What you can give

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Home : 2002 : March : 20

What you can give
By Julianne

I think you have to decide what you can give and what you can't. I work in a similar school it would seem. Parents often send children improperly clothed and fed. There is not enough support for students with problems.
Years ago (in another teaching life) I burned out rather spectacularly because I also asked myself "What do they want from me???" I thought I had to provide it all. After many years and a lot of experiences I have come to ask "What am I willing to do?" Then I do what I have decided I am capable of. For instance, I do not feed students. That is their parents' job. If they come to

school hungry they will not learn. We all know that. But if you choose to feed them it will become your permanent job. Why should I get up early to feed my child when I know his teacher will find him a granola bar once he's in class? I will loan a coat or sweatshirt on a cold day, but it is only a loan and has to come back to the peg in our room before the child goes home. I do not provide other clothing. I choose to spend money on certain materials, but have made alternate plans for some activities because I will not be reimbursed. I am sorry the students cannot have art supplies or books but the money I receive from the school district has to cover their needs. (My state provides less spending per pupil than any other state in the U.S., by the way.)

I am not heartless. I care about my students while they are in my class. I work hard to have good classroom discipline and teach lessons that ensure my students learn and grow. I educate myself about services that are available for my students. But I can't take their troubles home with me. I choose to be responsible for only six hours of their day.

Your district or state has programs for children in difficult circumstances. You need to go over your principal's head and find them. And you need to set priorities (like Cathy-Dee suggested) so you won't burn out. You obviously care deeply. It would be a shame if the teaching profession lost you because you tried too hard to solve all these kids' problems.