Some days are hard, and some students are a total nightmare, but the good ones make the job worth it (I probably say this because I have MANY good ones).
I’m just happy and wanted to share hahah
Awesome!
I left the classroom after 16 years, but it was so rewarding throughout the years.
I never minded the nightmare students. I always liked the challenge. (Nightmare parents and nightmare admin were another story.)
It’s great to hear there’s a teacher out there loving it. It’s an impossible job but so important.
Make sure you practice good work-life balance, and make and tell your parents know about a classroom wishlist.
Thank you very much! I’m extremely lucky when it comes to admin and coworkers.
Today in one of the lessons I almost fainted because I couldn’t stop laughing. 12 y.o. kids are unhinged, I have a fun-but-no-bullshit vibe during the lessons that seems to work with most students.
Admin allows me to teach the material in practically any way I want, giving me freedom to bring fossils, random plants, vintage objects (I love collecting weird stuff)… When my bag seems heavier than usual, the kids enjoy speculating about what kind of object I’m going to show them (some groups are too unpredictable for this tho, so they only get textbook work).
I enjoy engaging in discussions and bantering with them.
The students must pass the exams, naturally, and I’m not shy when it comes to handing Fs. Having a parent/student demanding a better grade when the proof of the kid’s lack of work is patent in every page is sad, infuriating and kinda funny.
If I had to give any advice to a new teacher, it would be this: remain unperturbed. Laugh and joke with them but if they cross the line, put them in place without letting them see how angry/annoyed you are. Kids will see any crack in your façade and won’t hesitate to strike if they want to hurt you. And believe me, some kids REALLY want to make you miserable.
AND KEEP PAPER TRAILS OF THE DAILY WORK FOR ALL THOSE PARENTS WHO BELIEVE THEY HAVE AN ANGEL AS A CHILD.
Yeah, kids that age love authenticity—whether it’s activities, items, or your attitude.
