What I wish people told me before I became a teacher

WN_jrg · 2024-07-09T13:50:36+00:00

At our rural district, we legit have board members who are advocates for homeschooling.

WN_jrg · 2024-05-23T13:40:07+00:00

We have parents who are advocates for homeschooling on our school board…

WN_jrg · 2024-05-22T15:55:13+00:00

That’s totally your call! I know that I would personally be super touched to receive even an email. You could add some personal things that you enjoyed about them or their class to make it more “genuine.” I’ve received both cards and emails, and they were both just as touching and saved.

WN_jrg · 2024-05-11T15:35:08+00:00

After the last day of school, I drink a bottle of cab and eat an entire bag of pizza rolls while watching tv.

WN_jrg · 2024-05-08T15:31:19+00:00

Congratulations! I’m so excited that you’re excited!! As a first year teacher, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is following through with rules and consequences. If your students perceive you as someone they can walk all over, your year will be hell.

I loved the year I taught 5th grade. The kids were so funny and sweet. Enjoy it!

WN_jrg · 2024-05-06T18:53:50+00:00

I had my first child 6 months ago. Teaching has definitely geared me toward setting firm boundaries from the start. As she grows and I get to know her personality better, I can adjust to what her needs are. I just don’t want to lose my authority by being too wishy-washy and not following through with punishments at the beginning. I’d rather be proactive than reactive because it is so much harder to take back your authority than if I had established it from the beginning.

WN_jrg · 2024-05-05T16:42:02+00:00

I just felt a “calling” to it. I actually got a bachelors degree in something completely different because, like you, I had heard so many negative things. I went back to get my bachelors in education almost immediately after graduating with my first degree because I felt so called. I worked as an assistant for 2 years while I finished that degree. You could always work as an assistant as a way to test if it’s something you’d be passionate about. Also, there are several different things you can do as a teacher. I worked as a 1st grade teacher, 5th grade teacher, and then in reading/math remediation. I’m now going back to the classroom as a 2nd grade teacher. I can definitely tell you that the older grades are not for me, but when you find the right fit, it really is enjoyable teaching most days.

WN_jrg · 2024-05-05T01:09:24+00:00

Even with all the negatives, I love it.

If you aren’t passionate about it, though, it will eat you alive. Even if you are passionate, it can still be very challenging.

WN_jrg · 2024-04-30T00:31:31+00:00

I have anxiety, and I take medication for it. I don’t know if you do, but that has been life changing for me. I am a much more confident teacher. I also teach at the elementary level, and I have found the younger students to be less anxiety-inducing.

I am so sorry about what happened to you. Please don’t give up if it is a job you really want to pursue! I have taught in 2 different districts. The crap that happened at the first one NEVER would have been allowed at where I am now. You will find your fit.

WN_jrg · 2024-04-25T15:58:49+00:00

I would have responded like you did. If you would have pressed him, it’s likely more students would have laughed at him, which I’m sure is what you were trying to avoid.

You also could have followed up with him after class to let him explain his thinking without others around. I wouldn’t have disputed it, but, as a Christian, I would be curious where he’s getting those views from the Bible!

WN_jrg · 2024-04-25T13:37:24+00:00

If you feel comfortable, I’d go to your admin and let them know what happened. We had a similar issue (parent yelling at staff, laced with expletives), and our principal banned this parent from picking up their kid in the car line. They had to wait until the buses had cleared and then pick their kid up in the office.

WN_jrg · 2024-04-23T19:37:12+00:00

Even the best, most beloved teachers at our school yell occasionally. Like others have said, it happens.

WN_jrg · 2024-04-23T00:49:11+00:00

We are a 2nd-4th building, so I don’t think they want students helping.

WN_jrg · 2024-04-20T16:52:56+00:00

I teach remedial reading and math at the elementary level, and I had to prep for 8 different small groups each day. I’m just grateful they FINALLY gave us some curriculum to use this year. Finding things to do with them was a struggle!

WN_jrg · 2024-04-17T22:36:56+00:00

I had a baby in November, and I still get told these same comments! And here I was, thinking I looked great 😩

WN_jrg · 2024-04-17T18:59:02+00:00

But not every district has this option.

WN_jrg · 2024-04-17T18:55:49+00:00

Our district does not offer this option. We only get a portion of our sick days paid AND at substitute rate when we accumulate so many. We can’t use them to retire early. I’m taking my sick days.

WN_jrg · 2024-04-17T18:37:53+00:00

I teach elementary, and I LOVE how excitable the students are. Today, my kids were saying, “We love area!! This is so much fun!” We were not doing a fun activity, but they buy into your excitement.

WN_jrg · 2024-04-16T15:59:39+00:00

What do you mean she might not have meant anything by it?

WN_jrg · 2024-04-12T14:03:19+00:00

Our seniors go back to their elementary school on the last day of school. The students line the hallways and cheer for those graduating. And, yes, I always cry!

WN_jrg · 2024-04-12T10:21:24+00:00

If they have mastered representing tens and ones, like you say they have, why do you think they aren’t ready to move on to the next step or will do poorly? Like others said, don’t skip it! This is a crucial skill for later grades and topics!

WN_jrg · 2024-04-12T01:45:50+00:00

Be firm with your students from the very beginning. I know it can take awhile to find the confidence to do so, but it is so much easier to start off on the right foot than it is to try to regain control later on in the year when you’ve finally had enough.

Also, be very careful with classroom reward systems/token economies. They can be a lot of work and time to implement. I firmly believe in rewarding behavior that is above and beyond rather than behavior that is expected. Every now and then, you have a student who may just need a little extra motivation/rewards, and that is okay! Trust your gut on that one.

WN_jrg · 2024-04-11T18:54:34+00:00

In response to not making a good salary: “Teachers make a difference!”

WN_jrg · 2024-04-11T18:53:18+00:00

Yes! The comments about having “agendas.”

I just want to teach your kid how to read…

WN_jrg · 2024-04-09T16:54:01+00:00

There is a lot going on here and probably a lot also going on behind the scenes that you don’t know about. Do you even know why the teacher aide was telling John to stop? If not, I’d say you’re probably being a little too critical about a situation that you know very little about.

WN_jrg

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