Really Bad Day

[Where'sPiglet?]

Many districts and states require and provide a mentor to first year teachers. Do you have one? If not, is there someone you trust that can come observe your classroom with a critical eye to provide you with feedback? Sometimes an outside person can notice little things that you may not that could make a big difference.

I hope tomorrow is better for you. If you don't have one already, get a little notebook and write down at least one positive thing from class every day.

Also, as for the specials thing with the other teachers sending the kids back to you...you may just have to put your foot down and tell the other teachers to deal with it while it's their turn to do so. If it's a scheduling issue, you need to discuss it with your administrator. I suspect your contract provides you with some sort of protections in terms of student-free preparation and lunch periods. You NEED a break to recharge your batteries and to prepare for the next portion of the day.

And this may sound weird, but remember this:
You are a teacher, but a teacher is not YOU. The behavior of the children assigned to you for 6 hours/day for 10 months has no bearing on who YOU are. Try not let the behavior of a child you didn't raise get to you too much.

 

[MariDisney]

Here's the thing to remember with a bite on yourself. It's better to push in than to pull out. You will have much less damage to your own flesh. Trust me. I've been bitten so many times I couldn't even count them if I wanted to. Twice I landed in ther ER because I was bitten literally down to the bones of my arms. Not fun, but definitely part of the territory when dealing with certain kids. I hate to say you get used to it, but you do. Hang in there!! Also, remember to try to not react (I'm REALLY good at that now and can tolerate a whole lot). It's a hard thing to learn, but it comes in handy. Then you are able to begin teaching them that the way to get attention from you is through positive behaviors. It takes a long time and requires an intense amount of dedication, but you can get there!

I hope you're getting some behavioral support (aside from your TA who is obviously a loser). I'd be talking to my principal ASAP as well as the director of special ed. You don't have to put up with the nonsense forever.

Hang in! Praying that tomorrow is better for you. If you want to chat with someone who's been there for a long time (almost 20 years!!) feel free to drop me a PM.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

My para pulled a no call no show today. (Another teacher texted him and he claimed that he called in, but he did not follow procedure and no message was received.) That threw the whole class out of whack, and basically killed my lesson plans because it took so long to get a sub. Sigh. Tomorrow will be good... Tomorrow will be good...

 

[Minnie]

If I could just get my para to stop texting long enough to do his job I feel like things would be better. AT one point he was standing out in the hall with his phone talking to another teacher and watching the room. I admit, it made me feel really self conscious. Like they were saying, "Look at her, she can't even control her own room." But I feel like I could if I had actual adult support.

Is using a cell phone during class hours even allowed in your building? At my DS's school cell phones for kids and students are not allowed during classroom hours. You really need to speak to your school administrator about this problem Dangerous for both the kids and you