I am a first year teacher. Some days are good and some are bad, and usually when they're bad, they're REALLY bad. I'm just wondering if there are any other teachers out there with more experience than me who can give me some insight on how they bounce back after one of those terrible days. Sometimes I can't bear the thought of getting up in the morning and dragging myself to work. Other times, it's a joy, but what do I do on those days when I have no energy for my job? How do you get through those days?
2007-01-18 08:49:08 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
I teach high school mathematics.
2007-01-18 09:00:27 · update #1
I love the subject, but some days dealing with administration and discipline just gets to me...
2007-01-18 09:00:55 · update #2
You really need to enjoy what you do first of all. If you hate it more days than not, you may need to find different job within your field. But, the thing that helps me the most is organization. I always make sure that I have more work than they can do in a class period. However, my first year of teaching I had a "mantra"--it was "there isn't a child in this school that I can't put up with for 96 minutes" There were days that I had to repeat that to myself MANY times. While I did do that, I do have a few other suggestions. 1. Go to www.pbs.org and find the article on the teenage brain. It really does help to understand how their brains are working. (Or maybe why they are not trying to use their brains!) 2. Those students who are driving you nuts, you need to get to know them better. Sounds insane, but, it will help you to deal with them when you know them better. And you may better understand the sassy attitude or unwillingness to do work. The student will see that you do care.
You mentioned energy. I have to make myself get enough sleep. On the days I do not, I shortchange my students. By last period, I am not a very good teacher. Some exercise can help give you more energy also.
First years are tough. There are alot of adjustments and learning what you need to teach and discovering the best way to teach it. Don't give up if you have more good days than bad days. If I didn't address what makes some days so bad, answer back and I will try again!
2007-01-18 13:33:12 · answer #1 · answered by chltnpeach 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I teach Criminal Justice at the Community College Level. Yes, in my first year as a full time professor, although I have been teaching for 2 years. I have not had a bad day as you describe. I love my job and I love going to work every day.
I guess you could always call in sick on those days that you don't feel like getting out of bed.
Could you please focus a little more on Statistics before they get to me? I don't like having to spend time reviewing math in my CJ classes before I can even get onto the matter I am trying to teach.
2007-01-18 09:11:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some evenings I go home and soak my feet in warm, fragrant water. It is surprising how much it helps. My niece who teaches 3rd grade goes home and eats an avocado, she finds it to be a good comfort food. If time allows take a different route to work, treat yourself to a special breakfast. Be good to yourself.
We all have days like those. Treat yourself kindly.
2007-01-18 08:57:32 · answer #3 · answered by dkrgrand 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Try a different grade level next yr. Try 6th, then maybe high school. You could possibly be in the wrong field all together? Maybe phychology, social work, education administrator?? who knows.. test the waters!
2007-01-18 08:57:07 · answer #4 · answered by Mystic Bell 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Snort some crack.
2007-01-18 08:57:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