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Post by teach4u on Aug 17, 2019 19:24:21 GMT
I go back Monday, kids come the next week. I have good handle on routines, lesson plans, etc. I know all the families except one. Still really nervous. I know it will work out and once the bell rings everything comes back, but man do I hate the nerves and anticipation.
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 17, 2019 19:56:08 GMT
I went back Monday Student come this Monday.
I don't really stress about lessons or anything, especially the first week as I am pretty good at singing it if something doesn't work.
I am frustrated because my students schedules are still not correct and if the counselors would have done their job and given them to me anytime since I started asking in July, we could have had them fixed. But NOW since one couldn't be bothered to fix the schedules when I did all the prep work and she just needs to click buttons, my students...the ones in IEPs and who don't always adjust well to change are the ones who are going to start and then have to change classes.
Ugh...sorry...that wasn't what this thread was about, but I apparently needed to get it off my chest.
Hope your start goes off smoothly
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,493
Jun 30, 2014 12:52:45 GMT
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Post by ellen on Aug 17, 2019 19:58:22 GMT
I'm starting my 31st year of teaching year. I've got this down. I can now count my years of teaching left on one hand and I feel thankful that I still like my job. By the time April comes around I am tired of it, but that's just the nature of the job.
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Post by mustlovecats on Aug 17, 2019 20:02:06 GMT
I’ve been back working in my room for a week and we get kids back next week. My anxiety is at a slow simmer today and I’m not quite feeling good about it yet. I love summer and I’m not ready, it will be more than fine but I’m not really ready is all.
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Post by danalz on Aug 17, 2019 20:21:09 GMT
I went back Monday Student come this Monday. I don't really stress about lessons or anything, especially the first week as I am pretty good at singing it if something doesn't work. I am frustrated because my students schedules are still not correct and if the counselors would have done their job and given them to me anytime since I started asking in July, we could have had them fixed. But NOW since one couldn't be bothered to fix the schedules when I did all the prep work and she just needs to click buttons, my students...the ones in IEPs and who don't always adjust well to change are the ones who are going to start and then have to change classes. Ugh...sorry...that wasn't what this thread was about, but I apparently needed to get it off my chest. Hope your start goes off smoothly I taught middle school special Ed for 18 years and it happened to me every single year. They would give me the master schedule in the spring. I would spend days engineering scheduled to assure all my kiddos had either teacher or para support in their classes. Come back in August and they would've all messed up. I hated coming back knowing there would be a massive mess to fix.
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Post by Merge on Aug 17, 2019 20:51:53 GMT
We’ve been back with kids for a week. No particular nerves any more - I could do my job in my sleep. Just dread. I have an awful schedule this year, and I’m teaching in a glorified closet with no light. It’s exhausting and depressing. Add to that a toxic environment with an insecure first year principal who encourages teachers to tattle on each other, and thinks micromanaging seasoned teachers is a show of strength, and I’m done. I’m working with a recruiter friend of DH’s to transition into a corporate job ASAP.
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purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,725
Jun 27, 2014 20:37:34 GMT
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Post by purplebee on Aug 17, 2019 21:23:34 GMT
Starting my 20th year as a lunchroom cook/cashier. Was anxious about returning, as the first few weeks can be chaotic with lots of extra stuff to do. School started last Wednesday, the first few days went fairly well, so not so nervous now.
Just a matter of getting back into the swing of things after having the summer off.
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,943
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Aug 17, 2019 21:39:41 GMT
I am frustrated because my students schedules are still not correct and if the counselors would have done their job and given them to me anytime since I started asking in July, we could have had them fixed. But NOW since one couldn't be bothered to fix the schedules when I did all the prep work and she just needs to click buttons, my students...the ones in IEPs and who don't always adjust well to change are the ones who are going to start and then have to change classes. Ugh...sorry...that wasn't what this thread was about, but I apparently needed to get it off my chest. Hope your start goes off smoothly This is also the start of my year as a HS Special educator. Our guidance dept is not great, but with 200 kids each to schedule, I get it. We we go back Wed and Freshman start the following Monday and upperclassmen Tuesday. Im not nervous or anxious. Our department is fully staffed for the first time in years, so I’m kinda excited!
