SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,350
Location: Dallas Texas
Jun 26, 2014 12:16:22 GMT
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Post by SabrinaP on Jan 14, 2023 2:35:05 GMT
How is everyone doing now that we are back in the swing of things after Christmas break?
I made a big decision to put in a transfer to a brand new school opening next year. My principal is opening the school and I decided to go ahead and go too. I absolutely love my job as Intervention Specialist and will have the chance to start the program from ground up. This school is going to be in the lowest income area of my town, so we are actually going to have 2 interventionists as well as several paraprofessionals. My principal told me today how happy she was when she saw my transfer request. She never asked me directly to go out of respect for our current AP that is becoming principal at my current school, but she said she was really hoping I would come. It’s nice to be valued!
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Post by freecharlie on Jan 14, 2023 2:39:00 GMT
I feel like I am getting my ass kicked on a regular basis. I can not catch up. There are a million fires a day to out out and by the time I'm done, I'm exhausted and there is no more time left.
I don't like one of our admin. He is a jerk and is rude and talks down to people.
I love the students and the staff, but I am seriously considering leaving the district or, if I could find something that pays better, the profession
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,513
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Jan 14, 2023 2:45:21 GMT
My co-teacher and I have started this term with a renewed sense of purpose and vigor. We've been working together for years, and like in any relationship, there are ups and downs. We had a field trip this week that knocked everyone's socks off, so we're going into the long weekend feeling great.
Covid is ripping through our school once again. Several faculty were down with it over winter break, and several more are out with it now (as are students).
Sabrina, I'm excited for you and your principal!
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Post by Merge on Jan 14, 2023 2:46:58 GMT
I’m in 3rd grade program mode. Ask me in three weeks.
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SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,350
Location: Dallas Texas
Jun 26, 2014 12:16:22 GMT
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Post by SabrinaP on Jan 14, 2023 2:49:10 GMT
I feel like I am getting my ass kicked on a regular basis. I can not catch up. There are a million fires a day to out out and by the time I'm done, I'm exhausted and there is no more time left. I don't like one of our admin. He is a jerk and is rude and talks down to people. I love the students and the staff, but I am seriously considering leaving the district or, if I could find something that pays better, the profession I’m so sorry. When you have bad admin it just changes everything. The years where I had truly awful admin were the worst. I hope things get better! We definitely don’t make enough to deal with everything we sometimes have to deal with!
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Post by kluski on Jan 15, 2023 22:22:33 GMT
It’s report card week. Writing comments is the such a time sucker particularly when I’m really just documenting and parents don’t care.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,408
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jan 15, 2023 22:44:02 GMT
I’m half way thru my new adventure at continuation high school. Still loving my job.
First term (6weeks) I taught chemistry semester 1, integrated math semester 1, online elective.
Second term (6 weeks) I taught chemistry semester 2, integrated math semester 2, online elective.
Third term (6 weeks- just ended 1/13) I taught biology semester 1, Cricut elective, PE/nutrition.
Fourth term (6 weeks) starts Tuesday. I will be teaching a combo period of biology semester 2/chemistry semester 2, multimedia film production, integrated math semester 2.
I have created the Cricut elective (12 projects- stickers, shirts, ornaments with alcohol ink and vinyl, wood burning, glass etching) and the multimedia elective (public service announcement video and sell your school advertising video) and am working on creating a 3D printing elective to be offered at some point in the future. My students have had to do online electives and that just sucks. So, my principal asked me to come up with some in person electives. It’s been an adventure!
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Post by leannec on Jan 15, 2023 22:45:36 GMT
I go back tomorrow after being off for three weeks ... I have report cards coming up soon and semester change ... so effing busy! I'm trying to not think about it today and just relax ... not easy! I'll report back in a few days!
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Post by iteach3rdgrade on Jan 15, 2023 22:46:15 GMT
I’m half way thru my new adventure at continuation high school. Still loving my job. First term (6weeks) I taught chemistry semester 1, integrated math semester 1, online elective. Second term (6 weeks) I taught chemistry semester 2, integrated math semester 2, online elective. Third term (6 weeks- just ended 1/13) I taught biology semester 1, Cricut elective, PE/nutrition. Fourth term (6 weeks) starts Tuesday. I will be teaching a combo period of biology semester 2/chemistry semester 2, multimedia film production, integrated math semester 2. I have created the Cricut elective (12 projects- stickers, shirts, ornaments with alcohol ink and vinyl, wood burning, glass etching) and the multimedia elective (public service announcement video and sell your school advertising video) and am working on creating a 3D printing elective to be offered at some point in the future. My students have had to do online electives and that just sucks. So, my principal asked me to come up with some in person electives. It’s been an adventure! I love your elective ideas!
