Student teacher - left the classroom today in tears

[SDFgirl]

Okay guys. I'm getting emotional all over again thinking about how badly my first day of solo teaching went!

These kids (5th graders) have been pretty darn good up until now! Today was my first solo day with them. In addition, the principal of the school came to observe me.

It was complete and total flop! The kids were out of control. I think they were testing me. I was as firm as I could possibly be, but I don't think "student teacher" is seen the same as "teacher."

By the end of the day, I was so frazzled and discouraged, I was crying. And I don't usually cry in a professional setting. I felt so out of control, and terrifed that I'll fail at this whole teaching thing.

Please forgive my insecurity, I guess I'm feeling a little fragile and scared right now.

What was your student teaching like? Your first year? Did anyone else cry and feel scared they'd be a horrible teacher?

 

[drayke]

Well, bet you're glad today is over! Tomorrow is a new day. Talk with a veteran teacher you respect about what happened and seek out mentoring. Ask the principle what observations and recommendations she may have. Just ask for three things you can improve and three things that were effective from what the principle observed. I'd send an email or leave a written message so they have time to pull their thoughts into a conceise answer. Go to school tomorrow and remember why you went into teaching and that you have something those kids need. Before you walk into the classroom, pause a moment, take three deep breaths real fast and then one big long one, go inside and see yourself as in charge and a bigger personality than any of those kids. (You don't have to feel that way, just think that way.) Don't give up.

May the power of Stitch be with you!

 

[Duckfan]

yep, just so you know, it is common to have trouble as you learn teaching. It is very important to not cry in front of the kids but I cried at the end of the day many times my first year of teaching. I agree, ask for suggestions about discipline which is the hardest hardest hardest part of teaching. Keeping control is a skill to be learned seldom a natural talent. Try to see tomorrow as another day and begin again, only you will have to try to be just a little firmer to get back your ground......try to emphasize postive points.

Good luck

 

[DisneyDotty]

I imagine just about every teacher feels your pain right now. We all went through the kind of day you just described--and not just during student teaching. I taught high school for over ten years (fairly successfully, I think), but am having the bejeezus knocked out of me by my third grade religious ed class! And what's worse is I'm doing this for fun (Ha!) Those little buggers are completely undermining any attempt at classroom control I make...
So yes, we all have those moments. You will get through it.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

im going to be in that position next year!! im sure it will get better!

 

[SDFgirl]

yep, just so you know, it is common to have trouble as you learn teaching. It is very important to not cry in front of the kids but I cried at the end of the day many times my first year of teaching. I agree, ask for suggestions about discipline which is the hardest hardest hardest part of teaching. Keeping control is a skill to be learned seldom a natural talent. Try to see tomorrow as another day and begin again, only you will have to try to be just a little firmer to get back your ground......try to emphasize postive points.

Good luck

Thanks. I didn't cry in front of the students (thank goodness) but as soon as the last one left for dismissal, I lost it.

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one. What an emotional job.

 

[Karel]

I'm surprised the teacher wasn't in there to help with the behavior and discipline aspect. That's kind of like throwing the lamb to the lions. Controlling the class is one of the hardest things to learn, something that only gets better with experience.

You will have good days and bad days. But at least the first day is over, right?

Hang in there.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

My student teacher just completed her assignment with me last week. I have to tell you, my kids tested her daily. They are completely different with the "real" teacher. Sad to say.

So, what is your coop. teacher doing to help?

And shame on your principal for coming in on your first day.

 

[disykat]

I've cried after the first day I went back in as a sub and I had years of experience! Every once in a while they just get to you. Disappointment in myself is one of the things that makes me cry the easiest. You think of yourself as a person who has everything under control and then it doesn't go like you wanted - it can really make you feel like a failure.

The thing about working with kids, well probably any job really, is that there are going to be those days. Try to sit down and think it through a bit. Talk to your cooperating teacher. I agree with drayke to talk to the principal as well. Let them know you realize the kids were testing you and ask for tips to deal with it. Honestly, the kids will probably test until they know you are working as a team to deal with this. When I sub, I always connect myself to the teacher "Mrs. ... and I want..." to let them know I'm not in this alone and their behavior will be shared with others. They are looking for your weaknesses, so try to go in with a plan.

