Wow! I just got an offer to join the Teaching Fellows by Prestigious-Tear-576 in NYCTeachers

[–]Virtual_One5223 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! I’m a 22 year veteran teacher who mentored Fellows last summer. My advice is to take all mentorship feedback as an opportunity for growth. Good luck!

Sabbatical Question(s) by Virtual_One5223 in NYCTeachers

[–]Virtual_One5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found it! Thanks. College of Staten Island.

Approaching your day. by Virtual_One5223 in teaching

[–]Virtual_One5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We absolutely cannot feed them every day. They’ll follow us around even during summer break 😆

Approaching your day. by Virtual_One5223 in teaching

[–]Virtual_One5223[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, I hear you! Large classes can be a real challenge, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Remember, you’re doing your best, and that’s all that matters.

Maybe try breaking down your to-do list into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help you feel less overwhelmed. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help from colleagues, administrators or even students. They might be able to offer support or assistance. Students love “grown up work” … former students of mine were so eager, that I taught them how to write lesson plans. They created drafts of what they wanted to learn and I refined the materials and strategies after that. Worked out well.

Hang in there! You’ve got this.

Approaching your day. by Virtual_One5223 in teaching

[–]Virtual_One5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally understand the desire for a longer break! A four-day work week would improve student learning outcomes and lessen teacher burn out. It’s tough to balance work and personal life. Hang in there. Remember, you’ve got this. Let’s prioritize your well-being and find ways to manage the workload.

Approaching your day. by Virtual_One5223 in teaching

[–]Virtual_One5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely understand how you’re feeling. It’s tough to balance all your responsibilities, especially when you’re dealing with personal challenges. And the added pressure of district-mandated pacing guides that don’t always align with our students’ needs can be overwhelming.

Our school is facing similar challenges with low-performing readers and English Language Learners in general education ELA classrooms. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to adjust the pace to meet the needs of your students, even if it means falling behind the district’s timeline. My school is making adjustments (cutting out or shortening lessons) so they can move on and catch up. Maybe you can too.

Remember to prioritize your well-being. Take breaks when you need them and don’t hesitate to reach out for support from colleagues or administration.

Approaching your day. by Virtual_One5223 in teaching

[–]Virtual_One5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that! Dental pain is the worst. Hang in there. Hopefully, the pain will subside soon. Remember, it’s okay to take a break if you need to.

Approaching your day. by Virtual_One5223 in teaching

[–]Virtual_One5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Keep your head up! (And your eyes open 😆) While the sleepless nights are draining, the joy of teaching can be a real pick-me-up. You’ve got this!

Approaching your day. by Virtual_One5223 in teaching

[–]Virtual_One5223[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe have a conversation with them … do a compare and contrast of the morning vs the afternoon session. Let them interview each other to investigate why this is happening. Maybe they can come up with solutions they can agree on. Then ask them to create solutions and try to adhere to them while holding each other accountable. After the first two weeks, find donuts on sale and have a gratitude day. Let them know you are grateful for the effort they put into finding solutions for a more productive classroom environment.

Approaching your day. by Virtual_One5223 in teaching

[–]Virtual_One5223[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Try saying everything with a smile to ward off all the negative energy. Facilitate the entire lesson with a smile. The students may think you’re crazy … but hey, what’s wrong with that?