I have been extremely stressed for the past several months. Some days it's not as bad as others. I am in the midst of so many changes after 31 years of teaching, and I am not one who is opposed to change. I like variety, but it gets to the point where it becomes one new change after another with no time to get used to the change before. We are under a great deal of pressure to improve our state test scores; that's enough stress right there with constant meetings and disecting of previous scores and plans for failing students. We now have been given a new math series to help us which we are slowly getting accomodated to. Then we are told we need to pass in monthly samples of open response questions we are using in the classroom. Today we went in and were told starting after vacation we need to pass our planbooks in every two weeks and that we are going to not only write the plans but the purpose (objective) of each lesson and the state curriculum framework strand it addresses. I have 29 kids in my class, of which 5 are Title 1, 1 Sped , and four ESL. That's a big part of my stress. I have over-zealous parents who question every time their child gets less than an A or B. I could go on and on. I am now on anti-anxiety medication and I still feel anxious almost 24/7. I sleep, eat, dream, wake thoughts of school. I have about 4 years left till retirement, but am seriously thinking of leaving early, getting a 40 hour a week job (summers included) and the start collecting my pension in 4 years. I know administration is getting it from the higher-ups and passing it all down to us, but it is really getting to me. Also, I have a Masters plus 60 credits and was not highly qualified until I finisheed a 10 hour workshop on science. And so it goes with the constant courses for recertification. I know I am going on, but I don't feel like there are a lot of people in my shoes that are really getting sick from their job. Can anyone out there relate? Or has anyone decided to leave a little earlier from this whirlwind career?
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I've About Had It!
- Thread starter Gavintine
- Start date
Bonnie gr. 2
Full Member
I can relate
Last year my grade level partner and I were feeling the same way. The district reading coach was coming in to see guided reading and make suggestions, we had a new computer program to check our e-mail and we were supposed to learn how to use the authoring tool to post lesson plans and units, we had other software for computerized report cards but no training, etc. Everyone was asking us to do more but no one realized what the other was asking us to do. Lots of stress. And we had 27 kids in our classes. So I can relate.
We already hand in our planbooks weekly. We have to put in an objective and procedure but it doesn't have to be long or detailed. We also have to have the curriculum guide page and the state core standard. Fortunately, this doesn't take long.
This year is better. We haven't had to do any more writing of units on the computer, the report card program works most of the time (with some problems), and the reading coach has actually been reassuring about what we are doing. There is still pressure to improve test scores, although the 3rd and 4th graders in our school did very well and almost all passed. Now we are expected to get them to be advanced proficient.
Hang in there. When you get a good class, you'll be refreshed and enjoy it again. These things come in cycles. Things will calm down for awhile.
Last year my grade level partner and I were feeling the same way. The district reading coach was coming in to see guided reading and make suggestions, we had a new computer program to check our e-mail and we were supposed to learn how to use the authoring tool to post lesson plans and units, we had other software for computerized report cards but no training, etc. Everyone was asking us to do more but no one realized what the other was asking us to do. Lots of stress. And we had 27 kids in our classes. So I can relate.
We already hand in our planbooks weekly. We have to put in an objective and procedure but it doesn't have to be long or detailed. We also have to have the curriculum guide page and the state core standard. Fortunately, this doesn't take long.
This year is better. We haven't had to do any more writing of units on the computer, the report card program works most of the time (with some problems), and the reading coach has actually been reassuring about what we are doing. There is still pressure to improve test scores, although the 3rd and 4th graders in our school did very well and almost all passed. Now we are expected to get them to be advanced proficient.
Hang in there. When you get a good class, you'll be refreshed and enjoy it again. These things come in cycles. Things will calm down for awhile.
G
GB
Guest
Find out about..
Can you opt for early retirement? Sometimes the state gives early retirement incentives that sweeten the deal a little bit. Check into it and get another job, too. You might find something that will work for you.
Can you opt for early retirement? Sometimes the state gives early retirement incentives that sweeten the deal a little bit. Check into it and get another job, too. You might find something that will work for you.
Renea
Senior Member
Gavintine, your post could have been mine! Right down to the years of experience and the hours beyond a masters. My feelings mirror yours as well. Here’s my advice, for what it’s worth.
Don’t give up. You owe yourself the retirement advantage of four more years in the system. Over the rest of your lifetime, that money could make a difference. Just do your best and then ... let it go.
We have to plan the way you will be expected to do next year. It’s not too bad once you get a system of planning. You could even team up with a buddy and plan together. We have survived a new math program that was very foreign to us. Now I actually like it! (Go figure!) Our science is new and social studies is coming next year. Oh my! One set of testing standards after another. Our school population had changed and we look and sound like a mini United Nations. With the richness of cultures we have a real challenge in bringing these newcomers up to our state standards. It’s overwhelming.
I know of several teachers our age who are on antidepressants also. It goes with the territory I guess. I have a hard time sleeping and like you, school spins through my head during the middle of the night. I was at school at 7:07 this morning and left school at 6:55. This is one of my toughest years ever! I am so tired I can’t sleep. No one has a clue how hard we work. I do know that my sis works in business and she also works nonstop and finds it difficult at her age. (She’s my OLDER sister. Just love to say that!) It’s tough working at our age no matter what we do.
I know the changes are overwhelming but we are experienced. We have a perspective that we gained over time. I think that we can do more than we ever thought just stay away from the negative teachers who complain. They’re toxic. I am addicted to having fun and finding something to laugh about.
I plan to keep going a few more years. I tell my friends when the going gets tough, “OK girls, lets pull up our big girl panties and deal with it!” If you could see my big girl granny panties you’d laugh!!! (NOT a pretty picture!) Hang in there, girls. We can do this!
