Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,145 
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Post by Just T on Jul 30, 2022 15:13:22 GMT
I was going to come on and say that she should say buh-bye and go elsewhere - there is such a teacher shortage right now that she will find another job in a minute. But if her area is like where pantsonfire is, and they can move you around wherever they want, then maybe that's not the best idea, especially if she has a partner who may not be flexible about moving elsewhere. My school will move teachers to different classrooms within the school, but that's it. I have a friend who recently bought her way out of her teaching contract. But she has been a teacher for a long time; she wanted to switch careers. I can't imagine it would look good for a first year teacher to break her contract. She wouldn't lose her teaching license, but I imagine it would be difficult for her to get hired as a teacher again. |
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,145
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Post by Just T on Jul 30, 2022 15:24:24 GMT
It was complete bullshit what they did to her last year. Speaking as a sped teacher and a behavior "expert" students with ED need a specific type of teacher. Really, you either have the temperament for it or you don't. You have to have a supportive admin and you need tools and training. Finally, every student with bad behavior does not have an emotional disability. It was ridiculous what they did to her last year. The principal would make her be the one to call the parents when needed, rather than the classroom teacher who actually had the issue with the child. That seemed not right to me, but she did it. Then one time a parent told the principal that my daughter screamed at her. That is so far out of anything I can imagine my daughter doing. SOOOOOO far. She was mostly terrified. LOL And the principal believed the mom. The worst part though was when she found out in FEBRUARY, after school started in August, that there was a group of behavior specialists in the district who met monthly AND that she should have been assigned a mentor from day one, and wasn't assigned one until February. Grrrr...I can only imagine what a difference that would have made for her. Then take a deep breath and remember they are 2nd graders and need a teacher who cares. She can do this! That is exactly what I told her.  The district needed her in a spot. She got hired. She is their employee and new. If veteran teachers were offered it they’ve put their time in and could say no. That sounds like it's what happened...other teachers were offered the chance to move, none of them did. Three new teachers to the district apparently were reassigned at the last minute. This is going to sound bad and I know it…….your daughter is of the generation where all got stickers/awards for everything. Life isn’t like that. Which is why I’ve long fought the “everyone” gets something. Not sure what that has to do with this, but my daughter was not raised that way at all. She's not some spoiled girl who always got her way, at all. But thanks. Mom…..please allow her to go through this. What do you mean by this? What am I doing that is so wrong? How could I NOT "allow her" to go through this? My daughter and I are very close. She called me because she was upset, and I am doing my best to encourage her. |
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Post by busy on Jul 30, 2022 15:24:42 GMT
I get her disappointment and yet… if good teachers only want to work with kids who already have all the advantages, how are kids coming from disadvantaged backgrounds ever going to have a chance? Free public education is supposed to be the great equalizer, the opportunity for upward mobility. But if only the worst teachers are willing to work with those kids…
I hope she can find a way to focus on the impact she could have and find the good there, instead of focusing on disappointment.
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Post by pantsonfire on Jul 30, 2022 15:26:37 GMT
I get her disappointment and yet… if good teachers only want to work with kids who already have all the advantages, how are kids coming from disadvantaged backgrounds ever going to have a chance? Free public education is supposed to be the great equalizer, the opportunity for upward mobility. But if only the worst teachers are willing to work with those kids… I hope she can find a way to focus on the impact she could have and find the good there, instead of focusing on disappointment. 100%. |
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,145
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Post by Just T on Jul 30, 2022 15:27:30 GMT
Oh and now I can't find the comment, but someone asked what "the worst area" means. It's a very low income/high crime area. As in some homes and businesses in that area have bars on the windows.
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,145
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Post by Just T on Jul 30, 2022 15:28:57 GMT
I get her disappointment and yet… if good teachers only want to work with kids who already have all the advantages, how are kids coming from disadvantaged backgrounds ever going to have a chance? Free public education is supposed to be the great equalizer, the opportunity for upward mobility. But if only the worst teachers are willing to work with those kids… I hope she can find a way to focus on the impact she could have and find the good there, instead of focusing on disappointment. I totally agree with you. I know she will find a way to find the good and focus on being a positive, loving influence. She started out last year that way, but was quickly disillusioned, which is why her first reaction the other day was to be upset. |
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Post by pantsonfire on Jul 30, 2022 15:30:56 GMT
Many districts take the really good teachers and the up and coming teachers who learned all the new stuff that many set in their ways older close to retirement teachers don't want to learn and put them in these types of schools and classes in hopes that they will be a gift to the kids. (Sorry that was a long sentence)
No school is perfect. Kids are kids and they all deserve top notch teachers and support systems.
