Named after the hundred-eyed watchman of Greek myth, Argus watches the education landscape: spotting new opportunities, pressure-testing the ventures we're building, and tracing every read back to the real-world signals behind it.
The evidence library: the raw signals the pipeline is watching across the education ecosystem. Every idea is built from these.
So my mom passed very unexpectedly last Friday. I left school in enough time to spend about an hour and a half with her at the emergency room before she took a turn for the worst. Needless to say this has been very difficult. In trying to get a lesson together I called the AD to get the teacher that taught the subject last year number. He said he would tell the principal. On Saturday when I called the principal to let him know I was going to be out for a few days as I had to plan everything, he had no idea what I was talking about. So obviously the AD did not tell him. Friday night football game, I guess it just slipped his mind. The funeral was Wednesday. I had to plan a lesson if I missed or not so, as we all know it is just easier to go to school. So Thursday I went to work. Only one teacher came up to talk to me about it. He only knew because one of my athletes told him. The teacher next to me came up and said she thought I had quit. So I get to tell what happened. When my students
Why do teachers stay at the same school until retirement? I feel like every other field it’s normal to leave jobs. But leaving teaching or schools is a big deal for some reason? submitted by /u/Grand-Tell195 [link] [comments]
Yes, I have a very strong opinions about children past the age of seven who cannot tie their own shoes. Now, of course I’m excluding any child that have motor issues or developmental delays. The sheer amount of children who cannot tie their shoes who are in the first grade 2nd grade, and beyond it’s staggering. I’ve had to start refusing to tie shoes because many times they are urine soaked.😂 The word parent is both a noun and a verb. submitted by /u/Content-Name2693 [link] [comments]
So I’ve got a class that is massively unprepared for high school math. But I can’t help them because I have a student who is, and I don’t exaggerate here, always disrupting the class. She will loudly talk to friends on the other side of the room. She calls my name when I’m trying to help others, and when I respond denies saying anything. When she does actually ask for help, it’s “How do I do this?” and then answers “I don’t know,” to every question I ask, down to “what’s 3 plus 2?” Every interaction I have with her she treats me disrespectfully, like getting my name wrong over and over, even when I correct her. During a benchmark assessment, she kept talking, making rude noises, and calling out across the room. I tried to send her out and was told the office couldn’t take her and disruptions are a classroom management issue. After her calling me over and denying it about ten times I told her that I needed to help other students. She complained to admin that I refused to help her and I
He has worked at a total of two schools prior to this one. One as a teacher for about 5 years, and then as an AP for about 5 years. If he says, "back at my old school" (where he wasn't even a principal) one more time I might have to make a drinking game and get sloshed. He has ruined the master schedule, is making SPED cover gen ed classrooms because "they must have free time" and has made it so that core academics are all taught after lunch. Look, I am not pro old people, but I feel like the hiring team took "let's find someone fresh and hip" way too literally. (ETA: To clarify, I made it sound like this was year one, but this is actually going to be new principals 2nd year. This principal decided to really shake up the schedule and piss everyone off to start off the year. Further context is that it is a K-5 school which is how core content is all schedule at once teachers who teach multiple sections of the same class etc). Please share stories for some commiseration please. submitted
I (49F) am a veteran teacher starting my 21st year in a HS science classroom. As I start another school year in these unprecedented times in education, I’m even more appreciative for the teachers who choose to show up in the rooms next to me daily. I know we (teachers) can be judgmental of the practices of others. But, right now, we truly need to show each other more empathy and appreciation. Our jobs are tough and it costs nothing to say hello and I’m glad you’re here today. Take care of your people please. Positivity is powerful submitted by /u/SnikkerDoodly [link] [comments]
This generation of kids, they are something. They hate/dislike you because you dare to not let them walk over you and have their own way, lespecially when you are a young/young looking woman teacher. You ever notice how you lay down the law as a teacher and not give into them they get passive aggressive and not engaged with participation? But then you get dinged by idiot admin for not "being engaging". It's so weird the trade off for having classroom management and the gall to not let them do what the want. F this career. submitted by /u/CartoonistCrafty950 [link] [comments]