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Post by Blind Squirrel on Aug 17, 2019 21:43:17 GMT
We just finished our second week with students. I couldn't figure out why I was nervous this year; lots of dreams about school, etc. It's been fine!
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Post by danalz on Aug 17, 2019 21:43:17 GMT
We’ve been back with kids for a week. No particular nerves any more - I could do my job in my sleep. Just dread. I have an awful schedule this year, and I’m teaching in a glorified closet with no light. It’s exhausting and depressing. Add to that a toxic environment with an insecure first year principal who encourages teachers to tattle on each other, and thinks micromanaging seasoned teachers is a show of strength, and I’m done. I’m working with a recruiter friend of DH’s to transition into a corporate job ASAP. I left teaching 7 years ago and now do case management for a managed care health organization. It was the best decision I ever made. Yes, I gave up my Summers off but now I can take vacation whenever I want to. My manager is wonderful and the company shows so much appreciation to it's workers (monthly happy hour-company paid- in the break room, generous PTO, flex time). I get praised every week for my work. That never happened in teaching. I would never go back to the schools. Life is too short to be anxious and overworked.
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Post by Merge on Aug 17, 2019 21:45:55 GMT
We’ve been back with kids for a week. No particular nerves any more - I could do my job in my sleep. Just dread. I have an awful schedule this year, and I’m teaching in a glorified closet with no light. It’s exhausting and depressing. Add to that a toxic environment with an insecure first year principal who encourages teachers to tattle on each other, and thinks micromanaging seasoned teachers is a show of strength, and I’m done. I’m working with a recruiter friend of DH’s to transition into a corporate job ASAP. I left teaching 7 years ago and now do case management for a managed care health organization. It was the best decision I ever made. Yes, I gave up my Summers off but now I can take vacation whenever I want to. My manager is wonderful and the company shows so much appreciation to it's workers (monthly happy hour-company paid- in the break room, generous PTO, flex time). I get praised every week for my work. That never happened in teaching. I would never go back to the schools. Life is too short to be anxious and overworked. I’m looking forward to going to the bathroom whenever I want!
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 17, 2019 22:09:42 GMT
We’ve been back with kids for a week. No particular nerves any more - I could do my job in my sleep. Just dread. I have an awful schedule this year, and I’m teaching in a glorified closet with no light. It’s exhausting and depressing. Add to that a toxic environment with an insecure first year principal who encourages teachers to tattle on each other, and thinks micromanaging seasoned teachers is a show of strength, and I’m done. I’m working with a recruiter friend of DH’s to transition into a corporate job ASAP. I'm sorry to hear that (not that you've decided to leave teaching, but rather the circumstances leading you to that). I doubt I will get to that point. At a certain age and years in, switching would potentially screw up my retirement completely. I haven't paid into social security in almost 20 years, but I don't have enough time invested in PERA yet.
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Post by refugeepea on Aug 17, 2019 22:43:06 GMT
my students...the ones in IEPs and who don't always adjust well to change are the ones who are going to start and then have to change classes. I'm not even a teacher and reading the thread! This makes me so mad! All the years I've dealt with IEP and 504 issues, it was only one time I had an issue with one teacher. It was the administration; always the administration.
I wanted to say I'm so happy for school to start next week! My son is squished up against me and pushing the same word over and over on his ipad. I'll be sending lots of items that might help in a meltdown and they are free to give them to other kids. And Clorox wipes, lots of Clorox.