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,145
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Post by Just T on Jul 30, 2022 15:38:19 GMT
Many districts take the really good teachers and the up and coming teachers who learned all the new stuff that many set in their ways older close to retirement teachers don't want to learn and put them in these types of schools and classes in hopes that they will be a gift to the kids. (Sorry that was a long sentence) No school is perfect. Kids are kids and they all deserve top notch teachers and support systems. I 100% agree. |
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artbabe
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,844
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Post by artbabe on Jul 30, 2022 16:19:14 GMT
I work for a large district. We have been known to move teachers a month or two into the school year if it turns out another school doesn't have enough teachers. Those with the lowest seniority (1st and 2nd year teachers) are the first to move. I don't think it is skeevy at all- it just becomes necessary when you are balancing large populations. I understand her being disappointed though- it sucks.
I've taught in a low socio-economic school, a high socio-economic school, and now I'm in a middle of the road suburban one. I started in the low socio-economic and I really liked it. The only reason I changed was because it was an hour drive from my house. I was young and had a lot of energy so I was a good fit. My 56 year old self sadly does not have the enthusiasm, optimism, and patience my 28 year old self had.
The bad thing about more challenging schools is that there is a larger percentage of inexperienced teachers- in my district more experienced teachers end up moving laterally from the inner city schools to the suburban ones. But the newer teachers have more energy so there are good things about it, too.
I am surprised that last year she was put into an ED class. In my state you have to be a qualified intervention specialist to teach an ED class. That is terrible for the kids and the teacher to have an unqualified person in that class. ED is extremely hard- one of my best friends is our ED teacher- and the stuff she has to deal with, both parents and students...
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Post by leannec on Jul 30, 2022 16:51:31 GMT
I had to shut a student down in front of the entire class last year when he tried to accuse me of being racist towards him ... my classes are filled with students of every colour and there was no way I could let it go ... he apologized after I explained my position on the whole racism issue ... What do you mean “shut down a student front of the entire class”? What’s the “racism issue”? All of that sounds horrible but maybe I’m misunderstanding what you’re saying. Hmmm, how can I explain ... I teach in a very multicultural school ... grade 7 mainly ... always have ... I really stress the importance of tolerance and acceptance in all of my classes because without that we would not function ... This particular student is not the first to call me racist when he did not like the outcome of something ... and he is not the first that I have had to discuss racism with in front of the class because if I let him get away with it I will have it happening over and over again with other students ... The "racism issue" is that I am a white teacher who must navigate classrooms of students from many backgrounds ... I don't care if your name is Travis or Mohammed or DeSean ... I treat everyone the same because that is the basis of respect in my classroom |
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Post by busy on Jul 30, 2022 18:12:55 GMT
I get her disappointment and yet… if good teachers only want to work with kids who already have all the advantages, how are kids coming from disadvantaged backgrounds ever going to have a chance? Free public education is supposed to be the great equalizer, the opportunity for upward mobility. But if only the worst teachers are willing to work with those kids… I hope she can find a way to focus on the impact she could have and find the good there, instead of focusing on disappointment. I totally agree with you. I know she will find a way to find the good and focus on being a positive, loving influence. She started out last year that way, but was quickly disillusioned, which is why her first reaction the other day was to be upset. The previous year's situation was total bullshit - a bait and switch on the actual job duties isn't right or fair IMO. |
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,066
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Jul 30, 2022 19:47:10 GMT
She needs to make the best of it. I left my current school after one year and went to a school I thought would be so great! Um, nope. Fortunately I left on good terms and was able to go back. I left because of one particular teacher in our department (special Ed) who was so toxic that the department was a total mess. When I talked to the principal, after signing my new contract, he told me if he knew why I left he would have shared that he was not allowing her back the next year. Sped is out of the district office, not individual schools, so he could do that. She was moved to a different school in the district. Going back to my current school was the best thing I could have done. I really love it and our administration is amazing.
