Things will get better

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Home : 2003 : January : 23

Things will get better
By Martha

My first and second years of teaching were very similar to yours. I was teaching 1st grade in an inner-city school in Dallas. I remember that I had a kid named Jerry that would sit under his desk, growl, and say, "Bad,
bad, putty-tat. .. bad, bad, putty-tat!" Looking back, now, he DEFINATELY needed to be referred as emotionally disturbed. . .but I was new and "green" and didn't know who or how to ask for help. It also didn't help that the principal was manic-depressive and would explode into tirades on the intercom (she only knew how to work the "all call" button!) My second year, she (like your principal)

took a student out of my room and moved him to another section. Initially, I was hurt, embarrassed, etc., but when I saw him doing the same behaviors in the other room it affirmed that it wasn't just a problem that he had in my room. Actually, I ended up being relieved that I had one less major behavior problem to worry about! At the end of that second year, I transferred to another building where a friend was teaching----what a relief! Sure, there were still "problem kids," but I had great team members that were supportive and also a wonderful principal. I suggest that you "network" with other teachers and find out the names of some schools and principals with good reputations in your district. Or, if you're willing to take a pay-cut, try interviewing with a smaller "hometown" district. Whatever you choose to do, don't give up on teaching! The first couple of years are usually "baptism by fire" for all of us. . .but it will get better!