Any Teachers Out There?
 

After reading another thread..

After reading another thread I noticed there are a few (maybe more) teachers out there. I am currently a senior (graduate in December '05) and want to hear any stories or advice from those currently in the field..this pertains to any situations the good, the bad, the ugly..

Don't forget to include the grade level you teach..this ought to be good for those thinking about entering the field..I know I always love some good advice..

i second this topic. however, perhaps we can do this as a PM thing? i dont know if this should be a full on thread.

nonetheless, i am an upcoming junior who would like to teach as well. i tutor math at a junior high school, so i get 2 sides of the coin. while there are good days (ex. when one of my kids tells me ill be a great teacher someday), there are bad ones as well (like today, going into work with a fever AND super congested, AND having to mediate kids with all sorts of problems)

however, im not a full-on teacher, so i cant give the full perspective. i would like to hear stories as well.

(and yes, i did a search on this topic)

I used to teach. :D

Keep it as a thread. Don't PM me about teaching PUHLEASE!!! I am too hot and tired to respond further right now.

I don't advise anyone to enter the profession. Not that I would try to deter anyone from their dreams/goals. I am just saying that I would never encourage anyone that was undecided, unemployed, etc. to enter the profession. I am a special education teacher and the job is NOT fun. My situation is a special case because I teach at a residential treatment center. To simplify it, it's a mini-jail for kids. They live at the facility and are wards of state. They all have "sick." In other words, they are crazy and aren't getting the "treatment" that they need. Considering my situation, I can't generalize to other places, but I have classes with teachers at other schools and it seems to be a mess everywhere.

There are trials and tribulations DAILY!! Out of nine months, I can't recall one good day. I am not going to say that I haven't had one, but if I had, it's been so long ago that I can't remember. From my experience, I have realized a few points:

• The public education system is failing
• Most children are NOT interested in learning
• Parents are NOT involved like they need to be
• We are highly underpaid for the work we do
• Some people's children make you want to stab them

I am sure that teachers in better districts and teachers in private/parochial schools have a better experience. I can not make it as a classroom teacher. I am all for educating kids, but I don't think that everyone is cut out for teaching. It takes lots of patience and drive. It takes a lot out of you. You must be able to deal with stress and pressure. We must realize that these kids are NOT like we were during our school days. They say and do things in school that we would NEVER dream of doing. It's a new breed of kids. Be prepared!

I have taught at many different levels over the past few years, elementary, highschool, and post secondary. Currently, I teach at a college. I agree with Redefined on some points. This is a different breed of student, and they do things that you and I would never have done in the classroom. The work is demanding and so draining, and it is very rare that you will receive any sort of positive feedback from the students that you are working with (not that it does not happen, but it is rare). However, it is not as bleak as it seems.
One piece of advice that I can offer is to make sure that it is the work in itself that fulfills you. Don't expect the students you teach to make the job worthwhile. If you are looking from some sort of validation from your students, you probably will be very disappointed.
It might be helpful if you tell us what grades you are thinking about teaching. Different grade levels present different challenges, though there is some advice that is useful across the board.
I will post more later.

I would agree mostly with this post.


I teach in a private institution (Catholic elementary school) I teach all grades (Pre-K-8th) in art and I have to deal with the different attitudes of each student. I cannot attest to the public educational system because I haven't taught in it and I refuse to teach in it. I've heard too many horror stories. Not only should you not expect recognition from the students but you're lucky if you get it from your collegues or bosses.

Ok, I've just had a really bad day so I need to focus on the good side. I'll return tomorrow.

:(

While I agree that in some cases the public education system is failing and that children are not interested in learning (the two points that I can remember) you must look at the causes....

This comes from the sometimes heated discussions that we have in our Education Foundations class..

