Uncertain next steps

[la_magnifica13]

So a few weeks ago I wrote a post about the student in my class who was violent and volatile in the classroom and how admin has written me up a few times. A lot of you guys have told me that I had put up with a lot in that I had expressed my concerns several times and it had fallen upon deaf ears

Comments

[la_magnifica13]

Thank you for your thoughts. People are so mean and judgmental. I mean, some things did suffer as a result of this situation. I was so beaten down by the rudeness in the classroom in addition to the volatile and violent situation, that my classroom management suffered. Not that I let the kids rule the roost but I started yelling sometimes due to my exhaustion and frustration. I am trying to see who my real friends are but they feel few and far between. I am so torn about what to do next. Today I was in the grocery store and nothing triggered me but I was having a panic attack. I feel crappy.

[yesterdayanew]

First of all, congrats on standing up for yourself and managing to win in this situation. You have to keep in mind throughout all this that you not only helped yourself in the end, but your persistence helped the rest of the students in the class have a safe and conducive learning environment for the rest of the year

[la_magnifica13]

Thank you for your thoughts as well. I am my harshest critic and as such I just feel that I have failed in some way due to my writeups. I feel like there's nowhere to turn. But I will take your advice about asking them what they would have done differently. Well played.

[luvszoe]

I agree to ask your co-workers what they would have done differently. But I'm wondering why they didn't try to help you in the first place? Do you not have PLC's where you meet as a team for instances like this? I know some schools don't have the time but we recently (this is our 2nd year of meeting and 1st yr meeting daily for 20 min). Granted there's only four of us on the elem team (I'm kinder, plus the 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 teachers) and we're a very small school. Sometimes things come up where we can't meet but we try at least twice a week to sit down and meet. One of the teachers has two behavior issues and we all brainstormed some suggestions for her before she wrote their behavior contracts. I wish you had the same working relationship with the teachers in your building because it sounds like they failed you tremendously. (I apologize if you've already mentioned your coworkers in your previous updates and I may have forgotten what you wrote). I am glad the union helped you and that you took some time and have spring break as well.

[lyricmaniac]

I would ask the person who is supplying you with what your coworkers are saying to stop telling you. All it's doing is hurting you. There's no benefit in hearing the nastiness.

Go in on the 31st knowing that you did your best. You held your own despite receiving no support from the administration.

On a different note, are you going to continue at the same school next year? Might want to think about applying elsewhere. Your current school sounds like a toxic place.

[la_magnifica13]

You're right, there is no benefit in hearing the nastiness. I will try my best to do what I can do to feel positive about returning. I don't know about transferring though, because I have two reprimands already and I wonder if I am going to be a giant red flag if the new admin calls the old admin. It just sucks. And yes my school is EXTREMELY toxic.

[la_magnifica13]

Touché.

[wytetygryss]

Giant hugs.... I agree with what others have said. Also, I would ask your union for advice on applying elsewhere for next year. I was lucky... I was able to get out of my toxic situation fairly easily, but it depends on your board/district policies.

[la_magnifica13]

Well usually we get emails saying there's positions open for inter-district transfers. The thing is, I'm nervous about the paper trail following me because despite what I may think about how this year has gone I'm sure that my current admin would not recommend me for hire. Part of me thinks I will just stick it out for posterity's sake because why not? And, if anyone asks me anything about my leave then I will be very minimal in my answers.

[layers_of_eli]

Even if your current admin won't recommend you, there are definitely ways to... imply things about your last situation and still rock a job interview! Please msg me if you get there and need help with this, because I did this same thing :)

[la_magnifica13]

Thank you so much. If you don't mind me asking, what was your situation?

[jobey_in_error]

I hear you about dreading return, and I know full well it's hard to turn that off, but: Turn it off. Take a complete break for a couple of days. Really enjoy yourself. Do some of the things you haven't had time to do lately, your passions. Maybe read a few great teacher blogs related to your specific area to inspire you, but do not start planning, even mentally

[la_magnifica13]

Thank you so much. I am definitely taking your advice.