This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Open Mic................... where do I start????
This year has been so much better than the rest but for some reason the challenges seem to only get worse. I work so hard to find variables for the students, I want to make sure that the learning styles of all can be reached.Putting in many hours of overtime to work with the students, taking time away from your own family to attend events and preparing students for competitions. But what do you do when you feel you are not get any support from your administration staff? Our school in the past had a warm family feeling and now it seems so divided. Everyone seem so unhappy which I think trickles down to the students. I feel that the low teacher moral in the building is effecting our students. In a school the students are the most important then the teachers, but where is the support? Its so sad when you see many veteran teachers unhappy, these are the ones we (new teachers) depend on, if they start leaving education where will it all go???? I am really concerned because I see so many changes that are not for the betterment of the kids. It seems that everyone is out for themselves!!!!!!!
Hi, Keio - it is sad to hear about situations such as you describe but I want to stress that you can have a great deal of influence in improving attitudes and keeping the focus on students, simply by continuing to do that yourself. Even veteran teachers can be re-invigorated by energetic new teachers who are dedicated to their students, as you are.
ReplyDeleteThe success of your students will serve as a reminder and motivator to other teachers and students of why they are there and of the great rewards that are possible by working hard with students.
Administrators, although maybe hard-pressed with other issues, may also be reminded of the real goals of their school when they see the accomplishments of your students. Be patient with them but be pleasant and firm as well if their support is needed in various areas. They may be feeling overwhelmed but should work with you if you are doing the right thing with your students.
And for the time involved with your students, it will get better year by year. You will soon have a great set of lesson plans that spans your entire program and shortens your planning time. As your classroom and lab experience grows you will also be able to provide more focused and doable activities for your students that will, in turn, increase their performance and success.
I know it may be hard to do in the environment you describe, but stay focused on your students and they will get you through the tough times and help lead the way to a better climate at school. And please don't let it affect your attitude and work ethic as you are one of the bright spots at your school. Hopefully there is at least one other teacher that you can lean on to work through this but stay engaged with your students and things will get better. Keep us posted.
I feel your frustration. Although I have an excellent administration, I sometimes feel alone in this. I understand that they are often overwhelmed in this challenging and rapidly changing world that we are a part of. If we just touch the lives of one or two students we have improved the lives of others tenfold as they carry their positive attitude, experience and knowledge into their personal lives and work place.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
RS in Alpharetta
Keio,
ReplyDeleteYou have a great spirit and I know you love what you do for the kids and they love you for it. You have support from your family and the rest will work in your favor as time goes. Keep up the GREAT work!