Whose fault would you say that it is that the system is failing..personally I think it's due to the lax requirements of teachers. In some states, probably a lot, people from other fields not related to education are not required to have any hands-on-experience in the classroom before hand..I can remember my teacher saying how unfair it is that you can be a teacher with a degree in any field but it's impossible for a teacher with a degree in education to become a doctor..just like we would need more training they do also..and believe me I know I've gotten lots of training..(staying up late doing portfolios filled with lesson plans)...shoot you would get beat up coming into one of our classes telling us that education is an easy major..

Second point sort of relates to the first..could it be that students are not interested in learning because the teachers dont give them new and exciting ways to learn and use the textbook as their only guides..with the strict guidelines now teachers are forced to teach to the test and it leaves them no time to teach about things that children are actually interested in..and also students are uninterested in learning because they have teachers who dread coming to work and find no enjoyment in the field..

Strictly my opinions and definitely open for discussion...

As points of reference, there are several threads in the AKA forum regarding education, teaching, educators.

I am a teacher (few days away from vacation), but my (and my fellow cohorts in Education) sentiments have been expressed in several of these threads.

Good Luck!

This has been interesting reading. I can say that I have NEVER heard any one just straight out say DON'T DO IF YOU CAN AVOID IT, lol. I'm also an education major, for Early Childhood/Special Education, and I'll be done in May 05. From what I've seen so far, the system IS a mess, but its been a mess for a while now, AT LEAST the past 5-8 years in particular. These kids are VERY brand new (I heard a little 4 year old lookin kid outside my window talking about a missed sexual experience because the girl didn't want to that day. He was TINY, and cussed throughout the entire story). They kids are new because the parents are new. These kids now are the "kids of kids", all those teen mothers' kids are growing up. They're also the kids of the "working woman" (with no time), the "babydaddy" (no complete families), the "MTVBETLiljohnLudacrisshakeyotailfeatherinatho ng" era (where its cute to be a ho), and a multitude of other bad experiences that are shaping these kids into the little monsters that they are.

I'd have to say that the poor state of education has many roots: triflin and/or busy parents, poorly/non trained teachers, school boards made up of people that have never been in a classroom and/or don't even have kids, no money, etc. I think that since we as people can't control what parents do and who has children, I think the main thing that needs to be done is to train teachers to TEACH, not follow a pre-designed curriculum, but CREATE, find intersting, innovative ways to deliver information so kids will like it. That's ahlf the problem there.

Then, give teachers the money they need to do this, both in salary and school budget. Next, get rid of these idiots that are running the school system and put teachers and administrators that have been in the game and been successful in those seats, so the people leading aren't lost, dazed and amazed as they all seem to be.

Teaching is a CALLING. True, I wouldn't advise anyone unsure to do it, not because its hard, but because these kids have enough teachers that don't want to be there and don't care (present company excluded). Even some people who PURPOSELY go into education go in expecting a utopia and are sorely disappointed when it never comes. I don't have any ridiculous expectations going into this, because I know that kids are naturally egocentric and won't always see and appreciate what you do for them, they're not at the age to understand all that yet (at least for my age range, birth to age 8). And I have stopped hoping for others approval on stuff, I don't care really. My reward comes when lil Johnny can finally say his ABCs, or Keisha can finally tie her shoes. They may not thank me or be particularily excited, but I will be FOR them, because I know what big steps they are making. THAT's why I'M in it. For the little things.

I know I'll have a long road to travel, but I really can't see myself doing anything else.
:D

The main suggestions I can offer from what I've seen is

• Keep parents thoroughly informed
• Keep copies of ALL their work
• Apply EVERYTHING as much as possible to the "Real World"
• Use technology, such as LeapPads, to make things interesting
• Use learning centers to have on-the-side learning experiences and to enhance your curriculum
• Leave as much work as you can AT SCHOOL
• Have a good sense of humor, try to stay light
• DON'T TEACH SUMMER SCHOOL! You'll need a break.
• Go to grad school, its more money for you!

That's all I can think of at the moment.:D

I can agree with 2D and say that this topic has been brought up many times on the Ave. and my (same) sentiments have been expressed over there. I just can't resist telling people that you MUST be prepared for what you are about to do.

