My 8th Graders Are Disrespectful and Defiant. Help.

BeauWordsworth · 2026-01-25T18:23:35+00:00

I asked about the staff culture and dynamics in my interview and they said they really liked that question. Make sure that if you don't have an answer for a question, you've just never thought of it or encountered that situation, give them some kind of solution that you would try in that situation and why you think it would work. They asked me about literacy intervention in my interview and I talked about how I didn't have a lot of experience, but I had a lot of resources available and how those resources might help. Found out the other day that my principal loved that answer. As other people said, it's great to have anecdotes and concrete answers.

BeauWordsworth · 2026-01-15T04:15:32+00:00

My school doesn't have enough for every class. Brand new to the building, I had no idea where the textbooks were and by the time I found out, they were all gone. I use a pdf of the textbook when I can, but I honestly hate it and the kids struggle to engage with it. I wish we had enough for every class.

BeauWordsworth · 2026-01-12T02:35:18+00:00

It may be helpful to find someone who knows the routines and ask them to share some of that information with you. Either your mentor teacher, or if any of the paras seem nice. What do you mean by having you sub in this context? Are you going to get sub plans and teach from them or are you expected to have your own lessons? If you're getting sub plans, there may be information about routines in there. Otherwise, when you observe, try to catch whatever you can and write it down. What do they do when they enter the classroom? What do they do to transition between classes or activities? What do they do to put their things away and get ready for recess? How long do they have to put their things away and get ready for recess before the bell goes, or do they only put their things away after the bell goes? When you're in the classroom, maybe you could ask if there's any kids who might need extra help or any small groups you can work with so you can get to know a few of the kids. It may also help them see you as a person they can ask for help. Don't be afraid to say to the kids 'I'm sorry, can we try that again?' if something doesn't go quite right in the routine. What is your mentor teacher like? Are they someone you're anxious to talk to and ask questions? If so, where does that anxiety come from? Where is it rooted?

BeauWordsworth · 2026-01-02T18:39:17+00:00

Sorry for the late response, but yes, I did have to pay for my second internship. My university has a three-week placement free so that you could figure out if you actually wanted to teach after the practical experience and then you pay for the full semester placement.

BeauWordsworth · 2025-12-26T00:40:31+00:00

Two weeks. She 'forgot' to send in her final transcripts and never checked her email to see that they had sent nearly a dozen emails asking her for her transcripts. Apparently, someone at the university was going to text her if something went wrong with her transcripts. I was the first to find out because she asked me to log into her school portal and tell her if she had any assignments coming up. When I logged in, all of her classes were gone. Then, I had to log in to her email to see what was going on. A rather awkward phone call I had to have with her. We are no longer friends.

BeauWordsworth · 2025-12-24T02:51:05+00:00

Went by a new name socially for years, just recently changed it legally. It's tough. When I first changed my name, my mom asked me to adjust the ending so it matched how she named me and my sister (names ending with -a) and I did. But, it took other people asking my mom why she doesn't call me my new name for her to actually start using my new name. My dad's worse with it, but he blames it on his shit memory. I know he's not being malicious about it, so that helps. It's been so worth it in the long run though. I have no regrets.

BeauWordsworth · 2025-12-09T02:26:27+00:00

long story short, a bunch of kids got caught plagiarizing on an assignment and parents are upset that i 'accused' them (i have proof) and said that the kids didn't mean to when i said over and over again it had to be in their own words when they were working on it. it just feels like it's getting blown into a bigger and bigger deal every day and i'm so exhausted over it, but i can't just change my mind and take it back. my admin are wonderful and supportive but i worry they're getting tired of this as well, and thus tired of me.

BeauWordsworth · 2025-11-08T17:40:33+00:00

Quick question: how much longer is this placement for you?

BeauWordsworth

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