In case you were wondering who the worst teacher in the world is................

your search is over.

It's me.

I don't know WHAT happened!!!!! Last year my kids were engaged in the lessons, they participated, and I actually felt like I was accomplishing something day to day......

This year I feel like I'm talking to a wall. My students don't listen to directions AT ALL, I have to repeat myself over and over........ I have the same 2 students participating during group discussions, lessons, etc. (everyone else is staring at the ceiling or playing with stuff in their desks) .... and just today I had 3 kids throwing crumpled paper at each other and SMILED when I called them out on it! Oh, and when I read a behavior contract given to them by the school and went through it with them .. this one kid commented that he didn't agree with the rule about not wearing gang paraphernalia (he has some gang involvement- has a friend in one but he is not in one himself)

I had the same students last year and I feel like I am teaching a COMPLETELY different class!!!

I spend SO much time making lessons that I think are going to be successful.. even the first day I had a fun game for the kids to play and of course it couldn't be fun because everyone cheated

I honestly feel like I can't do anything right.

Anyone else feel this way? Or, anyone have some advice?

Message edited 9/15/2009 6:37:14 PM.

Re: In case you were wondering who the worst teacher in the world is................

I highly doubt you're the worst teacher in the world. I once had a teacher when I was in middle school who used to throw worksheets at us, while he sat and balanced his checkbook or read the paper.....now that's the world's worst teacher!

I think the fact that you're posting about it shows that you care. Probably because you had the same students last year, they're already in their comfort zone. The novelty of a new year, new teacher has already worn off, you know?

If you want to get more kids involved, I do this. After I ask a question, i call on one kid, only to make him ask someone esle. So it would go like this:

"When did the war end, John..... (pause 2 seconds) can you ask Mary?

It keeps them on their seats because they don't know who's really going to have to answer the question. I mix it in with regular questions. Maybe try this?

Someone once told me when I started teaching to make the worst kid in your class your best friend. Give them a job, any job. My mentor used to put the biggest pain in charge of guarding the bulletin boards, making sure no one touched them!

I feel your frustration though...I have kids several years in a row too.

Re: In case you were wondering who the worst teacher in the world is................

Ok, I got notes from parents about how awful my homework is the first day after homework. I think I'm ahead of you on that worst teacher line!

I agree with the PP. Posting shows that you care. It's only September.

Use those fun lessons. Think outside the box to engage them. I realized today that one of my students, who has been completely unmotivated since day 1, responded VERY well to using manipulatives in math. Test the waters, see what they respond to. You are a GREAT teacher and you care, and these students need you!

Re: In case you were wondering who the worst teacher in the world is................

we have all had those days....

Many

You obviously care so you arent the worst teacher in the world!

Re: In case you were wondering who the worst teacher in the world is................

hey lady, get on line!!!

ha ha I'm sorry you are frustrated, but I think it may be this year for everybody!!!

I was told via email that I am a B*$CH and that she (the mother of the student) knows she has to "stay on top of me".

Do your job, do it well, at the end of every day say I did my best. Students need to take a bit of the responsiblity!

I am sure you are a great teacher!

Re: In case you were wondering who the worst teacher in the world is................

At least you care!!! That means that you're trying & I'm sure you're doing better than you think you are.

I'm sure I'm worse than you. I hardly care anymore, it's so bad, I'm so burned out & sick of the job... another teacher told me they're amazed by my apathy... doesn't get much worse than that!

You sound like a great teacher who really wants the best for the kids. Don't worry!!!

Re: In case you were wondering who the worst teacher in the world is................

Thank you SO much to everyone who responded! I was tempted to respond to everyone individually .. but I am only on for a short time because of course... I need to go plan lessons...

I love feeling like after a miserable day that makes me feel like I broke a record for world's worst teacher....... I can come on here and vent about it and get such great support!


Today WAS A MUCH BETTER DAY!! I did some reflecting and figured out that yesterday I was in a terrible mood .. (didn't sleep enough the night before and it got me grumpy) and I think it rubbed off on the kids. Today I changed my attitude and went in with a different perspective. Yea... I had kids not following directions at times.. but I didn't internalize it and get as annoyed as I did yesterday.. and that made a HUGE difference!!

I was in a much more positive mood today and it really was contagious. The day went a lot smoother and flew a lot faster.. Also........ I took a break for lunch. I haven't done this yet this year because I am so determined to get stuff done at school and be super productive....... but today I felt like socializing.. so off I went... and though in the end I stayed at work till 6 getting work done .. (yes, 6 and still not done!!) .. it was SO nice to break up the day and talk to people my own age for 40 mins.

I am SO appreciative for everyone's responses and advice