Dang BirthaBlue..I got chills just reading your post..you are Sooo right in all that you said and I totally agree with you in every aspect..

I think I'll be satisfied with just getting kids to know words to the pledge of allegiance or the preamble..rather than the whole Lil Flip CD cuss words included..what a generation it will be..but I think I'm ready..

I've already learned more about myself while being a student observer..and I know that kids are definetly going to leave saying ooh she's mean but I think no I am sure that when they get farther in life I'll be one of those teachers they can remember..too many teachers trying to be your friend and make it easy rather than prepare you for whats to come..

Great comments!!I did a search and looked for similar topics but found them relating to specific issues..anyone find something the same post the link and we can continue discussion there..got to get to work!

Hey, I just tell it like it is! And that is TOO true, a lot of teachers think that if the kids like them and they let them get away with stuff, then its all good. And its not. You SHOULD get close to your students, but from JUMP STREET you need to have your rules and expectations and routines outliined and NEVER waiver from them, NO EXCEPTIONS. They'll know you don't take no stuff when it come to what you want, but that you're still a cool person.

Teaching and Grad School??!!
 

Okay this question is for those who have had the experience or anyone who has some suggestions...

I graduate in December (half way through the school year) and am curious as to if there will be any openings at this time in a public school system. If so, do you think (from experience or just opinion) that a first year teacher can/could handle teaching and grad. school at the same time. Me and a friend have been debating as to what to do. We talked about possibly getting a Teacher's Aide job for that spring semester as to not jump right into the field and start taking some grad courses. What is the best thing? Anyone have any opinions??

Depending on what area you live in and the teacher job situation, youmay be able to get a position. The aide route may be a good idea for the spring. As for grad school, I'd suggest you go crucially part time for the first year (one class) to see how it goes, or not do any classes until the second half of your first year of teaching. You need time to get acclimated to your new life!

Re: Teaching and Grad School??!!
 

Well, I graduated in December 2001, and I started working as a permanent full time teacher the day after I graduated. I think it (finding a permanent position) depends on what field you are entering. You will be more likely to find a position if you are certified to teach in a critical shortage area. In addition, I started grad school that January. I teach full time, and attend graduate school full time (Two more semesters to go!). Many teachers do that, and it CAN be done, but you need to be disciplined. Your first year is when you TRULY learn what it is to be a teacher. Personally, I suggest waiting a while to see what you want to study....you grow so much as a professional in those first years. What you were interested in as an undergrad/new graduate can completely change after just one year in the system. It happened to me. (That's why I am still in grad school)

I enjoy teaching. Last school year, I taught Special Education Lang. Arts, Reading, and Math to sixth grade resource students in an inner city school. Yes, the pay isn't all that great (it's okay to me....I"m not complaining...we get paid more than the surrounding districts), the kids are ruthless (one of the teachers at my school got stabbed in the hand last year....I had to literally dang near cuss out a chronic class cutter out for constantly disrupting my room), and the hours are long (your work day does NOT end when the bell rings, lol) but the reward for me is when I see my students "get it". I especially enjoy seeing when they really get into the projects I give them, and they see their end result. One of my students was so proud of a project that she did that she took it around to EVERY SINGLE TEACHER that she had in the building. So yes, there are some rewards to teaching.

I am strongly against someone entering the field without a degree in Education. I that it is necessary to take curriculum, psychology, and education courses AS WELL AS complete multiple internships in order to be halfway successful at teaching. I am all for reforming the requirements of an entering teacher. In addition, you must have PATIENCE....because you will see that these kids will try your nerves.....be it by not understanding what you are teaching, after you've explained it 10 times....or by just doing dumb ish.

I guess what I am saying is, don't go into education unless you truly love it. If you don't truly love teaching, you will be one of those bitter teachers sitting in the faculty lounge just as mad as ever EVERY SINGLE DAY, or one of the ones that try to sneak out early on the regular.


One additional tip: When you do your field experiences, try to go to different types of schools (inner city, suburban, predominantly black, predominantly white, etc.) to get a feel for what's out there.

