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MrsRivera
2 under 2...whew!!
Member since 2/07 9876 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Do you ever question your decision to teach?
I look at my DH (not a teacher), and he's never stressed out and dreading work on a Sunday night.
Is it normal that Sunday night is like, the end of the world to me? Don't get me wrong, I love teaching, but the secretarial aspect and the bureaucratic aspect is killing me.
I sometimes wonder why I do what I do for so little money. 
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Posted 11/25/07 7:56 PM  |
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Candy Girl
Candy girl- you are so sweet!
Member since 11/07 6349 total posts
Name:
erin
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Yes. I question that decision a lot. I have been teaching for 8 years and I think this may be the end of the road for me. It is impossible to JUST TEACH. I started my second Master's degree in school counseling. I should be finished by the time I reach my 10 year longevity.
Do you teach in the city or LI?
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| Posted 11/25/07 8:31 PM |
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drpepper318
MIR MIR MIR!
Member since 6/07 8274 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
YES all the time. Just trying to make it through the year.... 
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| Posted 11/25/07 9:32 PM |
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donegal419
St. Gerard, pray for us.
Member since 7/07 7650 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
NO....
Some days, the planning *****, you just want to get out of there at 3:30, but overall, I love what I do. Teaching is a serious job and I am totally OCD, so I know that i go above and beyond (like staying to 6 PM most days) ... but it's worth it. I love it and couldn't imagine doing anything else. the summer break and other days off during the year, make my long days a little easier to take.
If you asked me this my first few years of teaching, i probably would have said yes, but it does get better. the planning gets easier as you get more experience and you accumulate resources and ideas you can use from year to year.
I am also in a wonderful district...where the teachers are spoiled. we have an amazing administration, amazing families and parents... yes, there are some people that drive you nuts, but compared to when i was in the city, and other people's stories on this board, i really have it good, so i can't complain.
HANG IN THERE!
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| Posted 11/25/07 9:45 PM |
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Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Not really. I love what I do so its not such a big deal! I think all jobs people hate Sunday nights b/c they have to go back to work!
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| Posted 11/25/07 10:19 PM |
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SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
When I was teaching, sundays were the worse, I actually felt a sense of dread that I had to go back the next day. It made me miserable.
Now I don't feel that at all. Yesterday after the 4 days off I was whining about going back, but I never dread going to work anymore.
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| Posted 11/26/07 10:15 AM |
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MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Posted by ejm1219
I think all jobs people hate Sunday nights b/c they have to go back to work!
definitely true. I love my job, but I love my days off more 
You recently moved, bought a house, you have a lot going on, i think its normal to feel this way when everything is changing.
Maybe its not teaching per se, maybe its the school, the class, one kid, kwim?
hang in there
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| Posted 11/26/07 12:50 PM |
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islandersgirl74
Love Being A Mommy!
Member since 6/06 5804 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
never..this is really a rewarding job and over the years you do see a difference that you make. Yeah its tough and we dont get paid nearly what we should but i cant imagine doing anything different.
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| Posted 11/26/07 1:44 PM |
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LulaBell
:)
Member since 1/06 3508 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Sometimes I question why I put up with the people I work with, but I love my job. I like that everyday is a new, unpredictable challenge. It keeps me on my feet.
However, I have had those days when I was just miserable. Hang in there, it gets better!
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| Posted 11/26/07 5:22 PM |
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VirginiaDeb
Don't eat me, hippo!
Member since 5/05 9252 total posts
Name:
Deb
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Almost every day. I love teaching, but I'm just tired of all of the crap I have to deal with.
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| Posted 11/26/07 6:09 PM |
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My3Shmoos
Me and my Monkey
Member since 7/06 2437 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
I never question my decision. Since I was in 1st grade I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Yes, some days or even years are more challenging than other but in the end seeing 23 little faces smileis the BEST! I love the fact that they make me laugh everyday!!!