I’m glad she’s feeling better about it and having her own classroom must mean she’ll be teaching. I hope it goes well for her! There is such a shortage of teachers!
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,145
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Post by Just T on Jul 30, 2022 19:57:13 GMT
UPDATE Saturday:She texted me a bit ago to show me pics of her classroom so far. I asked her if she was able to meet the principal or any of the teachers, and she said she did meet the principal, she seems very nice and very involved with the school. It is only going to be her second year, but she said she loves the school. My daughter said yesterday she was working around the school and today, she was outside working on landscaping stuff.
She is fixing up her classroom so cute, and She said she is definitely feeling better about it.
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SabrinaP
Pearl Clutcher
Busy Teacher Pea
Posts: 4,467
Location: Dallas Texas
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Post by SabrinaP on Jul 30, 2022 19:58:21 GMT
Awesome!!! I just read your update. I hope she has an amazing year.
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Post by tentoes on Jul 30, 2022 20:13:44 GMT
Love your update! Especially this part: She said she is definitely feeling better about it.
I hope she has a great year.
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ddly
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,066
Jul 10, 2014 19:36:28 GMT
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Post by ddly on Jul 30, 2022 20:15:55 GMT
Great update!
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Post by Bridget in MD on Jul 30, 2022 20:34:58 GMT
UPDATE Saturday:She texted me a bit ago to show me pics of her classroom so far. I asked her if she was able to meet the principal or any of the teachers, and she said she did meet the principal, she seems very nice and very involved with the school. It is only going to be her second year, but she said she loves the school. My daughter said yesterday she was working around the school and today, she was outside working on landscaping stuff. She is fixing up her classroom so cute, and She said she is definitely feeling better about it. This is a great, positive update! I am happy things are turning around. I can understand her disappointment when she had already made a connection with the other school - but this sounds promising too! |
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 31, 2022 0:13:44 GMT
I’m glad she is starting to feel better about the situation. Hoping she has a great year!
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,667
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Jul 31, 2022 0:16:21 GMT
Good for her! I'm sending all my best wishes for her to have a wonderful year.
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Post by putabuttononit on Jul 31, 2022 0:21:24 GMT
Happy update!
I was just going to say it might be a great experience, just different. She’s going to SHINE. Those lucky kids ❤️
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Post by anniefb on Jul 31, 2022 1:46:37 GMT
Great update!
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Post by scrapmaven on Jul 31, 2022 1:49:06 GMT
Happy update indeed. Classrooms for elementary kids can be so cute and creative. I wish your dd a great year ahead.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,366
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jul 31, 2022 2:04:28 GMT
Love the update. I'm in somewhat the same situation. 22 years at a school I thought I would retire from after 40 years, awesome team, loved the kids, my own kids were transferred there by my choice from the county we live in. I was told that I had to move sites/grades- my choices were high school biology/math or continuation high school science/math. I cried, I fell apart, it wasn't fair, I was done dirty (I am pretty sure the "resolution" that got me moved was put in place by specific people who wanted me out), I had anxiety, I was a mess. Up until this past Friday, I would walk into my new room (that was a DISASTER) at the new school, look around, sigh, walk out. Friday I decided I needed to get in there and own the room. So, Friday morning, I moved stuff around, I put stuff away, I pulled tape and staples off the walls, I broke a table sliding it (oops) and had to get the custodial crew in there to fix it, I had my ID card picture taken and now have my new ID card so I guess I'm now official. I have a HUGE list of things I need to get done before the kids show up Friday 8/5 and training M-Th but I'm feeling better. I will absolutely miss my crew (there is ONE other teacher besides me), my own kids have moved back to our home district and started school on Wednesday and are doing well with it, my new principal is AMAZING and supportive, all will be good. I just needed time to throw my temper tantrum and then dig in on it. These kids need me, I think I need them to bring my passion for teaching back. I have 12 years before I am thinking about retiring- that puts me at 36 years of teaching. I may go more, who knows. My classes are 12-18 students aged 16-18 who are credit deficient. I can teach the material any way I want. I don't have to stick to standards. The kids get a high school completion diploma, not one that will allow them to attend a 4 year college. Many have heart wrenching stories and I don't even know most of them yet. I will have a few of my own past students this year and in the coming years. Each year I will most likely know a few of the kids until I retire since the site I was at was a K-8 and I knew most of the kids. Your DD will absolutely rock this year as will I. In June, we can celebrate one year of crazy life down. |