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Post by Merge on Jan 15, 2023 22:48:35 GMT
It’s report card week. Writing comments is the such a time sucker particularly when I’m really just documenting and parents don’t care. Public or private school? Having to write comments for 325 students every 9 weeks was my least favorite part of private school, and they did not like it when I pointed out how meaningless it was for kids I saw 45 min/week in groups of 20.
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johnnysmom
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,682
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:33 GMT
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Post by johnnysmom on Jan 15, 2023 23:20:38 GMT
This year has been….a lot. Not a week goes by that I don’t miss our old principal. A lot of what she used to do has fallen to me which is ok, I can do it and am learning on the fly, but it’s still…. a lot.
Right now it’s mid-year testing time and everyone is on edge, my attitude might be better in a few weeks.
I asked for a raise/promotion in mid-October. The super said she had to check into some things, a month later I followed up, nothing. At this point I’m looking. I love what I do, I think our district has great potential but I can’t keep doing it for what amounts to $100/wk after paying for benefits (dh’s job has lousy/expensive benefits, it’s really the only reason I work). Not when schools up the road pay so much better (I’ve done the research). I’m not quite willing to drive the hour each way to the old principal’s new school, but boy is it tempting (she misses me too, we still keep in touch).
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,513
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Jan 15, 2023 23:42:44 GMT
Having to write comments for 325 students every 9 weeks That's AWFUL! Next time I complain about writing reports for very young children, some of whom I see only three times a month, I will try to remember that there are not 325 of them, nor do I have to write every 9 weeks. Yikes.
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,947
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Jan 15, 2023 23:46:43 GMT
This coming week is exam week and next week is a new semester. I’m doing more pullout services next semester and I’m so looking forward to it. This first semester was good except for my senile non-licensed department chair. She keeps making messes and it’s tiresome. She’s 75 and good friends with our AP so they’ll never get rid of her. I don’t imagine she’ll leave any time soon. Our sped evaluation rules are changing some this July and she knows nothing about the changes and refuses to learn. Fortunately she only works 3 days/week.
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Post by elaine on Jan 15, 2023 23:50:34 GMT
We don’t have to do report cards for 2nd Quarter until the 26th.
I am exhausted. Right now, on our team, there is only 1 out of 6 3rd grade teachers that has taught it before. She is too busy to help much. We are basically on our own for lesson planning.
This upcoming week, we have to cram everything into 3 days, including state testing in Reading and Math, because of the holiday on Monday and then a day long celebration at our school for Lunar New Year on Friday.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,408
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jan 15, 2023 23:57:42 GMT
I’m half way thru my new adventure at continuation high school. Still loving my job. First term (6weeks) I taught chemistry semester 1, integrated math semester 1, online elective. Second term (6 weeks) I taught chemistry semester 2, integrated math semester 2, online elective. Third term (6 weeks- just ended 1/13) I taught biology semester 1, Cricut elective, PE/nutrition. Fourth term (6 weeks) starts Tuesday. I will be teaching a combo period of biology semester 2/chemistry semester 2, multimedia film production, integrated math semester 2. I have created the Cricut elective (12 projects- stickers, shirts, ornaments with alcohol ink and vinyl, wood burning, glass etching) and the multimedia elective (public service announcement video and sell your school advertising video) and am working on creating a 3D printing elective to be offered at some point in the future. My students have had to do online electives and that just sucks. So, my principal asked me to come up with some in person electives. It’s been an adventure! I love your elective ideas! Thanks. I'd like to do a fiber arts class of some sort but I don't have any experience in yarn/string and we don't have sewing machines/ironing boards/etc for sewing. I think we'll sit with the 3 I'm making for now. I have a cricut maker, a heat press, mini iron, heat gun, and 3D printer currently. I put in a grant for another larger 3D printer. Hopefully I'll find out soon if I got it.
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Post by iteach3rdgrade on Jan 16, 2023 0:39:28 GMT
I love your elective ideas! Thanks. I'd like to do a fiber arts class of some sort but I don't have any experience in yarn/string and we don't have sewing machines/ironing boards/etc for sewing. I think we'll sit with the 3 I'm making for now. I have a cricut maker, a heat press, mini iron, heat gun, and 3D printer currently. I put in a grant for another larger 3D printer. Hopefully I'll find out soon if I got it. The students need these ideas! Our high school has added yoga and guitar. I know there are some others, but those are the 2 I remember.