If you have any other questions...feel free to PM me.

**clapping for BB4***First, let me say that I am a supporter of public education, however, my opinion is that the American education system is antiquated and is in need of reform. We are trying to reach kids in the 21st century with 20th century methods. No school (teacher) can be effective without these things:active parents, money, and more money. We, as a society, continue to run from the problems instead of coming up with solutions to fix them. It seems we are trying to please parents who know their kids need meds/or xyz problem but refuse to put them in classes that will help them. Our classes are already overcrowded and understaffed.
A lot of teachers tend to run out to suburbia because the kids are "better". IMO, the kids are not better is just that the environment is different; so you are dealing with a kid that has been exposed to a different situation.

I always tell new teachers: teach to the culture of your building. That is so important. If ReRe and RayRay don't know the difference between a tea cup and a saucer then relate to him/her what he can understand than things that are far-fetched from what they know. If Bill and Sue's mom drive a Benz and the nannies take care of them after school, make learning for them diverse.

Remember, ALL KIDS CAN LEARN! TOO many teachers are quick to dismiss a child for what they lack in understanding because we ASSUME that mama/daddy is teaching them at home. If you plan to teach (surburbs or not) you WILL be a parent, teacher, counselor, nurse, confident, friend, etc.
Teach to grasp minds, make influences, and although you won't save every kid, you will reach the lives of many!

If this isn't the truth... Nowadays, you have to assume that the parents AREN'T TEACHING THEM ANYTHING AT HOME, because that's how they act. We DO have to teach manners, and respect, and other "character" issues that should be the job of the parents, but they aren't doing it. And we can't assume they know basic information. My best friend, who teaches social studies/history/government was in a middle school last year. He had a disscussion with one student, in which the student asked him how would somebody get from Mexico to China? Its a long ride to go all the way around Africa. To which my best friend was stunned, the little boy, in 7TH GRADE, DID NOT KNOW THAT THE EARTH WAS ROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a very true story. The student's class had had a long term sub the year before and who knows what before that.

So, this is the state of the children today, we have to take all this into account when we go in. Its not ALL this bad, but a lot of it is.

Do you know how?
 

Okay I'm asking some help from some experienced teachers out there..

There is a class that I must take next semester that is being offered this summer...and EVERYONE has questions about assignments that the lady gives. I am continuously doing research to find the information for not only their benefit but for mine..she doesn't teach the information only assigns the work to be done..(she took the previous teacher's syllabus and changed the title page..the former teacher is outraged and refuses to help her interpret his information and answer any questions she may have..do you blame him?)

Okay I said all that to say...does anyone know how to write an ability-level lesson plan. I know different states have different formats but just a generalization would be a start. Thanks..

Well, going from what I assume she needs, this would be your regular lesson plan format, but you would include any accomodations needed. You would make the accomodations for below level, on level, and above level, as a basic guideline. Since she can't give you a format, I'd either use columns, or Just subhead each section to include your accomodations for each. I haven't done a formal lesson of this particular nature, but I have done them for special education, and for inclusive education, and this is as far as we're required to go.


EXAMPLE:

Below Level On Level Above Level

I.Focus/Warm-up
II.Statement of Objective(s)
III.Materials
IV. Vocabulary
V.Introduction and Developmental Activities
VI.Guided Practice
VII.Independent Practice
VIII.Assessment
IX.Closure

Or add a section that provides for accomodations for the lesson, after the activities.

Hope that helps some!. I'll PM you an actual sample

:D

I just want to give MAD PROPS to anyone who teaches and/or used to teach. My sister is a teacher and i remember her horror stories of teaching. I know that it's rough and the government doesn't help at all. But teachers have a wonderful profession and I surely believe that you all are underpaid. I have always been an advocate of teachers and will always contribute to any teachers' association.