Don’t give up. You owe yourself the retirement advantage of four more years in the system. Over the rest of your lifetime, that money could make a difference. Just do your best and then ... let it go.
We have to plan the way you will be expected to do next year. It’s not too bad once you get a system of planning. You could even team up with a buddy and plan together. We have survived a new math program that was very foreign to us. Now I actually like it! (Go figure!) Our science is new and social studies is coming next year. Oh my! One set of testing standards after another. Our school population had changed and we look and sound like a mini United Nations. With the richness of cultures we have a real challenge in bringing these newcomers up to our state standards. It’s overwhelming.
I know of several teachers our age who are on antidepressants also. It goes with the territory I guess. I have a hard time sleeping and like you, school spins through my head during the middle of the night. I was at school at 7:07 this morning and left school at 6:55. This is one of my toughest years ever! I am so tired I can’t sleep. No one has a clue how hard we work. I do know that my sis works in business and she also works nonstop and finds it difficult at her age. (She’s my OLDER sister. Just love to say that!) It’s tough working at our age no matter what we do.
I know the changes are overwhelming but we are experienced. We have a perspective that we gained over time. I think that we can do more than we ever thought just stay away from the negative teachers who complain. They’re toxic. I am addicted to having fun and finding something to laugh about.
I plan to keep going a few more years. I tell my friends when the going gets tough, “OK girls, lets pull up our big girl panties and deal with it!” If you could see my big girl granny panties you’d laugh!!! (NOT a pretty picture!) Hang in there, girls. We can do this!
J
jayley
Guest
Oh, I feel your pain.
I've taken up drinkin'
(I'm not an alcoholic --yet?-- but, I need something to unwind and make me put the books away!)
Hang in there!
I've taken up drinkin'
(I'm not an alcoholic --yet?-- but, I need something to unwind and make me put the books away!)
Hang in there!
L
LP
Guest
Plans
I think that turning in plans two weeks ahead of time is ridiculous! There is no way to plan that far ahead in detail. It could take you longer/shorter to do a lesson than you have anticipated. This idea obviously came from someone who has not been in the classroom for a while. I love how administrators get these "great ideas" to help raise test scores, attendance, etc., but they only end up being stupid ideas that do not work and create more work for the teacher. Of course, they don't care, because they are not the ones doing it.
Is this your first class that has really been a problem like this or is it typical at your school to have a hard class? If it is not typical, try to hang in there. You are so close to the end. Just think about it this way; after four years, you NEVER have to do it again!
Good luck!
I think that turning in plans two weeks ahead of time is ridiculous! There is no way to plan that far ahead in detail. It could take you longer/shorter to do a lesson than you have anticipated. This idea obviously came from someone who has not been in the classroom for a while. I love how administrators get these "great ideas" to help raise test scores, attendance, etc., but they only end up being stupid ideas that do not work and create more work for the teacher. Of course, they don't care, because they are not the ones doing it.
Is this your first class that has really been a problem like this or is it typical at your school to have a hard class? If it is not typical, try to hang in there. You are so close to the end. Just think about it this way; after four years, you NEVER have to do it again!
Good luck!
Renea
Senior Member
Meet me at the bar!
Ya know that some of my best therapy sessions have been in the bar with my teacher friends solving the problems at school. This may be my best stress reliever. I guess yogo could help too but I'm too old to get up off the floor! I just go to my happy place (the bar).
Everyone, hang in there.
Ya know that some of my best therapy sessions have been in the bar with my teacher friends solving the problems at school. This may be my best stress reliever. I guess yogo could help too but I'm too old to get up off the floor! I just go to my happy place (the bar).
Everyone, hang in there.
Hang in there!
I have not taught as long as you but oh can I relate! I go through cycles of feeling overwhelmed. I do try my best, however, this is all I can do! I also have a wonderful teacher who works at my grade level. We have worked together for over 13 years and she has been so great at helping me through the tough times. She has a positive outlook and she is an awesome listener. I really do not think I would have stayed in teaching this long without peer support. Please put everything in perspective and tell yourself daily that you will try the best you can today and that is all you can do. We are all human, none of us are perfect! You sound like a great teacher and I really feel you deserve your full retirement. One teacher once told me "Enjoy every day, do not wish your life away!" and I do try to live by this. Hang in there!
I have not taught as long as you but oh can I relate! I go through cycles of feeling overwhelmed. I do try my best, however, this is all I can do! I also have a wonderful teacher who works at my grade level. We have worked together for over 13 years and she has been so great at helping me through the tough times. She has a positive outlook and she is an awesome listener. I really do not think I would have stayed in teaching this long without peer support. Please put everything in perspective and tell yourself daily that you will try the best you can today and that is all you can do. We are all human, none of us are perfect! You sound like a great teacher and I really feel you deserve your full retirement. One teacher once told me "Enjoy every day, do not wish your life away!" and I do try to live by this. Hang in there!
I think you'll find that many of us are closer to "burn out" or on medication in the past few years. This is especially since our President and his infamous NCLB act. I was half-way through with my master's degree and had an accident therefore unable to complete it in the allotted time frame which complicated my HQ status. I made HQ and I'll work as long as I can. I just don't know how long that will be!
I think you'll find that many of us are closer to "burn out" or on medication in the past few years. This is especially since our President and his infamous NCLB act. I was half-way through with my master's degree and had an accident therefore unable to complete it in the allotted time frame which complicated my HQ status. I made HQ and I'll work as long as I can. I just don't know how long that will be!