After a day like that, I'd go in the next day and let them know I wasn't happy with their behavior and then lay out my expectations all over again.

 

[lyeag]

I remember the jitters... tomorrow is a new day.

To help you focus- What was the objective? How did you lead into the lesson? Did you move around the room or stay in the front? How did you deal with the first behavior problem?
Maybe write down the answers to those questions and reflect on what you might do differently.


Hang in there. My first day of being a teacher, I walked in and looked at all those faces (7th grade) and thought, man their parents are trusting them to me to teach them. I also threw up just before my first Open House! I am guessing you just got really nervous with the principal being there.

I will say one thing for about 5th grade up. They can smell fear a mile away. You need to be friendly, but keep a commanding presence. You can do it. Keep us posted.

 

[olena]

I have been there.....

 

[Kitty 34]

I had a horrible day today, too and I've been at it for 23 years!!! This is my 8th week in a long term English class and was probably one of my worse days so far in there. The 7th graders were rowdy and moody! Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for you.........and me!!!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

Dear Every Past Substitute and Student Teacher I Ever Had:

I'm sorry. Especially if you were the one that we put the baggie of dog poop in the back seat of your car.

Sincerely
TF

 

[Microcell]

I understand your pain on a Girl Scout leader level. They can be so good, I see it when I volunteer in DD's class, then one hour every other week I get hellions!

I never cry, I get mad! I only have 13 to deal with. I leave every time thanking God they are not my kids, and that is after one hour!

Teachers are underpaid and overworked, and maybe knowing there is a parent out there that appreciates what you do, would help. Spending 8 hours with children that are not my own is a nightmare to me, and thank goodness you are out there giving it your best.

My FIL is a beloved teacher, and subs in adifferent district now that he is retired, and they started out by giving him a hard time, and he insists it gets better when he takes the time to relate to each kid and let them know what they have to contribute means something. He asks about how they like school, how they are doing at home, in sports etc... He is now very much respected by these kids.

 

[gigglesnort]

aww, your post made me feel sad for you. it'll get better, i promise.

 

[KarenB]

Oh yes-I feel your pain!! I am only in my third year of teaching and I sure remember the first time I was observed by my supervisor. It was just horrible and yes, she had me in tears! I had to go find a shoulder to cry on just a few weeks ago in my current job. I would have to agree to think about tomorrow as being a new day. Get a good night sleep, eat healthy, and go for a long walk while listening to some of your favorite music.

I think all teachers feel the way you do sometimes-if we didn't care about having a bad day, then we shouldn't be teaching.

Karen

 

[DisneyMama629]

I cried during student teaching. I'm in my 2nd year of real teaching now. It gets better. Procedures, procedures, procedures is what you need to keep them in control. Have you read Harry Wong?

 

[Jungle Skipper]

hugs and pixie dust for you my dear! I feel the same worries you do, I'm scared myself. I'm sure everything will be okay, as has been said, tomorrow is a new day! Best wishes!

Cheers,
Jungle Josh

 

[DawnCt1]

It doesn't just happen to teachers. When DH was a resident he went looking for his interns that were just starting. He found both of the women that were on his service, sitting in the back of the ER crying and feeling so overwhelmed that they wanted to get up and leave. One of those interns became THE BEST oncologist I have ever met. Warm, compassionate, incredibly competent...I can't say enough about her. She took wonderful care of my mom 9 years ago when there was not much left to be done. Wearing your heart on your sleeve isn't so bad. At least you have one.

 

[Laz]

As a teacher with 10+ years in high school, I can tell you that won't be the last time. Their immaturity is comming out and they are trying to get a reaction out of you. If you get a good day out of them, surprise them with candy or a learning game. Positive reinforcement could be the key. If you reward even one person, the others may catch on. Hang in there.