Ok just wanted to share that....:D

teaching is what i've always wanted to do. i don't think i'm going to pursue it right after college, but it is in my plans.

i just think it's a shame that teaching is one of the lower paying professions....who taught all of those big executives and all the other highly-paid people? clearly they didn't learn everything themselves. so why are the pay gaps so big? it behooves me:confused:

language arts ideas
 

Are there any language arts teachers out there?????? If so why not share some of your teaching strategies or ideas for the parts of speech. This is my second year teaching and I would love to hear ideas that you have. I normally start school of with prepositions and teach them the preposition song that goes with Yankee Doodle. I teach 6th grade so they are somewhat still babies. Come on Soror's and friends share your info!!!!

I was a long-term substitute teacher (about 6 weeks) in a 7th grade math class in PG county, MD and I have one word for that experience--NIGHTMARE. If you think teaching can be bad, substitute teaching is a whole other can of worms. I taught English in China for a year and a half, and it was a challenging experience but I really enjoyed it. Now I am going to start teaching nursery school, and I am VERY excited about it. I did volunteer work in a head start classroom my senior year, and I loved every second of it, so maybe I am really cut out for the younger age group. God BLESS those that are cut out for MIDDLE SCHOOL teaching. You MUST have a special gift that I don't possess lol.

FOR REAL. I can't teach middle school, I'd have to shank them little heathens. :mad:

(What school were you at?)

That's why I try to keep sharp objects away from my hands. I even try not to handle my "teacher scissors" because I'm liable to go "Psycho" up in that class one day.

teaching used to be one of the highest paid professions, up there with medicine and law. this was a lonnnnng time ago--when men dominated the profession. as women started entering the priofession, it (as with most things) lost its prestige. now the only way to get decently paid from teaching is in higher ed, but you must be really on top of your stuff. and of course into that sorta thing.

and i hope im going to be blessed with "the gift" cause i want to go into middle school teaching. perhaps college, but well see.

As an urban school educator for several years, the best thing I can advice you is to specialize within the field of education for example either in early childhood or special education, the opportunities are much greater than in elementary education, also do not plan to come to the midwest especially Cleveland, Ohio budget cuts are rampant I'm probaly going to have to relocate down south just to get with a major school system. There has been a hiring freeze here in Cleveland for two years! just when I got my license renewed! go figure. I probaly advise someone young not to go into education unfortunately because of the politics of this field-unless you specialize in the above mentioned areas that I mentioned. Other than the politics of it I've had some memorable events each class gets tougher with each passing year but there are some students lives I have touched like the boy who got fifteen suspensions last year but did not have any this year in my classroom, the students who did not know their pre-primer sight words upon entering my class who now know them plus those words on first grade level and the student who failed second grade and could barely read now knows his second grade sight words and is the most improved in reading!

Man Lady of Pearl you and BB get me so excited..I am sitting here now prolonging my assignment of creating a flannel board to go with a story..(I've chosen Once a Mouse--a Caldecott Medal Book)..anywho those are some great accomplishments and keep up the work..those are my goals once I actually get into the classroom..

On the other hand..to 9nmac04dst for parts of speech ideas..one thing I think most teachers advocate is hands on learning...since early childhood is my focus I probably would have some "baby" ideas too..I would just suggest making it real to them..human sentences (each child get a word in a sentence and have a discussion about the parts of the sentence) or even pulling a text out of something they enjoy reading..Harry Potter or something and finding the parts of speech that your are focusing on..for other ideas search the web..that's where I get my start from then tweek it to ur class or to your style of teaching..

I'm pretty sure ur all familiar with these sites...but these are my favorites when I'm in a bind
Teach-nology
Lesson Plans Page

I'm out..I've got another question but I will post it later..got to do some work..

Teaching is a very good field... just remember a few points.

-Your first year of teaching will probably be hard, due to the fact
that you have to get a good flow of your lessons and your
teaching style. Don't be surprised if you're the first one to work
and the one of the last ones to leave; it's not always 9-5.