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Post by kluski on Jan 16, 2023 2:36:15 GMT
Having to write comments for 325 students every 9 weeks That's AWFUL! Next time I complain about writing reports for very young children, some of whom I see only three times a month, I will try to remember that there are not 325 of them, nor do I have to write every 9 weeks. Yikes. I was thinking the same thing. Yikes! I’ll go write my 25 comments without complaining…much!
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Post by Merge on Jan 16, 2023 2:44:47 GMT
Having to write comments for 325 students every 9 weeks That's AWFUL! Next time I complain about writing reports for very young children, some of whom I see only three times a month, I will try to remember that there are not 325 of them, nor do I have to write every 9 weeks. Yikes. That school was crazy in so many ways. Glad to be back in public school. 😊
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Post by Merge on Jan 16, 2023 2:45:36 GMT
That's AWFUL! Next time I complain about writing reports for very young children, some of whom I see only three times a month, I will try to remember that there are not 325 of them, nor do I have to write every 9 weeks. Yikes. I was thinking the same thing. Yikes! I’ll go write my 25 comments without complaining…much! It’s a lot, I know - you likely have to write much longer ones than I did. And how many of the parents really read them?
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,408
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jan 16, 2023 6:31:10 GMT
Thanks. I'd like to do a fiber arts class of some sort but I don't have any experience in yarn/string and we don't have sewing machines/ironing boards/etc for sewing. I think we'll sit with the 3 I'm making for now. I have a cricut maker, a heat press, mini iron, heat gun, and 3D printer currently. I put in a grant for another larger 3D printer. Hopefully I'll find out soon if I got it. The students need these ideas! Our high school has added yoga and guitar. I know there are some others, but those are the 2 I remember. I can do yoga as a PE course. I’ve never done yoga in my life. I think it’s too calm for me. 🤣 I’m not musically inclined at all or I’d offer a music option.
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TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,767
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
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Post by TankTop on Jan 16, 2023 13:34:11 GMT
It was the most horrendous return to school of my life. Our little class of 2nd graders are facing a huge tragic loss. I can’t say much or this will be “searchable,” but send positive thoughts to our little class and one family in particular.
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Post by elaine on Jan 16, 2023 14:02:09 GMT
It was the most horrendous return to school of my life. Our little class of 2nd graders are facing a huge tragic loss. I can’t say much or this will be “searchable,” but send positive thoughts to our little class and one family in particular. Sending positive thoughts!
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Post by SockMonkey on Jan 16, 2023 18:13:09 GMT
Been kinda brutal, TBH. District wants to upend the schedule into a modified block and so we've had to renegotiate our contract and while we have a TA, I think the vote will be close and divisive. That vote is this week.
Took a group of theatre kids to our statewide theatre fest, and they were great but on our way to campus Friday morning, we got an alert that there was a bomb threat so we had to turn around and sit in the hotel until the all clear. Luckily it was only like an hour and a half, but we had to call admin, all the parents, etc. to loop them in. I took literally 6 naps yesterday because I slept like 4.5 hours total all weekend.
A bucket of crazies have filed for candidacy on our school board, including a man who wants to literally burn books and fire all the librarians, a woman who was arrested recently for domestic violence (also a book banner), and a bunch of other right wing anti-public ed folks. It's fucking exhausting. So I'll be spending the next 4 months trying to counteract that (and the book banning challenges we're dealing with).
All of this and it's still better than last year lol. Teaching is fun! (The kids are great; it's the adults and the system that make this hard.)
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,498
Jun 30, 2014 12:52:45 GMT
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Post by ellen on Jan 16, 2023 18:49:34 GMT
The end of the first semester is Friday. I will be standing on top of the hill and starting my decline into my last year of teaching. On Friday I booked a flight in May to meet my first grandchild. I will use all four of my personal business days when I go. Figuring out a way to book a flight to include a weekend to extend our visit and not have the flight cost a ridiculous amount of money really reminded me why I am sick of living on a school schedule. A school schedule can be great but it is very rigid while you are working it.
I have my resignation letter written and plan to turn it in next month. It feels weird that fairly soon I am not going to have to worry about multiplication facts, quadrilaterals, and 10 year olds screwing around in the bathroom. I am not unhappy at work, but I just don’t want to do this anymore. A couple of my long time coworkers are retiring too and we’re all very happy about it.
