I think after this week, I just really need to talk and vent. I thought that I could hold out at my job for the rest of the year, but this week has confirmed that I really do not think I can. Administration issues have escalated and we currently have an overload of students in the cafeteria with one person essentially watching half the school (usually me). Communication itself is extremely lacking and the blame-game is a common occurrence. I know this really is not anything new is school environment, but add in the struggle of the students and everything seems to just piling on top of each other. Today, I also had a kid go off on me, telling me to shut up and calling me the N word. I know as teachers we should expect this type of behavior but it really is getting to be too much for me at this point. I have had 4 separate people tell me that I shouldn’t be there and that I should go teach gen ed where I would be more appreciated and really get to teach the kind of art that I want to. It’s just been an incredibly difficult year so far and December is not even over yet. Already tonight, I have applied for two other teaching positions. And while I go through all of this, I also am struggling with thinking that I am simply abandoning my current school. I really am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and all that I have learned, but at a certain point I also need to take care of me and what is best for me (and that makes me feel incredibly selfish). I apologize for this rant to rantsville but I just needed to let all of this out.
I feel for ya Linds. I’m sorry you’re feeling this way, but I assure you you’re not the only one feeling that! I question it every other day too. I do want to comment on one thing you said, “I know as teachers we should expect this type of behavior”….I don’t think that’s true. You and I might expect that because we work in an inner city district, but not all teachers have to expect that behavior. I say that if you’re really that unhappy, then get out while you can. I mean now that you have a couple of year of experience, it might be easier to find a job in a better area. You’ve got to just do what’s right for you!!
Hey Lindsay, I second what Lindsay B. says. The negative behaviors of students should never be considered acceptable. A career is a large part of your life. It should fit your needs just as much as you fit the needs of the school.
I can commiserate because I am still in the same mental state as you, and it is not easy. I am applying for different positions, and I am constantly thinking this is only December. The other day, I spent an entire art class making phone calls home. I didn’t get to teach any thing related to art, but had to deal with nonsense. It gets absolutely tiring.
I’m so sorry it’s been so rough! Unfortunately, its an all too common story…
I remember at one of my first teaching jobs, 2nd graders were literally jumping off the desks…
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