-You will have to learn how to interact with parents(even the
crazy ones):rolleyes: I've had parents want to call me at my
house.WTH. It's all about balance... after a certain point you'll
be able to discern the ones who aren't "wrapped tight".:p

***Behavior Management***

This is the area where you've really got to be consistent -kids will try you- and if you don't nip misbehavior in the bud, your whole classroom will be in disarray. Be strict first, then if you have a good set of students, lighten up and give them more freedom.

-Say what you mean and mean what you say. Ex: If you have a due date for an assignment in your class -let it be that. I've gotten excuses from I fell asleep; to a parent telling me that they couldn't buy their child any paper because they spent too much money on Cannabis. Yet their child is the main one trunked down in SEAN JOHN and Air Force Ones. Oh please you can keep that!!!:cool:

***Finally***

Have your own life outside of the classroom -when you do other things besides teach, you're not as frustrated once you get to work.

Are there any school social workers out there?

Movin' on Up
 

Any 4th or 5th grade teachers out there? Looking for advice, tips, etc.

My principal wants me to move me up but I REALLY don't want to.

Not a teacher in your grade level, but I am a new teacher here, so I thought I'd just say "hey". I'll be teaching Kindergarten Special Ed. If anyone here is in sped, I accept any and all advice that you have to give!

I was a K-12 teacher for seven years. Taught grades 5-8 for two years, and grades 9-12 for five years. I wanted to remain in the classroom for at least two decades, but life had other plans for me.

I'm now a graduate student instructor (also known as a teaching assistant) in my university's school of education. I have supervised student teachers and pre-student teachers, and taught multicultural education, as well as children's literature.

Missam05 & others, my dissertation is actually about classroom management. PM me if you want to talk more...

I loved K-12 teaching! The reason I went back to graduate school full time was because I live in a state that is going through a severe budget crisis (Michigan). I got tired of being laid off & called back.

Is anyone else planning to be at National Association of Multicultural Education (NAME) in New Orleans, or National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) in San Antonio this fall?

Sorry I'm late. Thanks for the response.

So I won't be moving up which I'm happy about but it's a brand new team so that'll be an issue to deal with.

I won't be at any of those conferences. I'm a Math/Science kinda girl..lol

I miss teaching sometimes. :(

Hello,

Its been a long time since I last posted (3 years to be exact) and this thread caught my eyes. Although I'm new to the field (my second year), I'm still learning. As of today, I wish that someone would have told me what to expect in the profession. Professors tell you what turns out to be make believe and then you get into the class and its like walking into a parallel universe. Take everyone's advice and do your research. Also, there's a book called "The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher" that you may want to read. It's not going to give you all the information, but it's a help. Good luck.

I don't know if this thread is only for teaching at grades K-12/13, but FWIW, I got hired on to teach basic business office classes at Columbus State Community College starting this fall. I'm actually looking forward to it.

I'll keep you posted on my progress and my opinions on the teaching profession.

Update
 

Just like I thought this year is the worst of my early career. (Year 3) I could go on and on about the problems but I'm working to work through it and survive. I love what I do and I will NOT let some negative people stop me from doing what I love.

How did everyone else's first semester go?

My First Semester
 

Sigh...it's been challenging. It's not even my class that is the stress giver. It's the leadership. My school isn't the best managed school it could be. My principal wants to be an A school so bad that she is copying everything from A schools except their leadership habits, which is what she should be looking at. Every school and its staff and family demographics are different. You can't just snatch up something that one school did, dont take the time to tailor it to your population and just push people to use it.

Also, we haven't met AYP (annual yearly progress) for the past 5 years. Our school letter grade dropped from last year. We've become a focus school for the district and state, who have been doing visits. We got good feedback but we have to wait and see if we meet the goals at the end of the year. If we do, great; no changes to our school. If we don't, we get restructured and the district or state guts out our school and rehires positions.

I almost want it to be restructured so we can get better leadership with proper organization skills. But, I also like most of my co-workers and would hate to see some let go and not offered a position back.

It's a do your best and see what happens situation.

After reading this, I wonder if we work at the same school. I promise this describes my school perfectly!