Been there

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Home : 2003 : February : 5

Been there
By Kelly

First let me say I have been there. I was a mid year replacement in an urban school and the students were not interested in a new teacher. I cried every night and begged my husband to let me quit. He just encouraged me
to try it for one month. Well it took more than a month to stop crying and feel okay, but I was finally able. It took time but I came to truly love the students, and realize that to work in an urban school is a true calling.
My advice is to hang in there and try to get the students to like you and above all else be consistent!! These kids don't have consistency in their lives and they

crave it. Let them know that you are fair and justice in your room is swift, make consequences immediate and by all means don't show them you are angry (they don't need to know how to push your buttons) or upset. Don't send students out of the room or have the principal or VP take care of your discipline. The students have to see that you mean business and you will handle whatever arises, don't let them think that you need someone else to do your management or they won't respect you or think you have any power. Spend the next week or two reestablishing routines. Don't take them to lunch until they are quiet and in line nicely (yes, I know you will have to take them, but trust me if their lunch is cut short a couple of times it'll hit them) Recess, specials, etc... same thing, "We'll line up when everyone is doing what I ask you to do." or "We will continue down the hall when we are quiet." Don't flinch and by all means don't back down. They are trying to figure out how far they can push you. Let them know first thing tomorrow, your buttons will not be pushed any longer. This is going to sound harsh and I'm sure I will get lots of critism for it, but the students need to realize that you are not going anywhere and you can make their lives a lot harder than they can make yours (they don't need to know otherwise) If I can be of any assistance with specific circumstances or just support, just post with your email and I will be happy to offer any support I can.