Well, this week went better than anticipated. I had the students research a career they were interested in and then create a brochure with all of the requested information. I gave them two days to complete the project and found that was not quite enough time. A few students turned in their brochures on Thursday but the rest finished theirs in class on Friday. It definitely helped having a project with a firm deadline to keep them busy and focused. Of course, I still had to keep them on track at times because they wanted to talk about their plans or share their packing list for their beach trip.
I do have to say that I think I was more ready for this break than they were. Lately, I've started to wonder if I'm in the right career. I'm so overwhelmed with my classroom and all the many tasks that go with it that I'm missing out on life with my family and friends. The past couple of weeks have been really hard for some reason. I've already signed my contract so now I'm committed to one more year. I sure hope that next year goes better. If not, I'm really considering going back to industry just so that I will feel some kind of peace in my life. Right now, my life is a roller coaster and I'm ready to jump off at any cost. Has anyone ever felt this way?
I'm glad you've given it another year. The construction teacher at my school is also a new teacher. He was so discouraged the first semester that I thought he would break his contract and flee. A few weeks ago he told me that he is having fun this semester and has become quite attached to the students. He is very hopeful he can fulfil the requirements to get his renewable teaching certificate so he can continue teaching until retirement. I hope you feel that way by contract time next year.
ReplyDeleteThey always say that your first year is the hardest. I wonder the same thing at times. Do I really want to teach with all the headaches that come with the job? I really can see a difference from last semester to this semester with everyone in NTI, so I am staying focused on what I have a passion to do. I'm sure things will get better just keep your head up high.
ReplyDeleteSTOP THE WORLD, I WANT TO GET OFF.
ReplyDeleteThe first semester I taught, I would shut my door as soon as the bell rang at the end of the day, turn off the lights, and cry for 30 minutes. I felt as if I was falling into a bottomlestt black pit and I was all alone. It will all get better after you complete NTI. Don't lose hope. I have two mottos I try very hard to live by (and sometimes I am not very successful at either of them) First: "If I don't come apart I will come apart." (yes, I wrote it correctly..it's not a typo) Meaning, God intended for us to set a season of time apart from our daily hustle and bustle routine, to meditate and to renew our strength (both physically/mentally/spiritually) so that we won't completely fall apart.
Second: "My job is what I do, not who I am" This one has been tough this year because of working and going to school.
But whatever you do, DON'T JUMP! Just hang in there.