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Post by leannec on Aug 17, 2019 22:53:34 GMT
Here in Canada, most schools start in September but I'm on a modified calendar so I started last Monday ... this is my first year teaching in a regular classroom after being away for ten years and then last year subbing so it has been a transition I'm in a school with some really supportive teachers and admin so I'm so lucky I'm teaching the grade and subjects I wanted which is a plus (grade 7 Humanities) I felt very nervous before starting ... freaking out really ... now I'm doing better and things are going well ... I have high hopes for the year
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 17, 2019 23:03:07 GMT
Here in Canada, most schools start in September but I'm on a modified calendar so I started last Monday ... this is my first year teaching in a regular classroom after being away for ten years and then last year subbing so it has been a transition I'm in a school with some really supportive teachers and admin so I'm so lucky I'm teaching the grade and subjects I wanted which is a plus (grade 7 Humanities) I felt very nervous before starting ... freaking out really ... now I'm doing better and things are going well ... I have high hopes for the year I'm glad to hear things are going well.
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Post by leannec on Aug 17, 2019 23:11:21 GMT
I'm glad to hear things are going well. Thanks! I was so nervous but the staff is amazing! I'm still overwhelmed but I think I can do this
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Post by ihaveonly1l on Aug 17, 2019 23:23:53 GMT
I am entering year 20 but we made a move several states away so I am starting new employee orientation Monday. I have my classroom pretty much set up. I have been an instructional coach the last six years and I decided I wanted to go back to the classroom. I wanted first grade and I'm going to a new school and I am super hopeful that it will be a great fit.
This is the fourth new state move we've made for my husband's career and I'm hoping we can both finish it out here...but if he recruited again, that could always change. We do have a 3 year commitment here, so we will be here at least awhile. I've always been fortunate to find a job when we have made moves.
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SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,349
Location: Dallas Texas
Jun 26, 2014 12:16:22 GMT
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Post by SabrinaP on Aug 17, 2019 23:34:25 GMT
This will be my 21st year. It’s so hard to believe when I say how many years I’ve been doing this!
I’ve been back for 2 weeks, (three if you count the new teacher trainings I had to give). Our first day with kids is Monday. I always have anxiety for a new year. This is my first year at a new school. I’m still in the same district, but they moved my grade level from the elementary campus to an intermediate school. There are still so many unknowns that I know it’s going to be a slightly rocky start, but I’m just trying to accept that we will all have to be very flexible.
Good luck to all Teacher Peas and Pea kids going back to school!
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Post by Skellinton on Aug 17, 2019 23:58:52 GMT
I get to go in Monday, kids the following Wednesday (1,5 weeks to get room ready).
This is my first year in a new classroom, Pre-K instead of actual elementary, but located in an elementary school. I am very excited, but nervous. I am always nervous, kind of about kids,but mostly about the parents. I am super shy around grown ups, so back to school night makes my stomach hurt.
I am excited about theme weeks and more freedom with curriculum. I am also excited about book shopping! I love a good classroom library and I am going to be getting a little allowance to shop this year,
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,503
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Aug 18, 2019 0:06:07 GMT
We're already having issues with our holiday show, and we haven't even gone back to school yet. I'm nervous because we have a new admin team. Could be great... or not. We'll see.
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Post by Merge on Aug 18, 2019 0:09:15 GMT
We're already having issues with our holiday show, and we haven't even gone back to school yet. I'm nervous because we have a new admin team. Could be great... or not. We'll see. I wish you the best of luck! I have a lot of teacher friends who weather bad admin and know they (the admin) will just move on eventually, but I can’t seem to do that.
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,503
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Aug 18, 2019 0:19:00 GMT
I have a lot of teacher friends who weather bad admin and know they (the admin) will just move on eventually, but I can’t seem to do that. At a certain point, you have to save yourself! Sounds like you're in a particularly crummy situation.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,166
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Aug 18, 2019 0:34:40 GMT
I started on the 5th and the kids came on the 7th of August.
This is my last year, my 42nd year of teaching. I wasn’t sure if I was going to go back for this last year - I’d put in to retire in June 2020, but that was based on getting my husband to Medicare age (he was on my insurance and had cancer). When he died in January I had to think about whether I wanted to retire this summer or go back. I decided that there were many more reasons FOR teaching this last year, including not wanting last year's awful year to be how I finished my career.