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Post by leannec on Jul 31, 2022 2:28:39 GMT
Your DD will absolutely rock this year as will I. In June, we can celebrate one year of crazy life down.  I will sit on the bench with the two of you! I have been very ill and on sick leave since the beginning of May ... ill since March ... I won't even go into what could be causing my symptoms but many are stress related ... so frustrating  Last year really was a shitshow for me ... I'm trying to go in with a great attitude this year ... I need to |
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Post by callmenutz on Jul 31, 2022 4:10:03 GMT
What a wonderful update! I hope your daughter ends up having a great year. My daughter is also a teacher and works for SSD.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,366
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jul 31, 2022 5:33:18 GMT
Your DD will absolutely rock this year as will I. In June, we can celebrate one year of crazy life down. I will sit on the bench with the two of you! I have been very ill and on sick leave since the beginning of May ... ill since March ... I won't even go into what could be causing my symptoms but many are stress related ... so frustrating  Last year really was a shitshow for me ... I'm trying to go in with a great attitude this year ... I need to I’ll scooch over to make room! This year will be great! |
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Post by mollycoddle on Jul 31, 2022 10:10:30 GMT
Nice update!
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 31, 2022 11:13:07 GMT
Sheesh, my daughter just can't catch a break. I feel so bad for her right now! If you remember my other threads, she has been dealing with some pretty severe stomach issues, and she still doesn't have a diagnosis. She also finished her first year of teaching, in a job that she was greatly misled about. She was hired about this time last year and was told she was going to be an "interventionist" in an elementary school, mainly helping kids who had gotten behind because of Covid and home learning. The job was in a school district that is not great, very low socioeconomic area, but she went into it excited, thinking that she would really be able to help kids who needed it. Then, she found out on the first day of new teacher orientation, that her title was Behavior Specialist. She is NOT a special ED teacher. She still kept an open mind, but had a terrrible, horrible very bad year. Mainly because the administration of the school just dumped kids in her room who were trouble makers, and she had no training for that. I felt so bad for her; she was in tears all the time, and just kept biding her time until she could apply for a classroom teaching job in the spring. She was offered a job right away, at a school district that is not great, but her particular elementary school was supposedly the top rated one in the district in the best area of that suburb. She has been sooooo excited about it all summer. She has been involved with a chat group of other 2nd grade teachers in the school and has gotten to know them all, and the principal, it is literally 5 minutes from where she recently moved in with her boyfriend. She has been buying things all summer to fix up her classroom. The first day for new teachers is this coming Monday. She called me yesterday in tears. The principal of the school, the one who hired her, called her to tell her that due to a shortage of teachers in that district, they are moving her to a different elementary school. It is literally in the worst areas of the district. Where it is was considered a not so great area when I was in school in the 70s and 80s, so you can imagine what it's like now. She literally JUST signed her contract on Wednesday, then the very next day, they tell her this. Is this a common tactic??? She keeps telling me, "Mom, I can't do it!!" I am pretty sure if she knew before she signed her contract that they were moving her to this school, she probably wouldn't have signed it. Mainly due to her experience last year. I am trying to encourage her, remind her that they are just little kids (still 2nd grade which is her favorite age of kids). I tell her it will be different this year because she is the classroom teacher, not just the teacher they get sent to when they are in trouble, etc. I feel so terrible for her. She has been sooooo excited all summer. And now, she is going into a school where she has never been and doesn't even know the principal. My daughter is the sweetest thing. She adores little kids and has been so excited for her first real teaching job. She was so disillusioned last year that she almost didn't even apply for a new job for this year. I hate that she is only going into her second year of teaching and is already so down. Can anyone give me some tips, or resources, I can share with her? I know she