over the weekend from a school district that I sent out a resume to last year. I think I am going to go ahead and interview with them. I don't think I will leave my classroom at this point, but I am curious to see how that would go, what they would offer. At this point I think I want that ace in the hole, particularly with the talk of more cutbacks next year. I'm just so frustrated at this point. It's kind of nice to fantasize about having a "normal" classroom where your biggest concern is talking out or kids not doing their homework. Okay, vent over.

I'm sorry you're having such a rough year, and that you are having such problems retaining the good paras while still being stuck with Mr. PITA.

A few things to consider:
- Seniority may be worth something when making cuts. You will have one more year of seniority in your current district vs. a new district.
- It sounds like your administration at your current school is mostly supportive. This is worth gold.
- Are "normal" classrooms in your building worried only about kids talking out of turn and not doing their homework? I ask because in every school I've worked in (and it's been many), that is not the case. Even "normal" classrooms can have children with undiagnosed and/or unaddressed special needs. Those children are in a classroom with 20-30 other children, and it's not easy to meet those needs. To get the child the help they need can take a full school year, particularly if the parents are in denial and/or do not agree with your thought that they need help. On top of that, many "normal" classrooms do not have assistance in the classroom. Often, "normal" classroom positions tend to get cut before special ed positions when the budget gets tight.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

There was some bit of hyperbole in that last statement. My school is in a rough area. In terms of clientele, it is essentially an inner city school in the middle of suburbia. We have over 90% free and reduced population. Other teachers have had students that are chronic behavior problems, but those students have gotten moved fairly quickly. Particularly when violence was involved. I know there is more it than that, but I also know that in a "normal" classroom the severity of behaviors is going to be a lot less than the population I am dealing with.

I really do love my kids. They are great kids. They are very loving. But they are also incredibly challenging and there are certainly days when you wonder how you are going to make it to the end of the day, much less the end of the school year.

 

[minkydog]

I get it. I was a school nurse in an inner-city-suburban school.90% on Free lunch, 50% spoke Spanish as a first language (and only about 20% of their parents spoke English.) Oh, man the things I saw! guns, knives, gangs, fights. The constant cursing and threatening, no respect for property or authority. A significant minority of our kids had probation officers.About 15% had seen someone killed. We had a 14yo who had a rape conviction. And this was MIDDLE SCHOOL.

I lasted 2 years. Then I burnt out and remained unemployed for 12 months. It has taken me that long to recover. I am in the interview process with another school. A nice small elementary school in a pretty little neighborhood. And no police precinct in the front office~!

 

[englishteacha]

I hope tomorrow's better. Have you discovered the trick of keeping Hershey Kisses in your desk? Very therapeutic.

I've had some tough groups, but you're having a heck of a year. I can see why you would consider leaving. I say, go interview.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

I hope tomorrow's better. Have you discovered the trick of keeping Hershey Kisses in your desk? Very therapeutic.

That is a good trick.


I used it myself...until the mice ate them.

 

[KirstenB]

I'm rooting for you. Our younger dd has ASD and goes to special ed preschool. The holidays are hard on her, and this week, she's finally gotten back to normal. Para's are so hard to keep, and a good one is worth his/her weight in gold. I hope things get better for y'all.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Chocolate cures everything. Doesn't it? My process coordinator gave me a ltitle bag of Ghiradelli squares that I kept in my desk. I used to put one on my para's desks after a particularly challenging day. I need to replenish my stash.

I think the big thing was that it took me completely by surprise. I really thought we were having a great day. We had one or two minor issues, but recovered quickly. I didn't know she had been hurt until I talked to her on the phone after school. We had one major meltdown, I got the kid out of the room, and when I came back she said she needed a break. I thought she was going to the bathroom. She was gone for awhile and then came back and said the principal was getting her a sub. She just felt totally overwhlemed by the kids, and I completely understand. I knew she had been frustrated before break because she is a former gen ed teacher so she hasn't had to deal with these behaviors, but everything seemed fine before break.

I wonder if having all of break to think about it made it worse. I just still can't believe it happened because there was literally no warning. That was the hardest part of the whole situation.

I am calling the other district tomorrow just to see. I remember people posting on here about districts that laid off their entire population of first and second year teachers last year. I know our state is going to cut back more, and while I'm pretty sure that my job is safe given the nature of it, I'll feel better knowing I already have my foot in the door if push comes to shove.

 

[stm61]

I totally know where you're coming from! Title 1 district, about 95% minority, at least that for free lunch, discipline swept under the rug unless the principal feels like dealing with it. I only have 1 problem kid this year, down from 6 last year. At least until today, when I went to a meeting and found out I have 2 new students as of Tuesday. One is a behavior issue and does not get along with the one I already have so this will be interesting. The good thing is I have 2 excellent assistants who have always been in special services and are not afraid of the kids. Now trying to find a sub who will enter the room, or do more then sit and watch, is another story lol.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I'm very lucky in that I have a good administration. My principal has really gone to bat for me. I started the year with one para. I was constantly losing my plan time because I was being called to take kids out of specials. The principal put together a rotating schedule of adults to provide support for the specials teachers so that I would not be called out of my plan time. Discipline is dealt with immediately. Really, the para issue (well that, and student behaviors) have been the most challenging aspect.