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| Posted 11/26/07 6:19 PM |
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Arieschick29
aries+cancer= pisces&gemini
Member since 3/06 4268 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Posted by VirginiaDeb
Almost every day. I love teaching, but I'm just tired of all of the crap I have to deal with.
ITA- seems like I'm doing less and less teaching....more and more paperwork, spec. ed referrals, discipline write-ups, lesson planning, testwriting, test prep and following curriculum maps than I get to do anything fun or original with my kids
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| Posted 11/26/07 6:57 PM |
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nel
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 1173 total posts
Name:
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
The paperwork can certainly get overwhelming, but I never get tired of it. I think the reason why is something I've come to realize over the years. I have moments in my job here that I don't think I could ever have in any other. And when teaching is rewarding? I think it surpasses everything else. I honestly think we make a difference, and when I can actually see that, it makes me know I picked the right job.
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| Posted 11/26/07 7:24 PM |
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justthe4ofus
I hate hypocrites!!!!!
Member since 5/05 6905 total posts
Name:
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
I LOVE being with the kids. Watching them learn and explore is AMAZING. BUT I cannot stand the fact that my department is being torn apart. The strong program we had is now being made into a substandard one at best.
I hate the paperwork. I hate that lately my school seems to be hiring lazy teachers that are only there for the pay check and could give a rats azz about the kids and their education.
So yes, seeing that I am now, at 12 years no longer a superior teacher, because I care about the education of my children and I should not make education fun anymore, and that their needs are not the first priority off anyones anymore and no one cares anymore- yes I am questioning my decision.
Funny thing is I was talking to some of the other teachers that I started with who also have been considered great teachers for the last 12 years and they have all had it too. They love the kids but can no longer deal with the BS. Many are thinking of leaving and that's sad, some great teachers will be lost.
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| Posted 11/27/07 6:09 AM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Posted by Jamie
Funny thing is I was talking to some of the other teachers that I started with who also have been considered great teachers for the last 12 years and they have all had it too. They love the kids but can no longer deal with the BS. Many are thinking of leaving and that's sad, some great teachers will be lost.
ITA
After 13 years in the profession and almost a year off from teaching, I can't say I miss my job.
The demands are non-stop as is the politics and constant criticism from all sides... administration, parents, children, community. If I had to do all over again, I don't think I'd do it.
If I didn't have so many years vested towards retirement (NYS teachers have a great pension, one of the best health insurance plans around, and a schedule that is easier for raising children I would not be going back.
When I do return, for the sake of my family and sanity, I'm sorry, but I will be scaling back. The hours I used to put in were absolutely ridiculous and that was still after many, many years of teaching... no more four hours a night of grading and paperwork on top of non-stop work on my preps. What can't be accomplished before 5 pm when DH returns with them from daycare will just not happen.
Even the craziest day raising twins, believe it or not, is less stressful than my teaching job.
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| Posted 11/27/07 9:52 AM |
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Candy Girl
Candy girl- you are so sweet!
Member since 11/07 6349 total posts
Name:
erin
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
Posted by Jamie
Funny thing is I was talking to some of the other teachers that I started with who also have been considered great teachers for the last 12 years and they have all had it too. They love the kids but can no longer deal with the BS. Many are thinking of leaving and that's sad, some great teachers will be lost.
ITA
After 13 years in the profession and almost a year off from teaching, I can't say I miss my job.
The demands are non-stop as is the politics and constant criticism from all sides... administration, parents, children, community. If I had to do all over again, I don't think I'd do it.
If I didn't have so many years vested towards retirement (NYS teachers have a great pension, one of the best health insurance plans around, and a schedule that is easier for raising children I would not be going back.
When I do return, for the sake of my family and sanity, I'm sorry, but I will be scaling back. The hours I used to put in were absolutely ridiculous and that was still after many, many years of teaching... no more four hours a night of grading and paperwork on top of non-stop work on my preps. What can't be accomplished before 5 pm when DH returns with them from daycare will just not happen.