Just noticed that Google Maps uses “america” instead of “Ontario” What are social studies, geography, history teachers doing this semester? submitted by /u/tofuhoagie [link] [comments]
Forget not keeping up with inflation (The pay has never been able to keep up with inflation lol... I get paid less now on my 7th year than my corporate starting base salary out of college) Im literally making less per check this year versus last year because the monthly insurance contribution went up more than the raise... They also gave me three new preps on top of the 2 I already had. (Last year I had 3 preps, they took one of the easy ones away and gave it to some new nepo hire teacher) So this year im up to 5 preps... 🫠 At what point do I try less than I did last year because the "do it for the kids" line is getting too fucking old and starting to fall on deaf ears... Im about to just start assigning boilerplate worksheets that meet state standards (once or twice a week) and just tell the kids to "use the book" like some of these other teachers so I can use some of the class time to catch up on grades and plan the lessons I actually need to teach... submitted by /u/Alcarain [link]
My principal and assistant principals called me in for having nipple imprints through my shirt. I’m a female and teaching elementary (5th grade). This was super uncomfortable. Im hoping the community can add some advice! submitted by /u/digitalmenedder [link] [comments]
I teach at a continuation high school in Southern California in a smaller district. Over the past three years we have seen our school population drop from 100 students in 2023 to 15 students in 2026. When I ask administration about this, all give the same answer, “the comprehensive high school is doing a better job of interventions than ever before!” My school would normally get students that have failed 3-4 classes as a sophomore/junior/senior and our teachers would catch them up on the curriculum while building a positive relationship with them. We would prepare them to either transfer back to the comprehensive high school, or help them transition into trade school or community college upon graduation. The “intervention” that is causing my school to lose students is an online recovery course administered by teachers at the comprehensive high school. This course was implemented in 2020. The teachers administer courses through Apex Learning while in a 55 minute class. They are “Recover
Hi all, I was wondering if there were books, blogs, videos, etc. on how to improve my teaching? I feel I’m able to connect with students. But when I go through the lesson, I can see them getting lost. For context: I’m a grad student who will be TAing (eg professor runs a 2-3 hour lecture, I run a 1 hour discussion/recitation meant as a supplement to the lecture) in a STEM program (statistics, math, applied math, physics). I will be teaching undergrad & grad theory courses, these are not hands on labs. We were never taught how to teach 🥲 hence why I’m asking for resources! Thanks! submitted by /u/walkwithfish [link] [comments]
Hello. I'm curious how this works in other districts. At my district, all teachers are expected to follow a specific lesson structure and have things like objectives, activities, checks for understanding, closure/DOL, etc. We’re also being asked to have fairly detailed lesson plans and instructional scripts or basically know exactly what we’re going to say/do during each part of the lesson. In the past, i had more autonomy...freedom with my in class environment, the biggest worries were grades, doing lesson plans and accommodations. I understand that core subjects often have district curriculum, pacing guides, required materials, testing expectations, etc. But regarding electives, it made me wonder how much autonomy elective teachers have in other districts. Do you basically turn in lesson plans showing what you’re teaching and then have the freedom to teach it in your own way? Or does your administration require a specific lesson structure, script, time breakdown, format, specific que
Wasn’t that bad last year…. Now it’s they’ll ask mid lecture. They genuinely don’t care if it’s important content. It’s constant. Then it’s 5 hands go up. I’m so f***ing done submitted by /u/Ill_Card_357 [link] [comments]
Nothing else to really say. I started feeling icky Tuesday night and Wednesday I went in to school. I was sneezing and blowing my nose so much it disrupted my whole class. I sneezed in my class that is mostly freshmen and at least 2 of them screamed. 🤦🏼♀️ I’ve been home in bed and on the couch since I drug myself through the door Tuesday night. Urgent care said no flu, Covid, or strep just a nasty upper respiratory infection. Maybe I’m getting it out of the way early??? submitted by /u/Gingeroo147 [link] [comments]
