Confessions from the Couch » A new year. . .

A new year. . .

My passion for teaching has been waning and it really hit home before the break. One of the new hires at my school was chatting with me after departmental meetings in December. (She had student taught at My School last year and observed my class several times). As we chatted, she said “You are becoming one of THOSE teachers.” I asked her what she meant. “You know, those teachers who seem to only do it for the money. You’ve lost your enthusiasm, your fire. I remember when I observed you, you were ALWAYS excited to be at school…so excited to teach. I would always go back and tell my classmates and professors about you. You were THE teacher to watch. But now . . . “ I’ll admit it, I am a tad bitter and cynical.

This conversation was like a hammer hitting me in the head. I realized, I do not enjoy it anymore. Yes, I like my students. I’m okay with my school. I have been jaded by the district leadership and initiatives. I realize that the issues and frustration I face are not created and implemented by my principal. Principal knows what works. It has worked for many years at My Shool. Last year was the first year in YEARS that My School has not made AYP-the last time was when our Principal retired, he was out a lot for illness and had just given up in the last year. I (as does Principal) attribute the current failure to district-wide initiatives/interventions to get the entire district out of failure. These things distract from the REAL business of why we are at school- to learn, to teach, to make students love learning. I hate paperwork. I hate doing things for show. There is not enough time for ALL of this! Simply not enough time!

Anyway, this conversation with Newbie teacher helped me realize that I have got to do somethings to reenergize my teaching passion. So, here is what I have come up with:

Be more optimistic and upbeat. Try to see the positive in every situation. This is NOT to say there won’t be vents because I am sure there will, they will just be less of them.
Get back into blogging. This will allow other teacher’s work to inspire me. It was one of the things that kept me going in the past.
Mange my time better. This means including time to work out and do things I enjoy. Lesson planning and school work all has to be done in moderation–it can NOT be my entire world.
Make the most of non work/vacation days.
Becoming better organized. I think sometimes, it ALL seems so overwhelming, sooo much to do I just don’t know where to begin. So maybe this will help me NOT to wait until the last minute to get things done quickly and under duress and stress.

I do not want to be one of THOSE teachers. I want to teach with integrity and enthusiasm . . . Teaching is my profession, my career and something I believe in. . .something I once loved. I want others to see it this way, too. It is more than just a job. It is a mission and its a noble profession, not just a job. I believe this, so I’ll be faking the passion until my heart believes it again!

