Seriously Stressed

[Groo the Wanderer]

[quote name='Hasan' timestamp='1310386806' post='2265699']
Wow. Really*?
[/quote]


yeah. this IS a thread about the travails of a mightily excellent teacher and her travails, after all...

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

My first job out of grad school was as a children's librarian in South Central LA--Think gangs, and the fact I was the only white person for miles. At the same time, my roommate was teaching in Watts--similar situation.

It was hard for both of us, but we LOVED the kids. And, that's what the kids needed most--love.

It was discouraging because the kids were reading several grades below grade level, but it felt SO good when the kids made visible progress. Not immediately--but you'll see it over 2 years.

At first the parents weren't sure about me, but once they say that their kids liked me, and I was doing everything I could to help their kids, the parents liked me, too.

I didn't lecture parents or make the parents feel bad--in most cases, they were good parents, but if you're holdiing down two jobs just to keep a roof over the family's head, it makes no sense to lecture them for not spending even more time with the kids. I did my best to stay realistic.

I read an anecdote about a teacher (she was a Sister, but that isn't relevant to the story). At the end of the day, she divided the door into three sections--maybe with chalk on the floor. The kids could pick which way they exited the door. One section got a handshake, one section got a high five, and the third section got a hug--Guess which one the kids picked, at least after awhile.

The kids are going to need lots of touching, kind words, compliments, praise--that doesn't need training. They need someone who really CARES how they do. You already know how to love.

Some days will be frustrating, but you'll make a difference in the world.

[Seven77]

a lot of good advice here. prayers for you... pray to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, patroness of teachers.
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[Winchester]

You could devise a small, concealable shock device using a battery and some wire. Once used, the component parts would be easily disposed of, and you certainly have plausible deniability. "What, I have power over electricity? How absurd1" (Give a meaningful stare at the children as you say this).

Also, there are a few high frequency sounds that cause children discomfort. They use them in malls to get rid of teenagers. With those, you can probably coast through the rest of whatever this is you're doing this with reduced contact. After you're done, go into the nightwatchman business or maybe professional assassination. It's the highest form of public service.

[4588686]

[IMG]http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k343/Metaphusika/ronald_mcdonald_violently_hitting_b.jpg[/IMG]

[littleflower+JMJ]

Im not going lie, but you will probably want to quit during september and then again in December. I never felt that but at my school we have a high turnover rate and i have seen it with my collegues. Not to be too blunt but...Prepare to work 16 hours a day, have no life and be so exhausted that all you do is sleep when you go home. The thing you have to realize is it DOES get better. (especially after may and with lots and lots of prayer). I'll keep it basic but PM me if you want more pointers.

Teaching is not kinda of a ministry -it is! And for those who put a lot into it is most certainly a vocation. I'm interested in the level you will be teaching and what subject.

My pointers would be :

Start praying for your students now! There are some broken souls out there that you will need to mend.

Do NOT be afraid to ask questions. You ask, and you ask, and you ask some more. Nobody knew everything their first year. Really nothing can truly prepare you for the real world where nothing is cookie cutter and everyday is something new, but you learn fast!

Last, you will be asking your self one question over and over again..."why am I doing this?" if you can answer that it's because you love it you will do fine. The kids will know if you do or if you don't. They can see it!

[littleflower+JMJ]

[quote name='Hasan' timestamp='1310526103' post='2266668']
[IMG]http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k343/Metaphusika/ronald_mcdonald_violently_hitting_b.jpg[/IMG]
[/quote]

That my friend is hilarious! Is that why they wanted to get rid of Ronald?! I always liked the hamburger burglar better anyways! Lol

[Vincent Vega]

I come from teacher stock. Both my parents are or have been teachers. From this, I have gleaned a keep appreciation for education and educators. Teaching is a noble profession. It is not glamorous nor is it for those who wish to accrue monetary wealth - but really, what is the value of monetary wealth anyway? - but good teachers are fundamental to the maintenance of any decent society, and crucial to improving an inadequate society. Teachers can have untold influence in the lives of their pupils, particularly when one's pupils are young.
From our brief and impersonal interactions on this electronic medium, you have always struck me as an unbelievably level headed and down-to-earth individual. I have full confidence that you will use this skill along with your fantastic personality, which I have also observed through your words here, to touch and influence many young lives, which will be better for having had the privilege to interact and learn from you.

