I taught second grade for two years and lost my job in May due to a budget cut. My county was so good to me that they gave me a position at the last minute. It is teaching reading to middle school and high school students. I am not certified in those grades, but maybe I don't have to be. I did not ask, but they know my credentials as I worked for that school system already two years. Anyway, I have been busy testing and such and have not actually had students yet because they are still trying to figure out who will be in my classes. I am scared to death!!!! They said this is the first time this program has been offered and if I don't do a good job then I will have no job and they will not have a grant next year. I signed a limited contract today. I work closely with the assistant principal and asst. superintendent. Everyone at the school is nice. I just feel I lack the competency to do a good job. I barely got use to my last job and it ended. Should I quit or try and fail??
2007-08-14 13:38:55 · 13 answers · asked by just julie 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
I am bipolar and have a lot of fear.
2007-08-14 13:39:38 · update #1
You're afraid because you want so badly to do well. That tells me that you are right for the job. To be honest, you have an advantage with your elementary credential. Secondary teachers get very little instruction in teaching reading, so you're actually already ahead of the game. These students need your expertise. Help them for as long as you can.
On the other hand, sometimes these programs just don't work out and it has nothing to do with the teacher (In only 6 years experience I have seen several come and go. Talk to people who have been teaching for 20+).
I also lost a teaching job due to budget cuts once. You know what I did? I went out and got another one in a different district. There are also private schools and charter schools.
Focus on your students this year. Do not stress about what may or may not be in the future. I wish you all the luck in the world.
2007-08-16 17:29:44 · answer #1 · answered by Lilly One 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go into anything in life expecting to fail you are going to fail. But if you go into this job with a positive attitude and you do your best you will succeed. Your school has a lot of trust in you and your ability to teach. It doesn't matter if the person you are teaching is six years old or sixteen years old the skills are the same to learn to read. For one reason or another these students need help. Go for it and if you can tell yourself I did the best I could you have already succeeded.
Are you on medication for your disability? I have a couple good friends with bipolar disorder and as long as they take their medication they are fine.
Teachers are so underpaid not only with a paycheck but some times do not get the appreciation from the parents. You are the ones that give our child the skills they need to be successful. Thank you for choosing to be a teacher and go in knowing you can do this and you just may surprise yourself.
2007-08-14 16:58:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey, look at it this way. These kids already failed at learning how to read, so how will anyone know if you suck at teaching them, or they're just hopeless students?
But seriously, one poster said get books on teaching older kids, that's a great idea. You should have a good grasp of how to learn from books (well, that's what my whole college experience was), plus the two people you mentioned can be your mentors.
Finally being bipolar is not an excuse. Just go on meds and/or therapy and it should have hardly any impact on how you live your life.
2007-08-14 21:33:03 · answer #3 · answered by k 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Middle school is great.
quitting is not an option. Please think of it from a different perspective. Change your view from what you are scared of to what those kids need. These kids need a supportive and confident teacher. You have the ability to change lives. This job comes with huge responsibility. First and foremost, you need to be there for these kids.
and yes they are just kids. yes, they can be demanding, judgemental, scary to outsiders... but forgiving and caring once they decide you are there to help them.
So, here is the rub. I guarantee that you WILL feel like a failure after your first year with these kids. WHAT?!! (I know, you are looking for support)
here is my reasoning: I don't know of any teacher who after there first year in middle school says that it all went perfectly. You will be frustrated, unsure of yourself and questioning your efficacy. This is completely normal. I can also guarantee that this is positive. This means that you will be looking to improve. Things that did not go well -will be improved for try two. (or three or four) No new teacher is perfect.
So get over yourself (said in the best positive thinking) and DO something for these kids who need you.
2007-08-15 01:29:50 · answer #4 · answered by eastacademic 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try and do your best, what are you going to learn if you don't step up and swing? I am a first year Kindergarten teacher this year and not an education major-I am retired Navy, and frankly I am nervous but you can't get better or do a good job if you quit before you begin. Besides THEY hired YOU not the person next to you, so they must feel you have something to offer and confidence in your ability.
2007-08-14 14:17:07 · answer #5 · answered by OSC RETIRED 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would guess that you became a teacher because you wanted to teach. What bigger and more important challange could you have than teaching reading to kids that somehow missed the boat with reading when they were younger. Reading is so important to each and everyone of us I sure hope you try your best to help these kids. If you feel you will fail you know you will. Please change your attitude and go for it. Your being biPolar shouldn't have anything to do with anything as long as you take your meds.
2007-08-14 14:14:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your final question betrays your fears. You didn't say should I quit or try, which would be the obvious two opposite choices. You wrote, "Should I quit or try and fail??" Already prophesying your failure? You could fail or do better than you ever thought you were capable of.
A wise master once said, "Do or do not. There is no try." Ok... so that wise master was Yoda. Nonetheless, it's good zen stuff.
2007-08-14 15:31:48 · answer #7 · answered by peripatetic_dave 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well if its something u truly have a passion for, definitely go for it. and of course your going to fail with that attitude. be positive and don't put yourself down. tell yourself you can do it and most likely u will be able too. maybe take a few extra classes or go to teacher stores that sell books and look at some of the work that you'll have to teach. just stay positive ok? well good luck!
2007-08-14 13:50:55 · answer #8 · answered by jennifer c 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off look at it as you are good enough for htem to offer this job to you without the qualifications AND the school system will not put someone in their who cannot get the extra money. THEY have faith in you, use it you can do it then if you decide you dont like it then look for another job
2007-08-14 14:14:06 · answer #9 · answered by Clays mom 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to try this exciting opportunity.
I don't know how much latitude you'll have but the students will get hooked on reading if you make it relevant to their experiences and interests. There are tons of possibilities and ways to make it fun and meaningful.
Good luck !
2007-08-16 05:25:25 · answer #10 · answered by Sunny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