will do her best no matter what, she is just really upset right now, and I hate that for her. Last Friday, we met for a walk and breakfast, and she was just giddy and so excited for the school year to begin. UPDATE Saturday:She texted me a bit ago to show me pics of her classroom so far. I asked her if she was able to meet the principal or any of the teachers, and she said she did meet the principal, she seems very nice and very involved with the school. It is only going to be her second year, but she said she loves the school. My daughter said yesterday she was working around the school and today, she was outside working on landscaping stuff. She is fixing up her classroom so cute, and She said she is definitely feeling better about it. I am so glad she's feeling better about her new situation. I hope she has a wonderful experience this year! |
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Post by scrapmaven on Jul 31, 2022 16:14:52 GMT
We both raised teachers and I think that's cool. Nice job, mama.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,975
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jul 31, 2022 16:17:50 GMT
She has an amazing opportunity to build a classroom community and have an awesome year. Second graders are so bright and eager to learn. They want love and lots of it - no matter what their background. They want structure. They want a safe place. And she can easily provide all of that! Yes, there will be challenges. I’m not going to sugar coat it. But unlike in a wealthier school, they probably won’t come from the parents. Give me a seven year old with some behavior issues over a parent determined to make your life miserable every day of the week. I didn’t start out to write an essay here, but I guess I did! I was a special ed teacher back in the day— most of my placements were similar to your DD’s, or worse. I did teach in a few regional centers where the really “bad” kids were sent because it was cheaper than creating a class for them in the public school setting. Getting a 5 year old who was deemed “too impaired” for a traditional self contained special Ed classroom was heartbreaking. 5 years old!! Gosh, I loved every one of those kids! They weren’t bad at all, they just had specific needs and learning styles that weren’t being met. Foe this age group in particular, structure is the single most important thing. If the kids can walk into the room and know that we will do circle first, and sing the same welcoming song, and then move on to.. well you get the picture. It can be boring for a teacher, but it helps the kids feel SAFE. When they know exactly what will happen, they can relax and enjoy the day. A consistent behavior management plan is also key. Each child needs to know, if I do this, then x will happen. Every time. No emotion from the teacher, except perhaps disappointment. The consequences for behavior are always consistent, even if it’s just receiving or losing a sticker. Then back to business. A hug or high five at the end of the day means no matter what happened today, tomorrow is a fresh start. Never hold over a disciplinary action for the next day. The single biggest message to these kids is that you are safe here, and I will like you no matter what you do. I may not like a behavior, but I like YOU. Somebody upthread said that teachers are actors. It is so true. When the classroom door opens in the morning, you slap on that happy grin and welcome in your little group of adventurers in a way that each one believes they have made your day just by showing up. School is for learning, and the first thing kids need to learn is that they are safe, appreciated and valued. I’m going to pass on my special secret tip to your daughter. Don’t laugh! Once they’ve settled in, and personalities begin to develop, there will be that one kid who hates doing math/reading/whatever and acts up instead of finishing an assignment. I discovered by accident one year that this particular age group will do just about anything for you if they think you might FAINT with excitement when you see their work. I started out by just learning back on a desk with my hand on my forehead and saying, “oh my gosh, this is so wonderful, I think I might faint!!” It is so silly but they just loved it. The most hardened of my students would rush to finish their work and hand it to me with a shy smile…hoping that I might faint. Hilarious. One year my class included a severely autistic non-verbal 10 year old. He was placed in my class of 5-8 year olds because he couldn’t speak. He was actually quite advanced, and could read at a very high level, but just wasn’t comfortable with verbal language. One day he spoke a couple of words, and I was so excited, I “fainted” right down onto the floor. He really needed that over exaggeration to realize his speech had an impact on the world around him. By the end of the year, he could, and did, speak in short sentences. But the bigger takeaway was that all the other kids would also work their tails off to get me to faint on the floor. Lol. Fun times. Your daughter is embarking on a wonderful adventure. It does stink that she was switched at the last minute, and it will be HARD, but she’s going to be the captain of a very amazing ship! You sound like you were/are a terrific teacher. |
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