What I would do

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Home : 2003 : October : 26

What I would do
By Tricia

I am so sorry you are having such a terrible time at your school! I am also a first year middle school teacher (my previous experience was in the lower grades-much lower) and the first grading period was the toughest for
me! We did have a break and I feel much better about everything. I work at a tough school but have had wonderful support from administrators. If I didn't then I hate to think how miserable I would be. Do you have a teacher that you can go to for advice? I have several around me that I depend on for advice and support. As far as going for a different job I wouldn't quit. I would put

my application in for the other position. If you get an interview then go to it. When they ask why you want to leave the other job just be honest, to a point, and tell them that you miss working with the young ones and that middle school just isn't for you. Any time a teaching position is open they know that they might have to put a sub in the room while you give notice at your other job. This is where it will get tricly. Check your contract and see how much notice you must give if you want out of your contract. I think it is 60 days here. IF the other county hires you then give written notice the next day (make sure the county that wants you knows how long the notice is for)and start packing! But it is important that you follow through on the time specified for the notice because if you leave without notice then the school can and might hold your license which means you wouldn't be able to work at the other school. And you could end up on a blacklist. Follow the rules of your contract. Now, if they hire you in the next few weeks then part of your notice falls under Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks so it really won't be that long for you! Something else you might want to think about is (if the other county gives you a contract)you can ask the county you are now working in to release you from your contract after two weeks notice! I've heard of this happening! If they do this then be sure to get in clearly stated in writing that they are legally releasing you from your contract with a two week notice. Document everything! Keep a journal on each and every conversation! When you interview with others be sure to keep your responses to your present job on the positive! The administration has been wonderful! The children terrific! You hate to leave the supportive work environment but your heart belongs and yearns to be with the younger children and of course working closer to home. Keep all comments on the positive side. And try not to take your job home with you. You are entitled to a life. I stay in my room until 4:30 every day and refuse to take work home nightly with me. This weekend I did because my first evaluation is coming up and I wanted to go through some material that would suppliment my curriculum and also to locate paragraphs for editing and writing prompts. I am trying to be over prepared. My husband and son weren't too happy with me but understand. I am fortunate that my son is 19 years old and is helpful around the house while I adjust to teaching a completely different age group. Good luck and weigh your choices and moves carefully because you don't want to do anything that will harm your reputation and ability to get a teaching position elsewhere. Personally, I would stick it out and give the grade level and school some time. Find another teacher to take you under her wing and don't take criticism personally. The very first year of teaching is the hardest no matter what grade you teach. Take each and every experience and use them to make you a better teacher and manager. If something doesn't work then try something else. As for the grades, those with IEP's are mandated to receive grades no lower than perhaps a 70 or 80. IF that is the case then that is the lowest you can give them. Just do it and don't worry that they really deserved a 30. When you test are you supposed to be adjusting the tests for any of those with an IEP? I have a few so all I do is take their tests and use a black marker to eliminate half of the choices in order for them to be more successful on my tests. Since doing that they are getting really good grades and feel better about themselves. There is so much you have to adjust for those with IEPs and I know it must be so stressful for you. Can you go to the special ed teachers and get their imput on how to handle this? Good luck on whatever you decide to do. Just remember, teaching the lower grades will be just as stressful and busy and you will also have students with IEPs. I know the number of students is lower but remember you teach all subjects and so have about the same to grade. It does balance. Keep us posted on how you are doing.