Teachers

meghanbride · August 2011

I just finished my fourth day of student teaching. So far it's going alright. No major issues, but I feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster. My classes today were all good, but I still feel like 'oh my gosh, what have I gotten myself into!?' Did any of you feel like that, or maybe still do? In spite of the positives today, I feel like today was not great. I am sure things will get better as I go along, I know I am still learning and I know this sounds a little whiny (sorry!). I feel like I just needed to get this off my chest.

christieep · August 2011

Give it a little while longer. I remember complete exhaustion after my days of student teaching (which continued into my first year). Teaching can't be taught (if that makes sense) you only learn it by doing it and it won't all come at once. I am going into my ninth year teaching and I am teaching a new course this year so I feel like a first year teacher again!

Best of luck to you! If you have a good cooperating/mentor teacher they can be a priceless resource and support.

imimahoney · August 2011

When I was student teaching I felt exactly as you do. I had a terrible cooperating teacher and was literally thrown into it, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, just hard and overwhelming.

You need to give it time and don't be scared to ask for help. Have your cooperating teacher sit in on some lessons and give constructive feedback, that way you'll have an outsiders view of what worked and what didn't.

Good luck and don't worry it will get easier!

ILoveHelloKitty1982 · August 2011

Definitely don't worry about it...the first few weeks are stressful since you're 'on your own' rather than teaching to college classmates/professors. It's a great profession with true rewarding experiences. You'll be looking back on this thinking 'that wasn't so bad after all!". GL!!

chw57 · August 2011

YES! It definitely has its ups and downs, but it's really a super valuable experience. Like PPs said, give it time. You probably will have some lessons totally flop, and others will go better than expected....

Good luck!

barrelbabe004 · August 2011

Totally normal. This is my 3rd year but my first at this grade level and I feel like it's my first year again. I'm exhausted and overwhelmed.

pammieface · August 2011

i will be starting my 11th year of teaching on monday, but i absolutely remember what you're talking about. even though i always wanted to be a teacher, i kept a running note in my planner during student teaching where, at the end of each day, i wrote "yes" or "no"--a note to myself about whether i still wanted to be a teacher. some days were SO HARD. i still think student teaching was the hardest experience i ever had--and my cooperating teacher wasn't really that awful, and neither were the kids. it was just such a difficult experience to figure out what i was doing and how i was supposed to do it, all while being watched and evaluated. but like a pp said, you can't learn how to teach except by teaching. and really, i can't think of anything i'd rather do. once you get into the groove of it, it's the best job in the world. keep posting here for support. every teacher needs a support system! best of luck as you continue.

AugustBrideCO · August 2011

Teaching is a hard job, and student teaching is really really hard! The first year might even be harder than student teaching. Things definitely get better, but I had a horrible day yesterday and it's my 10th year. I do love my job for the most part, so I'd say it's worth all the pain.

snowyowl · August 2011

I can definitely relate. Some days I walk out of the classroom thinking "days like this are why I do this!" and some days I walk out thinking "why in the world am I doing this?"

The longer you teach the more often those good days will come along. I'm starting a new grade level and subject in a few days, I'm sure I will be on that rollercoaster with you! I'm just trying to prepare myself for it. It is tough, but totally normal.

gwynnetx · August 2011

i had a horrible student teaching experience and decided not to go into teaching. but years later, after grad school and living overseas, i moved back to the US and started subbing. what i learned was that 1) i had been at the wrong age level (i student taught at the high school level and subbed at the elementary level) and 2) i didn't take things personally as much anymore. made all the difference in the world.

i just started my 13th year of teaching, and this week, i've had a kindergarten student throw his chair, run from me, scream "I HATE YOU" at me, be totally noncompliant, and hit other kids. and i only have him for 50 minutes. Lord bless his classroom teacher, who he has also hit. it's draining to deal with him and the thought "this is not worth it" has crossed my mind. but then i stop and look at the 24 other kids who are sitting nicely and actually doing what they're supposed to, and that helps me get through.

rubyiu · August 2011

Teaching is exhausting, especially at first. I napped almost every day of my first year! This is my 5th year and 2 weeks in, I'm tired but regaining my stamina. Hang in there!

OUKatie · August 2011

Don't worry! It gets much, much better. This is my 7th year (how time flies!) and it's a breeze. I'm still busy and there is still much to do as I'm constantly tweaking, designing new lessons, learning new things, etc., but being comfortable with my style, my procedures, etc., really go a long way to making things much easier on me.

You will get there. The first few years are rough, but every year gets a bit better. The beauty of student teaching is that you really aren't responsible for these kids. You might feel like it but they really are still your cooperating teacher's responsibility.

It sounds like you are already on your own right now. I'm a bit surprised about that. My student teachers have never been on their own until they've been with me for 2 weeks (other than maybe a quick bathroom trip). Has your cooperating teacher ever had a student teacher before? I know my first student teacher had a much different experience than my others.

potatohead · August 2011

Your first year will be a learning experience and that's okay. It will get better. Your mentor may be a great help (and should be) but be prepared to go it on your own in case it doesn't pan out. You have what it takes! Good luck!

MrsSR · August 2011

Oh my gosh, yes!!!!

I've been a teacher for 7 years and on bad days I wonder what the heck I'm doing there. LOL

DBBbride · September 2011

I am going into my 11th year of teaching, and I feel the same way every year. I think to myself, am I doing a good job, what am I doing! I get validation from my mother who retired after 36 years and said that even when she went into her 36th year she wondered if she was doing the best for the children. I think it is a trait of all teachers, we constantly question ourselves. We are very much in the spotlight. It is difficult too when you are student teaching, because you are in someone elses class, it will feel more comfortable when you have your own classroom. My school year was pushed off until Tuesday the 6th because of the hurricane! I was ready to go back, butterflies and all, and now I have to wait a few more days! Best of luck and keep me posted!

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