Even the craziest day raising twins, believe it or not, is less stressful than my teaching job.
I am very happy and relieved to read responses that echo my own feelings about being a NYC schoolteacher. I feel like the criticism and blame game within my school now are almost impossible to bear. I currently have a comp time position and am resigning from it so that I can be in the classroom more and far away from the BS politics in my school. The teachers are treated so poorly in my school that I sometimes look at my surroundings and have to giggle. The funny part is, compared to other city schools, we have it good. I don't want to leave the system because I am finally making good money, have great benefits and an excellent pension but I also feel ridiculous pretending to be a teacher when all of the forces are working against that. There are no more standards--everybody passes. There is no intellectual freedom and zero creativity. All of this led me to my decision to be a school counselor. This way, I still have tons of contact with the students (whom I love) and don't have to deal with as much of the pressure they are placing on testing. I remember back when I started teaching...I was so happy. I loved my job. I feel like that has been taken away from me. It is sad, but better that I made the decision now than to get burned out and wind up doing more harm than good.
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| Posted 11/27/07 3:14 PM |
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Posted by Snickers
I am very happy and relieved to read responses that echo my own feelings about being a NYC schoolteacher. I feel like the criticism and blame game within my school now are almost impossible to bear. I currently have a comp time position and am resigning from it so that I can be in the classroom more and far away from the BS politics in my school. The teachers are treated so poorly in my school that I sometimes look at my surroundings and have to giggle. The funny part is, compared to other city schools, we have it good. I don't want to leave the system because I am finally making good money, have great benefits and an excellent pension but I also feel ridiculous pretending to be a teacher when all of the forces are working against that. There are no more standards--everybody passes. There is no intellectual freedom and zero creativity. All of this led me to my decision to be a school counselor. This way, I still have tons of contact with the students (whom I love) and don't have to deal with as much of the pressure they are placing on testing. I remember back when I started teaching...I was so happy. I loved my job. I feel like that has been taken away from me. It is sad, but better that I made the decision now than to get burned out and wind up doing more harm than good.
I am also a city vet, and I relate to much of what you say. I was a literacy coach for two years and went back into the classroom full-time during the 06-07 school year. Being the coach was miserable- dealing with adults was a lot harder than dealing with the kids. These days, I feel like I can't win- it's all esting, the kids hate it and so do I.
Message edited 11/27/2007 4:28:59 PM.
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| Posted 11/27/07 4:28 PM |
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MrsRivera
2 under 2...whew!!
Member since 2/07 9876 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
I can't honestly say that I ever thought teaching would be EASY, but I wasn't expecting not to be able to keep up with the demands. As one of the OP said, even in my first year teaching here in NC, I've decided that whatever can't get done before I leave school, or in an hour at night, won't get done. I realized that all of these long hours of non-stop work was at the sake of my sanity.
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| Posted 11/27/07 4:52 PM |
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justthe4ofus
I hate hypocrites!!!!!
Member since 5/05 6905 total posts
Name:
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
I don't know what is causing this, is it NCLB is it too many people coming in and thinking that they can run schools like a corporation because have we have seen time and time again by many of the charter schools that doesn't work.
I know in my district on LI we are now so micromanaged that it's ridiculous. We must test with the same test on the same day. We have to be lock step and if a child is absent, even for a week they get 1 day to make up the work! It's insane.
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| Posted 11/27/07 5:50 PM |
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InShock
life is good
Member since 10/06 9258 total posts
Name:
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
I *hated* teaching in NYC (Queens). Could not STAND the BS that I was involved with on a daily basis. However, I never questioned my decision to teach -- just knew I had to get OUT of there ASAP!
Now I have a 10 million times better job on Long Island and couldn't be happier. Teaching is what I was meant to do and I'm so thankful I (finally) found a great place to work.
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| Posted 11/27/07 7:03 PM |
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nymommy2be
I love the summer
Member since 1/06 2063 total posts
Name:
Kara
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Posted by islandersgirl74
never..this is really a rewarding job and over the years you do see a difference that you make. Yeah its tough and we dont get paid nearly what we should but i cant imagine doing anything different.