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 16, 2023 19:11:09 GMT
I took an EA position last school year since I was had been let go at my previous part time job due to Covid and needed something to do. I really didn't think I wanted to be back in the classroom and had let my teaching license expire. Last year I worked as an aide with k-3 working with struggling kids in math, reading, and writing. I had 10-13 groups in 3.5 hours. It was crazy and the groups were changing weekly. This year my principal put me in the Title room and I strictly work with low readers. Having had 30 years of experience with teaching reading, it really didn't make sense not to have me work there. They get the experience of an additional teacher without paying a teacher's wage (and all of the benefits). Not complaining since I get $30 to do something that gets me out of the house, I am good at, and I still get all of the time off that teachers get as well as any days that kids are not there. It is the perfect set up and I am done by 11:45 each day. I love my kids and don't have the stress that classroom teachers have with grades, parents, grading, etc. Since I already get a good pension, this job is really ideal.
So I can't complain for a second, but I truly have been there with so many of your complaints. Teaching is hard. Giving your heart and soul every day is hard. It does matter though! My current teammate is one of my old students and she is an amazing, compassionate teacher. She said I was the person who made her want to be a teacher.
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Post by 950nancy on Jan 16, 2023 19:15:57 GMT
The end of the first semester is Friday. I will be standing on top of the hill and starting my decline into my last year of teaching. On Friday I booked a flight in May to meet my first grandchild. I will use all four of my personal business days when I go. Figuring out a way to book a flight to include a weekend to extend our visit and not have the flight cost a ridiculous amount of money really reminded me why I am sick of living on a school schedule. A school schedule can be great but it is very rigid while you are working it. I have my resignation letter written and plan to turn it in next month. It feels weird that fairly soon I am not going to have to worry about multiplication facts, quadrilaterals, and 10 year olds screwing around in the bathroom. I am not unhappy at work, but I just don’t want to do this anymore. A couple of my long time coworkers are retiring too and we’re all very happy about it. Congratulations! I waited until the last day possible to turn in my letter. I called my teammates the night before to tell them and they were shocked. They were my very good friends, but I felt it was time. I could have stayed longer, but like you, it was time. My mom died at 58 and her mom 63. I didn't want to be working so hard up until I died. I totally get the school schedule. Yes, you do get a lot of time off (all unpaid), but getting a sub is so hard and writing plans only to have a slim chance of getting someone to actually follow them is dishearttening. I hope you enjoy meeting that new baby! And aren't you the one getting a new pup soon?
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Post by playingcinderella on Jan 16, 2023 20:20:47 GMT
We have been back for two weeks now, but its been a mad dash to open our musical. We opened on Friday (my birthday) and had a fabulous weekend - not perfect but we do educational theatre so it never is. But we are utterly exhausted. Taking today off to do nothing and then back at it tomorrow.
Classes are going better and my discipline issues that popped up between Thanksgiving and Winter break seemed to have righted themselves again. Spring is super busy for us with preparing performances and getting ready for summer camps and contest so it tends to go by fast.
Feels like we are finally getting our groove back and I'm enjoying teaching again.
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Post by SockMonkey on Jan 16, 2023 20:54:43 GMT
We have been back for two weeks now, but its been a mad dash to open our musical. We opened on Friday (my birthday) and had a fabulous weekend - not perfect but we do educational theatre so it never is. But we are utterly exhausted. Taking today off to do nothing and then back at it tomorrow. Classes are going better and my discipline issues that popped up between Thanksgiving and Winter break seemed to have righted themselves again. Spring is super busy for us with preparing performances and getting ready for summer camps and contest so it tends to go by fast. Feels like we are finally getting our groove back and I'm enjoying teaching again. I don't think there's any tired like musical tired. Congrats on a successful show, and happy birthday! (What did you do? We're putting up Anastasia this April and auditions are this week!)
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Post by SockMonkey on Jan 16, 2023 20:56:17 GMT
I have created the Cricut elective (12 projects- stickers, shirts, ornaments with alcohol ink and vinyl, wood burning, glass etching) and the multimedia elective (public service announcement video and sell your school advertising video) and am working on creating a 3D printing elective to be offered at some point in the future. My students have had to do online electives and that just sucks. So, my principal asked me to come up with some in person electives. It’s been an adventure! Those electives sound so fun!
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Post by SockMonkey on Jan 16, 2023 20:56:50 GMT
It was the most horrendous return to school of my life. Our little class of 2nd graders are facing a huge tragic loss. I can’t say much or this will be “searchable,” but send positive thoughts to our little class and one family in particular. I'm so sorry. Sending all kinds of positive, healing thoughts the way of your school community.
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