Don't give Up!

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Home : 2003 : October : 15

Don't give Up!
By Chicago Teacher

Hi! I'm curious, what do you love about teaching? What is it that makes you feel nervous "no matter what"? I worked as an aide, a sub, a long term sub, and have been teaching with my own classroom for 3 years now. I am frequently
nervous when I am observed or when I have a parent volunteer or observer in my classroom. I don't change things, but it is still in the back of my mind "what are they thinking about what they see?" Maybe that is part of it for you. Also, it's difficult to work with another teacher's discipline system sometimes. I would suggest communicating with your supervising teacher about that.

Last year I taught math for my class and the class next door while the other teacher taught my class's science. Even though most of those kids had been my students the year before, the discipline at first was horrible because I tried to use the other teacher's system. After a few weeks, we worked out a system that would suit me when I was in his classroom. But there are a lot of issues with this and I really think talking to the teacher would help. If she wants you to deal with all discipline issues when you are lead teaching, than you should be given the authority to discipline as you see fit also (I think, at least).
As far as her comments for improvement to you, I would say do your best to take her comments constructively and focus on those things. I always took supervising teacher criticism very personally, but now that I have been teaching a few years and have had a chance to observe other teachers (new and old), I understand a little better that teachers can offer each other perspective that we may not be able to take for ourselves (ex: to see whether the kids are engaged).
My principal told me yesterday (after I got a parent note picking me apart for calling on so-and-so too much and someone-or-other not enough): If someone tries hard enough, they could find fault with ANYONE, even the most experienced teacher. So, take heart! Keep up the good work and effort! Continue to work to improve! Communicate with your supervising teacher! Enjoy your teaching experience!! =)