Teacher friends- I need your advice

4.2 yrs
~ 2 days, 16 hrs ago

Teacher friends- I need your advice
I don't want to divulge too much information, but I need advice from my fellow teacher friends. To give some context, I'm teaching a grade level that I haven't taught in years. I'm struggling with issues, such as behavior, defiance, work avoidance, etc., that I've never dealt with before. I'm not going to lie- this is my toughest year I've ever had and I've taught for over 10 years. I cry every day and my stress levels are super high. How do I cope with this anxiety and stress?
I wish I could afford to quit, but sadly it's just not feasible at this time. I've never felt like this, much less already felt this stressed at the beginning of the year. I'm trying to make it until the end of the year. I'd greatly appreciate any advice, prayers, or words of encouragement. Thank you.

Smokeybear, Andi7 and Joe + 5 more reacted

Replies:

14.3 yrs
~ 2 days, 15 hrs ago

*Edited

Out if my wheelhouse, but a bump for @twina. This aggression will not stand

RajunCajun, Maxsmom and West-Tex + 2 more reacted

17.8 yrs
~ 2 days, 15 hrs ago

@TwinA :

You have a lot on your plate. The human condition of our youth looks pretty bleak. I'd suggest some calls to parents, but unfortunately, I know how that'll go as well.

I'll say some prayers for you. I don't know how teachers do it - it's a losing battle. But you have to give yourself some grace, and try to leave it behind you at the end of every day. They don't pay you enough to bring that home with you.

Maxsmom, West-Tex and MooMaw + 5 more reacted

7.6 yrs
~ 2 days, 15 hrs ago

It's Parents that don't Parent. Afraid to punish their kids with some authority. People are afraid to whoop their kids.

That Football kid, Baby Gronk. His Father popped his hands everytime his mechanics were wrong at a young age. I'm not saying that's the right method, but look at that kid play. He's an 8th grader at Ponder MS in Texas. He's very disciplined when it comes to sports and academics.

OhMy, Maxsmom and TwinA reacted

11.9 yrs
~ 2 days, 11 hrs ago

@TwinA :

Sending prayers ... Emoticon

RajunCajun, West-Tex and MooMaw + 1 more reacted

14.7 yrs
~ 2 days, 6 hrs ago

Here is my input

I will be 59 years old in October

I have come to a fork in the road. I do not want anything in my life, interrupting my peace.

Life is way too short to show up miserable every day

I don't know what's best for your circumstance. I'm trying to figure my own out, but I do know this.

Stay in prayer stay in faith. Listen to his word and ask for guidance.

Smokeybear, RajunCajun and Catmae + 6 more reacted

7.2 yrs
~ 2 days, 4 hrs ago

@TwinA :
My DD teaches and she tells me what goes on in classrooms today. Kids have no fear of anyone and refuse to do class work. So, she focuses on the students who really want to learn. They are suffering because of the unruly kids. Parents don't care anymore but I would communicate with them to let them know how bad their kid is behaving.

RajunCajun, Catmae and eighteen + 5 more reacted

17.7 yrs
~ 2 days, 3 hrs ago

Can you transfer to another class or another school. or even another district?

TwinA, Maxsmom and West-Tex reacted

15.4 yrs
~ 2 days, 3 hrs ago

@TwinA :

Please lean on your coworkers…administrators…counselor…or anyone you trust! You shouldn't have to carry all of this by yourself and if you're crying every day and feeling overwhelmed to this degree…please consider talking with a professional about the anxiety and stress! Asking for help isn't weakness…it's taking care of yourself!

Also…remember that one difficult school year does not define you as a teacher! You are still the same dedicated teacher who has made a difference in countless student's lives! Give yourself the same grace and compassion that you would give one of your students who was struggling!

I'm praying that things get better for you and that you find some peace in the middle of this difficult season! Take it one day at a time! You don't have to conquer the whole year today! ❤️🙏🏽

!!!

Smokeybear, RajunCajun and Catmae + 5 more reacted

14.8 yrs
~ 2 days, 3 hrs ago

I am sitting here trying to think of words of encouragement.. I can't imagine the frustration you must have. Teachers are special people who have a passion in their heart. I can imagine the excitement and rewards when you do get thru these developing minds. As with any job, there will be challenges, frustration and feeling of helplessness.
Please know that because you have reached out you are on the right path of understanding these kids, don't give up!
If you can get thru just one kid, one parent you have done your job.
I was wondering if there is a mentor on staff you can consult with?
Thank you for your vulnerability…I can see you are a very caring person.
🙏

Smokeybear, RajunCajun and Catmae + 4 more reacted

4.2 yrs
~ 2 days, 2 hrs ago

@Itsme :
Unfortunately, I can't. Teachers only get moved to different schools if there aren't enough students in their class.

Catmae and West-Tex reacted

7.2 yrs
~ 2 days, 2 hrs ago

@West-Tex :
Thank you so much.

West-Tex reacted

1.2 yrs
~ 2 days, 2 hrs ago

#msg2199606Itsme : Unfortunately, I can't. Teachers only get moved to different schools if there aren't enough students in their class.

@TwinA :
I've never been a teacher. But I know several who have been. My advice is if your district has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), consider utilizing it before you reach your breaking point. One of the services EAPs tend to offer is free counseling. If you choose to get help, your employers cannot hold it against you.

Smokeybear, TwinA and RajunCajun + 1 more reacted

18.4 yrs
~ 2 days, 2 hrs ago

@TwinA
Not a teacher here, but often when I'm overwhelmed, I remind myself that it's only my job to do the best I can do, given the constraints and restrictions I'm under. You're not super human, some things are just out of your control.

Smokeybear, TwinA and RajunCajun + 2 more reacted

17.7 yrs
~ 2 days, 1 hr ago

Wes-Tex
TY

West-Tex reacted

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