Edited July 13, 2011 by USAirwaysIHS

[Luigi]

And hey! If you can survive the kinds of medical procedures you've hinted at in previous posts, you can survive anything that happens in a classroom!

[Mary Magdalene]

Being a primary school teacher myself I can totally relate to the stress that you are currently feeling. I know I had a lot of moments where I just cried every time I got home from school or felt like crying right then and there at school. Teaching is a lot of work and some times the kids you are teaching don't always appreciate you as a teacher. But once you get to know your students (really get to know them and take an interest in who they are) everything should be fine. Let them know that you are there for them and offer them extra support if they need it.

The lack of sleep and stress that you are feeling now will pass. Once you get yourself in a routine and your settled you will feel a lot more relaxed. I used to stress out at the thought of walking into a new school, staffroom and classroom. I was always really nervous about whether or not the kids would like me or respond well to my teaching style. But you have to think postively about things and go in applying yourself 110% to the job.

I'll be praying for you as I know all too well the stressful nature of teaching and preparation. Good Luck with it, I'm sure it will all work out for you.

[MissScripture]

If you would like to ask for prayers from the Nashville Dominicans, I'm sure they'd love to pray for a fellow teacher. http://nashvilledominican.org/Prayer/Prayer_Intentions

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

[quote name='MissScripture' timestamp='1310569106' post='2266898']
If you would like to ask for prayers from the Nashville Dominicans, I'm sure they'd love to pray for a fellow teacher. [url="http://nashvilledominican.org/Prayer/Prayer_Intentions"]http://nashvilledomi...ayer_Intentions[/url]
[/quote]


Good suggestion. Also, Lillabettt, ask for prayers from your friends at the Sisters of Christian Charity--they're teachers, too. I assume you have their Web site address, but if you don't, I have it. They would LOVE to pray for you!!!

[she_who_is_not]

Will you have an assistant? Having an assistant can be a big help if you feel overwhelmed or intimidated by classroom management. When I worked at an elementary school, K-3 teachers were given assistants. It was an inner city, majority ELL population school with large rosters in the lower grades. Those assistants were a blessing! Be assured of my prayers. I've been teaching/tutoring for 5 years now and I still get butterflies before starting a new class or student.

[Lilllabettt]

Dear phamily,

Thank you for your support. It means so much to me.

I will be teaching either 1st or 2nd grade ... no assistant. I"m not sure how many of my students will be English Language Learners ... It is Tulsa Public Schools - which are heavily Hispanic ... but the diversity breakdown of my school shows 20% for five different groups (white, black, Hispanic, Asian, American Indian) So who knows? That is a real concern of mine. Especially since I speak NO Spanish. My managing teacher signed off on my student teacher record today ... she said she is "not afraid to send me into the future" ... kept expecting Michael J. Fox to appear with a souped up Delorean .. but no. My management is good. They are all in line. But my lessons are boring, soul-sucking things. I get to go home for a week and then when I come back the crud really hits the fan, and I'm responsible for my own classroom .... oh, doom. But it WILL BE FINE!!!

I realized yesterday that I am homesick. It's weird ... I've lived away from home before, and it wasn't a big deal. So this emotion was new to me and I didn't know what it was ... but just realizing what it was was such a relief, and I feel SO much better.

P.S. Iggy you are a wise woman and 100% right - one of the 1st things I did was make Sr. Bernadette SCC pray for me. Powerful prayers+ teacher advice = vunderful. Which is why I love/need my phatmass phamily too

[BG45]

Oh Tulsa! Love Tulsa, so nice and gridded and easy to navigate. My mom's college roommate lives there. Glad you're sure it will be fine now though!! You've still got prayers coming though!