I’m a 3rd year teacher who just got moved to a different grade level so basically I’m a 1st year teacher all over again. So yes I prep on the weekend. I know I try to limit it but it’s the beginning the year and I’m not at all ready. I asked a question on our staff groupchat. Instead of offering an answer one of my fellow teacher told me to go enjoy the sun and stop working. I know they mean well. But seriously, help or just shut up. Instead I spent 15 minutes being annoyed at them instead of actually working. I didn’t respond to them, I left it alone. But please. Help you’re struggling coworkers or just be quiet. Lolol. —— edit. Regarding the GroupMe room I asked my question to. Our groupchat is often being posted on. I posted to the “social” group which is also where we post all the Happy birthdays, Happy Founders days, happy anniversary’s, sorry your “blank” died, here’s a MLM “job” I want you to participate in- sort of room that is posted to all year long. We have a “business” room
The following text is between me and my best friend who is a KINDERGARTEN TEACHER in Austin Texas. Her: Yeah like 3 ppl told me this week they're looking for other jobs and everyone's crying and shit its so bad Me: Holy fuck!!!! What the hell is wrong with us Her: I got slapped, water dumped on me, pooped on, and im trying to teach math to kids who hate math My room has been torn apart multiple times they broke a light and broke a bunch of shit and thats not the worst part. Its the curriculum Anyway some days are good but my god so much work. It will level out hopefully. Me: Dude . I’m so sorry I want to come over and help you!! Her: Its mostly a lot of reading and looking for files today but thank u babe submitted by /u/purplelephant [link] [comments]
I just started my third year teaching and I think I’m missing a critical part of classroom management. I set expectations, I teach routines (over and over and over), I have consequences that I follow through on. The past two years have been atrocious and kids have talked all over me and ignored me and it’s been chaos. I started at a new school this year and I’m having the same problems. I’m losing my mind and I’ve only been with the kids 2 days. So two questions: - When people say “be firm” what do they mean? I might be interpreting it wrong. - How do you follow through on consequences when a) the whole class is acting out (save a few kids) or b) you can’t tell who’s acting out? submitted by /u/turntosteam [link] [comments]
I’ve been thinking about how my most memorable classes were the ones where I worked on a project. In biology class I remember dissecting up to 8 specimens. In physics class I remember doing multiple projects: popsicle stick structure and an invention for a final project. I remember winning History fair in middle school for a research project on Rock & Roll. This was in the 90s and early 2000s when Texas was top ten in education under a democratic governor. Now? The school I currently work for does none of this. I’m wondering if it’s just my school or if there is a trend of doing less project based learning. If you’re a math or science teacher: PLEASE consider doing more project based learning. I promise you it will stick better. In the United States there is a trend of anti intellectualism. How do you prove to a flat earther that the earth is a sphere if they don’t understand math? How do you prove an antivaxxer wrong if they don’t understand basic science? They don’t believe science b
I’m strongly considering it this year. Last year I went to 75-25 split for paper-online work. And this year I may go 90% paper and only the district common assessments online. Quizzes aside, I’m strongly considering a policy of not accepting garbage. - doodles. You want to draw a cute doodle, whatever, I won’t judge your desire to self express on a random HW if it gets done. On a guided lab or formal lab report I might say something to you about practicing professionalism. But I have had kids doodle so much on a packet I’m convinced they used up a whole pen, it legitimately makes it difficult to read and there’s no where to grade. That’s where I draw the line on doodles. - many blanks. Special Ed teachers generally have advocated I take such work and grade it for any points what so ever. But we grade on a 1-4 basis. I’ve often debated, do I just give em a zero cause this was clearly lazy last minute work, turn it in late within our two weeks but make it actually decent quality, or do I
I teach in an elementary school. This is my first year, first week just ended. Everything is generally what was expected and great. However one thing irks me. We have to stay until every student leaves. Hey! That’s fine. It’s just the system they have set up for dismissal. We have students wait in their classroom for busses that don’t start showing up until 30 minutes after school ends. So students are trashing the rooms and won’t listen any more after being there for 9 hours at this point. Not only do busses show up late, the last one shows up 2 hours after school ends. I live 30 minutes away. So by the time I can actually get work done after school and get home, it’s 6:30. AND we aren’t getting paid because “it’s not in the budget to pay you all for after school care”. We were told to make plans with other teachers to take kids certain days and decide amongst ourselves what this would look like. Other than that, they said “it’s illegal to abandon those kids under your care, so keep t
