The Snowball Effect

Well friends, it happened. I missed one post and over 3 weeks later I haven't posted an update since. Yowza!

I'd be lying if I said the past 3+ weeks have been rainbows and butterflies (more like rain and flies). Classroom management continues to be a thorn in my side, but I will give myself some credit and focus on the positives when I say the instances of students crawling under tables when throwing their tantrums, flinging their shoes and other inanimate objects like crayons at me while on the rug, and outward defiance have significantly decreased. Can I get a woot woot?

I had another informal observation from my principal yesterday and it was a disaster. I was teaching math and my kids were just out of control. My principal actually had to step in during the middle of my lesson and reprimand my students. It was SO embarrassing and I felt completely disrespected by my kids. Here's a FYT tip that probably won't ring true for every new teacher, but I will venture to say a good majority will relate.

FYT tip #21 - When the going gets tough, the tough get going. It will probably cross your mind at one point or another that you are way in over your head. "Maybe you aren't cut out for teaching," you'll catch yourself thinking. It's possible these thoughts will cross your mind. I just tell myself that everyone needs to start somewhere and honestly who doesn't stink their first year at a new job or first time learning a new skill? Very few people I'd say. So I've been embracing every moment for what it is - experience. If I can make it through this year alive I know I will be that much better for my next group of students.

It definitely helps that teaching is something I remain passionate about. It doesn't help that I take my students' less-than-desirable behavior so gosh darn personally. Colleagues, friends, and family keep telling me I have to stop being so hard on myself, but it's just not who I am or what I believe. My students are a reflection of the expectations and routines that I set. So when they misbehave, of course I feel responsible, but there are also tons of variables that I can't control and it's important to recognize that if I want to keep any of my non-teacher self in tact. I hope in the months to come I can reconcile between doing my best in regards to my classroom management while chalking some of the unwanted behavior up to the nature of my overflow class.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Oh, did I mention parent conferences start next week and report cards are due?