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[kezzabear]

I am feeling like a hideously ineffective teacher. People tell me I'm not but I can't help thinking they are just being nice because they are stuck with me anyway and don't need my moody ass around the place in addition to my ineffectivity

Comments

[arnel_63]

There's a saying here in America, "Don't let the turkeys get you down," that seems to be applicable here. I know how hard it is when it seems your class(es)--I was a prep teacher for nearly a decade--isn't learning anything from you. However, in their own way, they are because you come to school every day and do your best. Someone once told me those sorts of examples really do rub off on impressionable minds and to be patient because someone in your class will surprise you when you least expect it.

Oh... have you been having less-than-sunny weather lately? You can blame at least part of your gloomy attitude on an endless parade of cloudy days. Just this past spring, we had a string of sixty cloudy/rainy days that lasted from early March through early May. Talk about being short-tempered! Once the sun came out, I felt much better. Hope that's part of the case with you, too.

And no, you haven't messed your kids up in the least. That's the parents' perogative!

[kezzabear]

Well it is winter ... But we've had a string of sunny days. It hasn't been that gloomy at all. It's been six months and they still don't behave. I thought we'd be further ahead than we are. You know, be able to sit still and be respectful and be working as a cohesive unit most of the time. I know they are a complex class but that doesn't explain *my* failings. I think I should be doing a better job irrespective of how tricky and dynamic they are. I don't remember how to do things and I'm not meeting the needs of some of them. I've been teaching 18 months, only 20 weeks of which have been in *my* classroom so I know I'm not going to be some brilliant educator but they deserve a brilliant educator and even though they can't have one and I can't be that, I shouuld be able to give them something better than this. But I just get in there and don't do what I should. I need to figure out how to do this job properly.

[arnel_63]

I feel bad that you're feeling so down about your teaching. Is there another, seasoned, teacher you feel comfortable enough with that you can take your concerns to and ask for advice? Someone who won't go racing to the higher-ups to report your need for help, but will be willing to share what works for him/her in certain situations because he/she knows the population you're working with.

I sincerely hope you find the answers you need.

[luvmybaby101201]

I just don't think it's possible for someone who *cares* as much as you obviously do, to be as ineffective as you believe you are. I think you must be doing a better job than you give yourself credit for.

HUGS. I hope things improve for you soon.

Melissa