Every year there is a sign up for teachers to clean the staff lounge at the end of the day and I absolutely refuse to participate. In my building, individuals are assigned a week to do this. Every year I roll my eyes. Everyone is a grown adult with a college education and I will not be reduced down to a cleaner of space everyone using it should keep clean. You get up you wipe your area and put your things in the dishwasher and you keep it moving. I find it incredibly reductive and rude to walk into a staff lounge and see the filth on the tables while declaring that children need to be more responsible and take accountability for their actions submitted by /u/Content-Name2693 [link] [comments]
Regrettably in many cases and many situations Black educators, specifically Black male educators are not seen for their intellect, but for their ability to be behavior specialist. This viewpoint is held by colleagues, administration, and both within the district. I know this is not everyone for us, please do not spend our time trying to discredit what has been a shared story for many Black educators specifically Black male educators, but not limited too. By the way, I am a Black male educator who has actively refused for the past 37 years being the discipline expert, the missing father, the Stern voice, while never being given the opportunity to lead a workshop, to be department head, to be so many other things. submitted by /u/Content-Name2693 [link] [comments]
Teachers, specifically coaches, at my school have been uploading student photos into ChatGPT to make banners for athletic events. We don’t have a specific policy for this yet. We only have permission forms for posting student photos on school social media accounts. I don’t think the people doing this are even aware of the potential issues. Pretty sure our local administration knows about it, but the district office may not. Has anyone else dealt with this? I’m worried about what may become of this data later. What should I do? Is it even worth fighting? I’m in the minority of anti-genAI people at my school. I will not have much support. Edit to add: no union submitted by /u/manyunicorns [link] [comments]
I’m a first year specials teacher at a really tiny k-5 and I use some of the classics: - 1, 2, 3 eyes on me (1, 2 eyes on you) - capiche? (Capash!) - waterfall (shhhhh) But I also have one I made up and tbh I love it: AYYY, I’M TEACHIN’ HERE! (SO TEACH ALREADY!) What are your favorites? submitted by /u/Little-Display-373 [link] [comments]
This past February, I made this post about always getting sick from students at my school. The r/Teachers community so kindly gave me so many suggestions, and I wanted to report back to you with some of the changes that I made. I cannot thank you enough for your help. Once I started these changes, I only got sick once more during the entire rest of the school year, and I am quite certain it was from a sick family member, rather than from school. I also am multiple weeks into this next school year already, and I have yet to be sick while some of my other staff members already are getting sickness. Here were the changes that were presented to me that I implemented: - I bought an air purifier. I got the "Clorox Medium Room Air Purifiers for Bedroom Home, True HEPA Filter" that mentions reducing 99.9% of viruses. I put this on a setting of Level 3 out of 4. Great volume, not too loud. Level 2 is event quieter. I actually bought two -- I teach in a classroom and also in a separate smaller r
I tend to have repeatable success with "boys who present significant behavior challenges that aren't primarily disability-related". My reward? Classes with more and more of these boys. There are only so many places I can put them in my class. After rearranging multiple times, I've already had to settle on rows again this year. Yes, my boys are behaving, but at the cost of the entire class having to live in lockdown mode. That isn’t fair to the rest of the class, and it isn’t fair to me. I don’t want to spend another entire year as a drill sergeant. One or two boys with significant behavior needs can usually be managed, integrated, and gradually taught to function within a normal classroom environment. The class can still do stations, collaborative work, projects, and other activities without every group needing constant adult oversight. Six out of twenty, though... I can’t assist small groups while also strictly monitoring every other group at the same time. So we do fewer of those act
I think that we can all admit that there was at least one topic or concept that we learned as children that we never fully grasped until we had to teach it. I am curious to hear everyone's answers. submitted by /u/megs256 [link] [comments]
About to get an amazing position and they told me there would be a drug test which caught me off guard. I’ve never had a school drug test. I’m a nightly marijuana user in a legal state, and there’s no chance in hell I’d pass. Does anyone know of schools that specifically don’t test or care about THC? I’m hoping that’s the situation I’ll be in. Edit: fake pee is not an option because in my state if you’re busted for trying to fake a test you’ll lose your license and I can’t have that submitted by /u/Apprehensive-Play228 [link] [comments]