But there are lots of changes to deal with. I’m at the junior high full time - I had been doing three days at elementary and two at JH for the last four years; only elementary for all the years before that. But because the superintendent was afraid I’d decide at the last minute NOT to come back, and she wouldn’t be able to get someone qualified on short notice, she hired a third reading specialist in addition to the second one they added. The two 'new' people are going to be “building the program” together at the elementary while I am at the JH full time. That means "out with the old (me, and anything I did) and in with the new." Kind of bittersweet.
So I also have a new principal at the JH. Luckily she has an excellent reputation and things are off to a good start with her. I think I’ll be much happier working for her than the elementary principal, who was new last year, barely knows me (I was gone for four months), and seems to have made lots of negative judgments about the Title I program as it was.
So I’m learning a new assessment system the district is trying out, getting training along with the other JH teachers in Google stuff, and figuring out how to make things work for the program this year. I drove home from the first day of in-service wondering if I’d made the wrong decision, but it has been better since then. Not sure how I’ll do during certain rough, heavy grief trigger times, but I have hundreds of sick days I can’t possibly use up, and four personal days, so I will use them when needed.
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Post by Alexxussss on Aug 18, 2019 1:04:10 GMT
I think so many people would be amused that we get nervous- especially the students! We don’t go back until after Labor Day, but due to no contract, we are not allowed to go into school to set up our rooms. This is our second year without a contract and morale is at an all time low. I’m going into my 19th year, but feel less valued than ever.
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Post by peasapie on Aug 18, 2019 1:20:00 GMT
I felt like this every August for my entire teaching career.
And when I retired, I felt like I should be prepping for the first few Augusts. Once you get into the classroom you will be on auto pilot!
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 18, 2019 1:21:37 GMT
I think so many people would be amused that we get nervous- especially the students! We don’t go back until after Labor Day, but due to no contract, we are not allowed to go into school to set up our rooms. This is our second year without a contract and morale is at an all time low. I’m going into my 19th year, but feel less valued than ever. I feel so bad for you all. I've felt undervalued on a small scale (asshole parent here and there) but on a while the district and administration where I teach is very supportive.
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Post by kluski on Aug 18, 2019 4:10:57 GMT
We’ve been back with kids for a week. No particular nerves any more - I could do my job in my sleep. Just dread. I have an awful schedule this year, and I’m teaching in a glorified closet with no light. It’s exhausting and depressing. Add to that a toxic environment with an insecure first year principal who encourages teachers to tattle on each other, and thinks micromanaging seasoned teachers is a show of strength, and I’m done. I’m working with a recruiter friend of DH’s to transition into a corporate job ASAP. I left teaching 7 years ago and now do case management for a managed care health organization. It was the best decision I ever made. Yes, I gave up my Summers off but now I can take vacation whenever I want to. My manager is wonderful and the company shows so much appreciation to it's workers (monthly happy hour-company paid- in the break room, generous PTO, flex time). I get praised every week for my work. That never happened in teaching. I would never go back to the schools. Life is too short to be anxious and overworked. Do you need a nursing degree for that type of position?
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,394
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Aug 18, 2019 4:16:56 GMT
We’re 6 kid days in already. The night before our first day I had mega anxiety. Xanax helped me cope. Got a great night of sleep and walked in ready to rock my 21st year.
Big changes this year.... my 3rd grade daughter transferred from the school 7 minutes from home to my school 35 minutes from home. I now have a commute buddy. Good and bad. That was my ONLY me time. I have none now. I also am teaching only one grade math/science for the first time EVER in my career.
I have 19 more years. I can do it.
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Post by freecharlie on Aug 18, 2019 4:35:32 GMT
I have 19 more years. I can do it. I won't make it to 40 years.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,394
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Aug 18, 2019 5:20:45 GMT
I have 19 more years. I can do it. I won't make it to 40 years. At 40 years, with 1% cola, I will retire at $97k. In CA that won’t last long. If I retire at 36 years, it’s $79k. Worth it for another $20k, maybe.
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