I don't want to get off on a rant first thing, but... Has anyone else experienced a "sophomore slump" in teaching? I fell like last year I taught at about a "6" out of "10". This year, I am truly struggling. From the time I walk in the door in the morning, until I leave for the day, I never feel like I do anything well. After last year, I thought "Great! I really love the kids and the job - regardless of all the nonsense." Now, I struggle through each day like I have the ghost of "Job" on my back. If it were not for a few select students and peers around me, this would really be the pits. As a real "detail" guy, it bothers me to feel "mediocre". If anyone else is feeling the same, let me know. All of that "no man is an island" stuff is sounding like a lot of hooey at this point.
Also-for all of the "Monday night folks"-YOU ARE MISSED! (But Saturdays rock. Especially when we break ou the cooler and the bongos - WooHoo!)
joec
see my post joe, "Suck it up." Those words are for my benefit too. I have those days also but we are almost done with this ride. My level 1 kids are the worst. They wont work unless I stand right over them and rule with an iron fist. My level 2 and 3 are great. I can tell them the assignment and I really think I could leave and the vast majority of them would turn it in. Seems like I don't get a lot accomplished with level 1 because I have to stay on them all the time rather than let them work. Just like a kidney stone, they to shall pass (probably not grade wise but I'll get a group of new recruits in a few more months.) Here is my new quote I coined, "Finish"
ReplyDeleteWith all do respect to Perry, sucking it up is sometimes easier said than done. I've felt and still feel from time to time exactly what you are feeling. I believe we all do. I'm trying to look at my program like it is a piece of unfinished furniture. We get to put the finish that we want on it. From one year to the next veteran students will inform new incoming students about how awesome your program is and all of the rough edges will be sanded off and eventually, with the repeating of sanding and finish coats, you'll end up with a beautiful piece. It takes time and patience. You can do it Joe!
ReplyDeleteJoe, I know exactly how you are feeling. I have had many days like that this year too. I think we are all under tremendous stress and I guess it just takes its toll. But, Perry is right. This too shall pass. Ready or not, tomorrow will come. And each tomorrow is a new beginning. And the good thing about teaching is that every year, we get to start all over again fresh as a daisy. I'm betting that next year will be a better year for all of us. At least stress-wise. We are all in the learning curve this year. I like Perry's new quote, too. Yes, "Finish." We are heading for the finish line with this year. Almost there...
ReplyDeleteAnd I love Dwayne's analogy too. Just like "a beautiful piece" of wood, all rough edges sanded and the finish coat being applied. That pretty much describes exactly what we are doing, doesn't it?
You weren't supposed to tell about the cooler and the bongos! Dr. J.
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention it, I think my second year was my worst year. The first year you're so focused on survival that you're not in a position to judge the quality of your teaching. By the second year, you have some concrete teaching goals, but you don't feel like your meeting them to the fullest extent possible. I think the third year is the charm. That was the year I thought "I can do this" for the first time. Hang in there. It will get easier and better. Like learning any new skill, it just takes time and practice.
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ReplyDeleteI can identify with the struggling.
ReplyDeleteIt is a struggle to try to reach some of the students and it can really drain your ENERGY. I have to continue to tell myself that my efforts are not in vain even if I don't see the results. Keep your head up , back off, do something for yourself and prepare for the "battle" again.