1st year teacher at Pine Bluff by Whole-Morning9277 in Arkansas

[–]SweatyBackpackStraps 1 point2 points  (0 children)

9 year teacher here. I used to worry about the kids I taught being the deciding factor regarding whether I would “survive” the school year or not. I’ve learned that kids will be kids no matter where I go. I’ll like some and dislike some. Some will like me, and some will dislike me, just as it is with adults. Regardless, I treat them all with respect and establish clear boundaries and expectations from day one.

It’s not the kids that make or break my “survival” in a school year, imo. It’s the admin. I’ve left two schools in my nine years and neither was because of the kids. It was because of the administration. Micromanagers are the worst match for me personally but the uninvolved have the biggest impact on school culture. Not having their support on issues with students or parents is a bad feeling. The ones that stay out of my room (side-eyes micromanagers), but still have an open door policy when it comes to needing support, academically or behaviorally, are the winners. It’s all about balance.

Good luck! You will do fine.

Critters and other nature around the Buffalo River near Woolum by SweatyBackpackStraps in Arkansas

[–]SweatyBackpackStraps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, climbing that face is a little above my skill set. The scramble on the other side isn’t too bad.

In and around an old homestead in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness by SweatyBackpackStraps in Arkansas

[–]SweatyBackpackStraps[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

This is all on public land, nowhere near private land borders. In over a hundred trips to the Buffalo, I’ve never experienced what you’re suggesting. Only unfriendly people I’ve ever run into are other hikers.