And, yes, I am still looking for a new teaching job outside of this district; otherwise, I will burnout and despise the students and the work that I do very quickly. Interestingly, during a faculty meeting, Principal said, “I’ve been trying to manage the amount of things I put before you. I really don’t want you all to retire or seek employment else where.” He knows what the workload is doing to us. I am surprised that the district leaders do not see it as well. I think they will at the end of the school year. We have 5 teachers a My School who have already declared their intent to retire and others who are not quiet about seeking employment elsewhere. Spanish Matron is furious (b/c all of the promises made were broken) because she turned down a better position in a neighboring district at the beginning of the year. So, I imagine, she will be GONE at the end of the year. *sigh*

~~~~~

On to more positive things: my students did do review songs before Christmas break. Here is one that I thought was really cute-funny. It cracks me up every time I see it. Next year, when I do this exercise, after everyone has performed I’m going to ask them to write a paragraph or two on the facts of their topic, just to confirm they learned something, even though I know they learn a lot through the process that is not revealed in their product (remember the AP student who knew the entire varna system and could explain it well). Process not product. Although, the products ARE HILARIOUS!!!

I realize they did not pronounce some of the names correctly, but I think it was lost in the fun that they were having. Next year, I’ll give warnings about pronunciations. . . still, this clip was a lot of fun!

The password is: review

Oh, Greece from Miss A on Vimeo.

Student Products, The Teaching Profession | Miss Teacha | January 9, 2010 10:27 am

12 Comments

By Barbara Day, January 9, 2010 @ 10:42 am

The difference between you and “those” teachers is you are looking for solutions and not settling. I like the steps you are taking to renew your enthusiasm. I know that my school district is really trying to orchestrate everything we are doing, including the training we take and our career goals. I found that I had to take that control back, by doing professional development that I was interested in, and learn new things that I was interested in and excited about. Otherwise I was just going to count the days to retirement. It has made all the difference for me, though they still get to me. But I have had a lot more fun with the kids this year. Keep up the writing!
By Elissa, January 9, 2010 @ 11:19 am

YOU CAN DO IT! Don’t give up or give in. Someone has got to be the inspiration and example for newbies like me.

Go do something crazy exciting and out of the ordinary. Better yet, go shopping! Rearrange the room and try out any new ideas that you can. Spice up your life, think positive, and go re-create your school life.

You’re getting your life back!
By Margaret, January 9, 2010 @ 1:42 pm

I don’t think you are one of “those teachers” at all; you constantly seek improvement in yourself, your curriculum and your students. It’s not your fault if the district is making idiotic decisions!! Are you supposedly to be happy and excited about that? I think a change would be energizing, until then you just have to do the best you can. (positive with rants on the side) Love ya.
By Midwest Teacher, January 9, 2010 @ 2:01 pm

I know exactly what you mean/how you feel. I’ve been feeling disillusioned this year, though not for the same reasons. I’m dissatisfied with myself. I’m hoping that 2010 brings renewal. Maybe I’ll get back into blogging as well. It’s been a long time since I’ve posted. Maybe I need it.
By Frumteacher, January 9, 2010 @ 2:10 pm

Dear Miss A.,

I’ve been wanting to mail you to see how you are doing, but somehow I didn’t. I have been thinking about you a lot. Maybe this teacher dip is just part of being a teacher. We both started teaching around the same time, and I too feel that my inspiration for teaching is (practically) gone. I hate the system, and sometimes I feel that I should do something else. But then again, I know and feel that nothing is more rewarding to teaching, and I know I am good at it when the circumstances are good.

Solutions? I don’t know, I think a major key to getting inspired again is, as you write, blog and read other blogs. We should inspire each other and try not to get sucked down in the negativity spiral. I’m looking forward to sharing again this coming year!

Love,
Frum
By ricochet, January 9, 2010 @ 3:31 pm

Miss Teacha, the others have said it: if you think you are becoming one of THOSE teachers, you aren’t.

This year, I am noticing there is too much on my plate and yet next year I want to go back to school for another degree. I HAVE to find a way to energize now or I will DIE then.

1) what makes you whole/better/happy?
2) schedule time each day for that, even if it is only 30 minutes.

You will be great, as you intend to be. I have faith.
By OKP, January 9, 2010 @ 5:48 pm

^
^
What they ^ said! I’m looking for inspiration, too. I’m feeling disconnected. Visiting and reading here definitely helps — so writing back at my place I’m sure will, too. Good luck in your search.

I loved “Oh, Greece”!
By care020, January 9, 2010 @ 9:24 pm

I feel the same way this year, but I believe that being reflective, being honest, and taking action is what keeps good teachers from becoming “one of those teachers”.
By Jessica, January 10, 2010 @ 10:46 am

Miss A,

This video is adorable AND informative…your kids really look like they are having fun, and I think that’s a good thing! Do the students tape and edit the video on their own?

Happy 2010, and I’m sure it’ll be a better year for us all I think there is no way in heck you are “one of those teachers”
By Miss Teacha, January 10, 2010 @ 11:04 am

@everyone Thanks for your encouragement. I’m glad that I’m not the only one who is feeling disconnected and discouraged. I am definitely going to try to continue writing and sharing and maybe one I’ll have that “feeling” about my work again.

@Jessica-No I taped it and edited it. If I had enough computers I’d let them do that portion, too. Thanks for the idea of letting them do the editing . . . maybe one day, I’ll have enough computers to make that happen.
By Kary, January 11, 2010 @ 8:28 am

I understand getting disillusioned about where you are and what you are doing. I have been trying to stay positive and that has helped a lot. I love teaching as you know but not what I am teaching. So with the new semester starting next week, I get to start over with 5 new classes and fix what I need to, and pick up with the one I am keeping. We can encourage each other and help each other out.