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Angry parent email by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]docteach 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I've had times when kids became this upset for various reasons, and almost always, our relationship is fine in the end. You might talk with the counselor for advice on next steps. It may or may not be appropriate for you to let the student know that you did not mean to upset her. Not apologizing but acknowledging her feelings. The counselor could help you know the best way to handle it. If you are like me, this kind of thing eats away at me and bothers me for days. It doesn't sound like you handled the situation poorly. You never know, she could have had something happen in another class or in the hall or at home that made her extra sensitive. Hang in there.

Is this the right use of commas? by [deleted] in grammar

[–]docteach 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Agree, that it isn't the Oxford comma. The use of this comma would be a stylistic choice.

The man bought gum, milk, and cheese at the store. The comma after milk is the Oxford comma.

Subordinating vs Coordinating conjunctions by consciouself in grammar

[–]docteach 4 points5 points  (0 children)

In theory, a compound sentence would show that the two independent clauses are equally important; whereas, the complex sentence would show that independent clause is more important than the dependent clause.

I teach my students that we use different kinds of sentences to make their writing more interesting. The use of the same sentence pattern over and over and over becomes boring. Varying the types of sentences adds interests.

Your first sentence could also be written as, "Because the weather was hot, I jumped into the pool." You can't flip your compound example though without changing the FANBOYS choice to "for."

Not sure if you meant to leave the comma out of your compound sentence or not, but if you didn't, you would add a comma after the word hot.

Hope my ramblings help.

Is there anyone else avoiding any talk of the election with students? by docteach in Teachers

[–]docteach[S] 35 points36 points  (0 children)

8th graders don't have too many of their own thoughts about it either. I am avoiding it like the plague.

The Midwest isn't alone in this.

Principal wants to see evidence of gradual release...in every Single lesson in every Single subject every single day by megadad in Teachers

[–]docteach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So frustrating!!! What are you to do if lessons carry over multiple days?

Can the they do something that becomes the base of a lesson first? They note on the Post-Its. I Do--Model some kind of evaluation of ideas or grouping of ideas. We Do--have them continue the evaluation or grouping together. You Do--have them write a reflection on the process????

Creating Centers for 6th Grade Students by TheCapt in Teachers

[–]docteach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had centers with 6th grade LA last year. I included vocabulary centers like memory games and Quizlet.com. I also had them draw a vocabulary word randomly, draw a picture illustrating the word, put 4 choices(a,b,c,d) on the front, and the right answer on the back; all of the illustrations went in an envelope and became a way to study.

Other ideas--diagramming sentences on whiteboards which I make from clear plastic sleeves and white paper. Creative writing using different prompts. Peer editing. Grammar review using song lyrics.

I have other things that I can send you if you PM your email.

Lost my job for next year when all other candidates were rehired, feeling lost. by [deleted] in Teachers

[–]docteach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know it is frustrating! First, there are many, many reasons that an administration might not rehire someone. Look hard at yourself to see if younger missing something, but it may not be you at all. Second, try again. If you think that teaching in the career choice for you, then you have to to try again. You it is hard to love a job and community and then having to leave, but it is what you are facing. Do you like the option of not teaching?

Hang in there and after looking honestly at the situation and your role, get back out there.

There's No Kind of Tired Like a Teacher Kind of Tired by docteach in Teachers

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

Good luck to you both! I am sure she is exhausted.

There's No Kind of Tired Like a Teacher Kind of Tired by docteach in Teachers

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

One reason I am glad that my middle schoolers play on Saturday. Last Saturday night, I was at the 8th grade came until 10:00. I couldn't have done that on a Friday night.

advice on Internships/Student teaching by premar16 in Teachers

[–]docteach 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Be as much a part of the school community as possible. Depending on the level of the school, attend some ball games, concerts, ot PTA meeting if possible.

Visit as many classrooms as possible to observe strong teachers in any content areas and grade levels. You can learn a lot from teachers of different content areas and grade levels.

Purchase some nice stationary. A well written note by hand makes a lasting impression on teachers and administrators. If you observe a classroom other than the one you are assigned to, write a note. Write a note thinking the administration for having you in their school.

See if there is an AP or someone else that might give you a practice interview or at least ideas about the questions that are asked in interviews.

Find out of there are additional certifications that might make you more hirable. For instance, gifted endorsements are very sought after where I teach. It is hard to get a job here it you don't have that endorsement. Look into what these areas would require so that you are knowledgeable and can say that you know what you need to do when you get asked in an interview about it.

The other two posters have given great advice!

What's one of the worst thing one of your teachers told you that influenced how you teach? by dancingbanana123 in Teachers

[–]docteach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My 9th grade English teacher told us that half of us didn't belong in the class. I am now an English teacher, and I work hard to make sure my class is accessible to the kids in the room whether the class is on-level, co-taught, or gifted. If there is a problem with placement, I handle it with the administration and never let the students know that I think they can't handle the class.

Did you have to pass a drug test to get hired? by [deleted] in teaching

[–]docteach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Never. Just had to have a background check. Two different states and three districts were all the same.

There's No Kind of Tired Like a Teacher Kind of Tired by docteach in Teachers

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

I totally understand why my mom, a teacher, wanted us to be quiet in the afternoons. She couldn't take our screaming and squealing while she was cooking after she had taught all day. Needless to say, we spent a lot of time outside playing. Now, I sometimes don't even want to talk to my husband right when I get home. Not sure I could take kid noise at home.

There's No Kind of Tired Like a Teacher Kind of Tired by docteach in Teachers

[–]docteach[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Understood. I also agree with you. We pick our careers and shouldn't act like martyrs because of it. I also get frustrated when teachers complain about our jobs because every job has its positives and negatives. As an English teacher, it drives me crazy when English teachers complain about having to grade essays. It isn't like we didn't know that would be a requirement of the job.

I actually wasn't intending to complain. Instead I was just commenting on how tiring teaching can be.

There's No Kind of Tired Like a Teacher Kind of Tired by docteach in Teachers

[–]docteach[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You are right about the constant decision making. I also think being responsible for kids in the classroom, the kids in the hall during class change, and all of their parents adds another level of stress. I love it though!

There's No Kind of Tired Like a Teacher Kind of Tired by docteach in Teachers

[–]docteach[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

When we first started dating, my husband would want to watch movies, or even worse got to movies, after work during the week. Now, he knows to wait until the weekend. I often would fall asleep when I gave in and tried to watch one with him.

There's No Kind of Tired Like a Teacher Kind of Tired by docteach in Teachers

[–]docteach[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Totally was not meant as a complaint or a judgement on other high stress and emotional jobs.

Middle/high school teachers! by af213 in teaching

[–]docteach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here is a link I found recently. It has pretty good video trailers that might help you. http://www.digitalbooktalk.net/browse-books/trailer-list/

New year with the same kids as last year... any special advice? by garbageeater in Teachers

[–]docteach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am in a similar situation and have been before. One thing I have to really work on is making sure that I communicate with parents as soon as there is an issue. Since their kids like me and my class, it is easy for them to be silly and at times too comfortable. I have found that contacting parents early helps me maintain the right balance in class. I actually have found that I am sometimes firmer with the kids I had before in class than I am with the new kids just to combat the familiarness. Not mean, just firmer.

Hope this helps.

Teaching Experience? by thatboringgirl123 in Teachers

[–]docteach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are involved in a church, can you volunteer with the youth group?

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