Well everyone, this week was my first week as a new teacher. I am teaching 5th Grade Special Ed. and even though I knew it was going to be rough, I had NO IDEA what I was in for!!!!!!
I only have 5 kids so far, but they are a handful! I have two of the worst kids in the school and they all suffer from learning disabilities AND behavioral disorder. I've had kids walk out of the classroom as well as one of them threaten to jump out of the window. Needless to say, I cried once and threatened to quit twice already!! Luckily my best friend works with me and she was able to talk me out of doing anything rash!!!
Anyway, if there are any other teachers here who can offer insight or perhaps any words of advice, that would be great. I know it's all about adjusting and finding my inner teacher, but words on how to remain patient during the rough times would be great!!!
Hope you guys all had a great week!!!!
tinadansr
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Re: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
my mom was a special ed teacher for 33 years so i dont' envy you at all.................but just remember to keep your cool ............. I done kknow how she did it but 33 years is a long time...............good luck!
MrsDtoBe09
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Re: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
I have a 7th grade CTT class this year and I've heard stories about how wild some of the special ed kids are in that class. So far they've all been on their best behavior but I'm sure that will change.
This is my third year of teaching. It gets easier. I remember crying almost every day of my first year on the car ride home. Take it one day at a time. Ask for help where ever you can. DON'T GIVE UP!
Ann 52409
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Re: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
I really dont know what to say..... I'm not a teacher but, hang in there I'm sure it will get better soon
TlovesD
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Re: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
I'm a Kindergarten teacher. All i have to say is i give you a lot of credit for what you do and a lot of I know it's difficult!! hang in there and I really hope you have help in that classroom (I'm assuming you do). Don't give up!!
DonnaPWhite1124
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Re: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
wow sounds like you had a rough week...I dont know what its like to be a teacher, but normally after a rough week of work, or just after being stressed out, I like to enjoy a few cocktails on the weekend! That might help..
MrsDrinkh20
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Re: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
Dont panic...I know i teach music, but I have a 5th grade special ed class that gives me trouble ...(its the same teacher each year and he has no control...) I had anxiety attacks everytme i saw them last year. But hang in there...it won't always be this way. You will get stronger, develop your own style and they will get used to the way things work. It will be ok and think about the amazin impact you can have on them!
DonnaPWhite1124
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Re: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
I give teachers credit all the time. People always say its easy but I think otherwise, its an emotionally and intellectually challenging job!
Aristotelina
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Thanks so much ladies!!!
It's definitely a VERY difficult job!! I was in corporate America for 7 years and NOTHING that I did there prepared me for this!! And even though the kids are hard to handle, at the end of the day I feel SO bad for them. I try to keep in mind that most of the time they can't help but act the way they do--it's so sad.
I had a few glasses of wine last night and played Cranium with my girlfriends and that definitely helped ease my mind. I'm happy to hear that some of the fellow teachers on here also experienced bouts of crying, etc on their first year--believe it or not, it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only one!! LOLOLOLOL
Thanks so much again gals!!! I can't wait until I'm adjusted a little bit better so I can get back to planning!!
little34
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Re: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
You have to set the rules and rewards of the class early that way when they are flipping out you stay calm and say...you will not be able to do such and such until you calm down. Just stay calm, even though inside you want to scream, and you'll get through it...they are just testing you to see what they can get away with.
MikeandJess
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Re: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
funny you say that, my friend's mother taught special ed. and a kid DID jump out the window and that's when she quit. She went into some corporate job for TWENTY years and hated it. She recently went back to teaching and wished she never left. I hope this makes you reconsider quitting!
Ms SunnShinne
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Awww God bless
Aristotelina
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WOW Mike and Jess--that's so terrible about that kid.
I definitely won't give up--I might cry and complain, but I won't give up!!
I actually did set up a reward system for both individual rewards and group rewards. Friday was our first 'free period' complete with Ice Cream--it definitely motivated them!!
Thamks soooo much ladies!!! You guys rock!
Fall BZ 2009
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Definetely... give you credit and to all the teachers!
I'm not a teacher but can relate, this was also my first week of school...going to school for my RN! It's exciting but an intense program, to say the least!
We both just have to HANG in there!
kabo0831
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Re: MY FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
good luck this week, I know my mom is one too and you need to have alot of patients with these kids. take it easy it will all work out for the better and then the kids will love you even more.
