First Year Teacher in Distress

So I work in a school, in a not so great district in NYC...My school received an "F" on that report card (not shocking).

I was hired as a classroom teacher (1st grade) in august but 2 weeks later I was placed as an excessed teacher (which wasn't clarified until 2 weeks ago) I had been a Literacy Cluster Teacher for 2 weeks, and now I'm in a 5th Grade CTT class as the 2nd Gen. Ed Teacher, since they haven't found a Special ed teacher yet. I'm still currently in the school I believe as an ATR (Absent Teacher Reserve) which is that I fill in for absent teachers (although most of the time I don't do this).

I really want to get out of the school, but as you know teaching jobs are hard to come by this time of the year...and I am having some issues with some of the administration. I have already had 2 meetings of a "disciplinary nature" and I feel at a loss because everything thats happened to me so far is very discouraging as a teacher.

Would anyone know what would happen if I decided to quit? Would it look bad on my record with the DOE or worse on my resume?

I don't intend to quit but if feels like they want me too since they cant technically fire me.

Also in sending my resume to schools at this time of the year should I put down that im currently working there, as well as my status and what I've been doing the past 3 months

Any advice would help

Re: First Year Teacher in Distress

First of all, HANG IN THERE!!! many schools in the BOE are dysfunctional on a good day and it sounds like yours is one of them. with the BOE you really need to separate the kids from the politics. they have nothing to do with the inept idiots that run the school, so you need to try and focus on them and what you can do to help the kids....

in terms of leaving, i am not so sure i would at this point.... as you said, you don't know what else is out there at this time of year. however, you didn't go into detail in tems of what went on at the disciplinary meetings... depending on what the issues were there would probably help me make my decision to stay or to go.... also, i would seek out your union rep. to talk to. they are wonderful to talk to and know the teacher's rights inside and out.

i feel bad... it definitely looks like you're getting shuffled around and abused and that *****. hang in there!!!!

keep us posted on what happens!!!

Re: First Year Teacher in Distress

oh my goodness - what a year you are having! i am a new teacher so i really feel for you. i had my class switched 3 weeks into the school year and so i understand what it's like to be low on the food chain and not have a choice in what they give you. all i can say is hang in there....talk to your union rep about everything and ask for lots of advice - you have rights (although it doesn't always feel like it as an untenured teacher, i know)....and remember that it will not always be this way. the administration may always suck but you will not always be the lowest on the food chain.

Re: First Year Teacher in Distress

At this point in the year I would try and hold on...We are so close to CHristmas..after Christmas break the year flies by

Re: First Year Teacher in Distress

Good luck with everything...I would stick it out at least until January, but keep sending out resumes though; I know my district has 19 maternity leaves this year that they haven't filled yet! I am sure it is the same all over!

Re: First Year Teacher in Distress

I would stick it out too... you don't want to have a gap like that in your resume, or have to use that for a reference. That being said, I agree with the previous poster about separating the kids from the politics. It's hard to do, but it makes the job so much better.

As a first year teacher who is also having a rocky road, I'm sending you lots of

Re: First Year Teacher in Distress

Thanks guys I'm definitely trying to hold on!

I am not a quitter, never was and I don't intend to be.

On the bright side 2 more days til turkey day :)