If I get through December I'll be ok. right???

First year teacher here.

Just hit my first serious bend of exhaustion and indifference.

I love my job, but I've really started slacking and planning less. I just can't get motivated because the kids are going nuts, the holidays are coming, I'm overwhelmed, and totally stressed out!!!!!!!!!!

December is the worst, right?


Tell me it gets better.........?

Re: If I get through December I'll be ok. right???

I am in the EXACT same boat as you!

I am also a first year teacher, teaching middle school. I am SO exhausted this week especially. I am becoming so unmotivated to do work except the work that absolutely must be done by the next day!

I came home yesterday and today telling DH how I can't wait to go on a maternity leave because this job is sucking the life out of me.

I think we will really appreciate the December break and it will be here soon. My students will be taking the ELA exam in January so the stress is at an all time HIGH in my school, plus other stress like having the bulletin board outside the room completed... informal observations that could happen at any given time .... I plan on not thinking about ANY of this while I am on break.

Feel free to FM me anytime, I can be a great emotional support since I am feeling the EXACT same way right now .. but hey, if my calculations are correct, there are only 115 school days left before we break for summer. But, who's counting?

Re: If I get through December I'll be ok. right???

Didn't they show ya'll the big bell curve in grad school?

It shows the highs and lows of the first year of teaching. We all go through it and honestly, Bon, if you've made it this far, you'll be fine!

It gets better, and when you get to the point where you actually STOP counting the days until the next big break you really are ok.

Re: If I get through December I'll be ok. right???

This part of the year is awful. June is almost as bad. But the spring is lovely.

JK.

You will be fine!! You've made it this far!

Hang in there.

Re: If I get through December I'll be ok. right???

Jus tthink - only 9 more wake-ups until that glorious break!

You WILL get through it. I'm an 8th year teacher and still get into a slump around this time of year.

Use the break to relax and renew yourself. January and February will hopefully go quickly and then the days will start to get longer, the weather will start to get warmer and before you know it, the end of the year is upon us.

Re: If I get through December I'll be ok. right???

i really appreciate all of the responses! This has brightened my day.

Oh, and is it bad that I just LIED to my asst. principal just so I could get out of going to a meeting this afternoon?! I just cannnnnnnnn't handle another one right now!

Re: If I get through December I'll be ok. right???

This time of the year is absolutely crazy! This is my first year teaching an upper grade and I find that I'm just not motivated and the kids are off the wall!
On top of me trying to get myself together, we have had a Christmas fair, book fair, and a Christmas concert...ENOUGH let me teach!! I actually asked the kids today how much H.W. they were getting in the other class to make sure the amount I'm giving this week and next doesn't look too small

Re: If I get through December I'll be ok. right???

hmmmmm December is tough but MARCH is the worst!!!! That is the month to save your sick days for! No vacations in sight.

Message edited 12/10/2008 5:56:15 PM.

Re: If I get through December I'll be ok. right???

It's my 7th year and i feel the same way as you... I just need a break!! I can't wait to relax..