Teaching... — Page 5

Trust me...I'm not overly idealistic. But I am convinced that what we need to do to close the tremendous achievement gap in this country is to care. To care without giving in, without making exceptions, and without lowering expectations. I've heard so many stories from veteran teachers who made a difference--whether you did or not, yours is not my style. Your incredible negativity and, for lack of a better word, hatred for your time in the classroom just makes me want to work harder for my kids. It's bull****, really, what you have to say. I certainly don't ignore the advice of all veteran teachers--I take it very seriously. But when I talk to people like you, all I think is "this is what's wrong with the educational system." Good luck in all future endeavors, and please stay the hell out of my classroom.

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Jess, after reading that post I wish that you taught at the same school that I did. We would get along fabulously! I agree completely with you.

I am not going to become overly attached to my students, there is a HUGE line and I know not to cross it, but I will not run so far from it that I won't care about them. On the first day of school I told my class that I loved them all and that if they needed help with anything that they could always come talk to me. I also said that because I love you all I am expecting a lot from each of you. I will accept nothing but your best work. I am here to help you make sure you can do your best and more, but you have to work for it. My students are being held to some high standards and already they are working really hard. Their enthusiasm and creativity are amazing to see and things like that and the one on one moments I have with them, like with the student I mentioned earlier, are what will keep me motivated to teach.

I have some students who are already frustrating me to no end, but that's life and that is something that the students and I are working on. It is a struggle of wills and I will win, not because I am on a power trip, but because I am trying to instill in these kids a sense of respect for themselves, for other students and for adults. Even if they are driving me nuts it doesn't mean that I won't demand their best work, too. All of my students deserve my respect, my care, and my belief in their ability to do great things. I've had many veteran teachers tell me similar beliefs and THOSE are the teachers I take advice from.

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There is a huge difference between keeping an emotionally "safe" distance between you and your students (and you'll have to decide for yourself where that "line" is, as colleen wisely puts it)... and displaying open contempt for them.

Dollypop, I have to ask you... why did you ever become a teacher in the first place, if you feel so strongly the way you do? You're not just "distanced" from them... you HATE them. You've made it clear to us and sadly to them as well.

Why are you teaching, then?

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Give Dolly a break. Sure, it may not be the best idea to voice these ideas in a first year teacher thread, but you have to remember that every teaching situation is different. The support that teachers receive from the administration and district make a huge difference. Each district and school is different, and the teaching situation of many teachers is less than acceptable. If you doubt this, read a book by Jonathan Kozol. The difference in environments between well off schools and those in poor districts or districts with weak administration is unbelievable.

It is wonderful that Jess and KelRel have a supportive environment. They will need it as they go through their first year. I am sure they will make a positive difference in every student that they are given this year. They will also face challenges and hopefully have support to face those challenges head on.

BUT don't be too hard on Dolly who has had a long career in teaching. There is a reason for such high turnover in those first years of teaching.

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Updated On: 8/18/07 at 11:07 PM

Some of the stuff Dollypop said does have great substance. You are the adult figure in the classroom and the students do need to know who is in charge. It does make a big difference in what area you are dealing with: elementary, middle school, and high school, ESL, and special education are such different beasts. I don't know how it operates in other states, but here in NYC if a teacher is really unhappy with a particular school they do have the option to transfer, there isn't much reason to stay at a school that might make you embittered in the long run. But from one new teacher to another good luck Kel.

You are the adult figure in the classroom and the students do need to know who is in charge.

Yes, but a good teacherr doesn't need to distance themselves from students or be very authoritative to do it!

I think KelRel's first day spiel was perfect!

Today we had a talk about the background of Number the Stars. We discussed the Holocaust as much as necessary for 4th graders. It was hard to walk the line between what is needed to help them understand the book and what is too much for them.

Mamie, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I got the books today. You are a lifesaver!!! *hug*

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LOL - who's teaching who there? (whom there? GADS, I need to go back to school!)

ANYWAY - I'm delighted to hear it. I loved books so much when I was in school - going all the way back to first grade. We had a bookmobile come through the neighborhood every week and it was more exciting than the ice cream truck. It pleases me more than I can say that this joy in reading is continuing with your kids.

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I still have my mother's and grandfather's children's books, DG! They're displayed and arranged on our shelves proudly in the living room... including my grandfather's 1902 copy (second edition) of The Wizard of Oz, and an 1892 copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I have The Little Prince from my own early years too, and many others. I love the cover illustrations and even the old smell of the thick paper. I can picture those "young eyes" that poured eagerly over every page, and it makes me very happy.

Such treasures, indeed!

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So, I just saw this thread and I just wanted to say that I'm starting my freshman year in college and my major is elementary ed. I'm very excited about it! Yeah, that's it.

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geaj, good luck! It doesn't take long to get used to the schedule. It is a lot of work and a lot of hours, but it is totally worth it. I am about to start my 3rd week and I LOVE my job.

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>>>"I am about to start my 3rd week and I LOVE my job."<<<

I am about to start my 36th year and I HATE my job. (Actually I'd enjoy teaching if I didn't have to deal with the kids.)

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Dolly-- I am curious also. What led you to want to become a teacher? Did you once posses the optimism of the young teachers on this thread, and have it eventually beaten out of you?

Kel- I've never had the pleasure of conversing with you directly, but I do send a profound congratulations. It's true, what others have said, you really don't forget your elementary school teachers. I know you'll be a good one. It's hard to stay positive, and no one expects you to be "on" all the time. But the positive attitude you seem to possess undoubtedly encourages your students. Sounds like you're doing all the right things. In terms of music, the Lion King had just come out when I was in third grade, and our teacher played the cassette for us during our drawing/writing time. Everyone in my class loved it but I wasn't a huge fan (I missed Howard Ashman), so I brought Abbey Road and played that. I can't say all the kids dug it, but you know, "Come Together" can really send the right message. I mean, it was written originally for Timothy Leary, but... it can be inspiring. I just thought I'd add that tidbit along incase some youngster has the same request. Keep your chin up and rock the house!
Btw, I think it's awesome you're kind of doing your own thing in terms of the learning approach. It's people like you that help kids instead of hindering them, which is exactly what happens when you're forced into the machine.