ITA
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| Posted 11/28/07 12:38 AM |
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TaraHutch
True beauty
Member since 10/07 9888 total posts
Name:
Tara
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
It is my second year...and I guess there have been times I've questioned it- but not totally seriously. I mean really, what else would I do? And when I have a good day, it's magical!
See, last year I was on cloud nine - new teacher, new career, getting married...it was a year long high. I go back to school in Sept and the thrill is gone. I lost my motivation towards planning and just teaching in general. It got better after a few months...but then I returned to the doldrums again.
I feel SO guilty about feeling this way. I have an amazing job at an amazing school, amazing district....and last year I LIVED for my job. Now I barely come home with excited stories for DH and I used to jabber on nonstop. It makes me so sad... DH says it's just that the real world is settling in for me. It's not new anymore, it's now a job. I guess he's right. I was just hoping I'd always be excited to go to work.... Now the idea of planning just irritates me.
And this is a girl that took a two week course in Virginia TWO WEEKS BEFORE HER WEDDING just because she loved her career so much!! I just wish I could get the old passion back. I'm hoping this is just a sophomore slump...I'm just having a really insecure year where I question everything I do and beat myself up if I don't get to certain things.
And ladies, I'm a music teacher so I don't have HALF the stress that you have!! My only stress are the concerts (which is crazy stress but it lasts a few weeks a couple times a year).
I'm glad I had some place to vent to!
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| Posted 11/28/07 6:49 PM |
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donegal419
St. Gerard, pray for us.
Member since 7/07 7650 total posts
Name:
K
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Posted by TaraHutched
It is my second year...and I guess there have been times I've questioned it- but not totally seriously. I mean really, what else would I do? And when I have a good day, it's magical!
See, last year I was on cloud nine - new teacher, new career, getting married...it was a year long high. I go back to school in Sept and the thrill is gone. I lost my motivation towards planning and just teaching in general. It got better after a few months...but then I returned to the doldrums again.
I feel SO guilty about feeling this way. I have an amazing job at an amazing school, amazing district....and last year I LIVED for my job. Now I barely come home with excited stories for DH and I used to jabber on nonstop. It makes me so sad... DH says it's just that the real world is settling in for me. It's not new anymore, it's now a job. I guess he's right. I was just hoping I'd always be excited to go to work.... Now the idea of planning just irritates me.
And this is a girl that took a two week course in Virginia TWO WEEKS BEFORE HER WEDDING just because she loved her career so much!! I just wish I could get the old passion back. I'm hoping this is just a sophomore slump...I'm just having a really insecure year where I question everything I do and beat myself up if I don't get to certain things.
And ladies, I'm a music teacher so I don't have HALF the stress that you have!! My only stress are the concerts (which is crazy stress but it lasts a few weeks a couple times a year).
I'm glad I had some place to vent to!
Welcome to the teacher boards, Tara! So glad to see you here! 
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| Posted 11/28/07 7:51 PM |
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TaraHutch
True beauty
Member since 10/07 9888 total posts
Name:
Tara
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
Posted by donegal419
Welcome to the teacher boards, Tara! So glad to see you here!
Thanks for the welcome, Karen! Good to see you too!
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| Posted 11/28/07 9:22 PM |
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burberrygirl
so happy!!
Member since 1/07 2091 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Do you ever question your decision to teach?
I never questioned teaching. I love my job. Yes, some days I want to pull the hair out of my head, and possibly my student's heads. I teach 11th and 10th graders so they are stressed about life issues, and so am I. I truly love and appreciate my job every day. I guess that was why it wasn't so difficult for me to go back to work after the birth of my twin girls.
I have learned not to take anything home and well after teaching for 5 years, my lesson plans are finished, some what.
My husband is an elementary teacher so we save the same boat.
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| Posted 11/29/07 12:16 PM |
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