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alternatives
By Cathy-Dee

First of all I agree with the others, the first year is almost always the hardest. When one thinks of all the things they have to learn and deal with in their first year teaching it does seem overwhelming. But next year
things probably would be better. A year goes by so fast when you think of it, why not give it another year to see if things improve. You can always leave teaching after that but then you'd know for sure that it wasn't for you.
My first year was tough - I did have an administrator who did not work well especially with new staff. Then I lost my job due to education cut-backs from the

government. I spent year 2 in two temporary positions. I learned a lot that year. Finally in my third year I was able to obtain a permanent position. And all my administrators except for that first one have been wonderful. I have had the odd parent or two over the years who have almost made me quit, but all in all, the rest of my experiences have been great.

For yourself if it was the grade level - try a different grade - it's amazing what a difference one or two years can make when teaching children.
If it's the school - look for a new school - there are great schools and colleagues out there.

And if you just can't see yourself teaching next year.....

some alternatives could include
-daycare
-education programs through places like museums, science centers, zoos
-educational stores
- becoming a distributor for an educational company (you'd have to enjoy traveling around your area)
- teaching ESL
- looking for a teaching position in a unique setting like a hospital, youth center, etc.,

Unfortunately not all of the above careers pay as much as teaching can. (Of course this can depend on where you live). I teach in Alberta and for most of the above jobs I'd be earning about $20,000 less than what I make now (or perhaps even less).

Good luck with whatever choice you make