1) following scripted curricula “with fidelity” is a way to make teaching a low skilled job so they can pay us less and further gut public education. 2) inclusion at all costs is a way to reduce costs to school systems, rather than a way to benefit students with disabilities. 3) PBIS is a cognitive nightmare for teachers to implement and negatively affects the quality of teaching (how can u assign points and teach at the same time???? I haven’t figured out a good system, lmk). 4) making teachers with specialized skill sets (i.e. reading specialists) coach other teachers instead of/in addition to working directly with small groups of identified students is another way to get blood from a stone, benefitting almost no one. I know I’m probably screaming into the void, but I just started year 7 this week and feeling nihilistic. submitted by /u/dogeaux [link] [comments]
Reading so much about teachers creating work life balance by not doing any work at home but how are you prepared for the week? I am creating materials on the weekends/ the night before getting ready. How are people just coming home and showing up the next day with worksheets and slides ready to go? How do you have enough time to grade everything at work? submitted by /u/panopticonprimate [link] [comments]
This is a venting post but still work related. I’ve been working at my current school for about four yrs now. From the time I’ve been there, I’ve always been reserved, mind my own business, do my best… go to work, go home, keep everything cordial and respectful. Never had problems with anyone again for that same reason. And I like it like that. Anyways, so long story short. During a meeting today, I tried explaining something to a coworker. I’m over here trying to help her out bc we are assigned partners for something. So tell me why this woman, while I’m literally just trying to help her, turns around and very rudely says “give me a minute… give me a minute. I’m trying to process.” She also put her hand up while saying it, which felt almost like she was shushing me lol Like cuts me off out of nowhere. I’m okay with giving her the minute BUT the tone and interaction felt noticeably awkward and the room went quiet for a moment. Her tone came across as extremely dismissive. She made it e
I'm a first year teacher. Today during a quiz, about half my class started throwing paper balls around. The environment got loud and disruptive enough that I genuinely don't think the other students could focus and do their best work. Important context: I explicitly told the class before the quiz started that anyone who spoke during the quiz would get a zero. I made it clear. They knew. I wrote down the names of every student who threw paper. I know exactly who did it. I have already write them up and wrote up the students talking I can't split the room or do detention make-ups easily due to scheduling. My current plan: · Toss today's quiz entirely (not fair to the kids who were trying) · Give a new quiz tomorrow on the same material · Deduct 10 points from the throwers' scores on tomorrow's quiz · Warn the class beforehand that any disruption tomorrow = automatic zero But part of me feels like since I already said speaking = zero, I should actually follow through and give the throwers
I teach 7th grade math at a title one school. During preplanning our new principal and assistant principal made this big speech about "giving just 1% more." The gist was that we should all think of ways we can give just a little bit more to our students than we currently are. So maybe I took this the wrong way, but most of us are already coming in an hour early, leaving 2 hours after contract time, outfitting our classrooms with very little help from the school, constantly pulling data from the same places admin has access to and putting it endless spreadsheets so no one can look at them, giving up planning periods to sub for other classes, or meetings, or attend the same trainings every year, bus duty, car rider duty, contacting 158 parents and guardians "just to introduce ourselves" in the first 3 weeks, fundraisers...the list of above and beyond goes on and on. How many "extra one percents" are enough? How much free labor and funding will they normalize until it's enough? I just fou
Here to vent! I’m a school teacher in a state that borders Texas. My school has a contained classroom for students with severe/profound disabilities. Our district added the contained classroom to our building at the end of last year for this school year. The issue we are having is that the teacher hired quit within a couple of days of the school year and the district already has many vacancies for these types of teaching positions. To combat this vacancy, myself and a few other teachers are being placed in this classroom without having the proper certifications my state requires until we can hire a teacher (which is highly unlikely). I already have several grade levels that I currently teach, but I’m now being “asked” to also split time in the contained classroom. I purposefully did not get my certification in severe/profound disabilities, yet here we are. It’s an unfair position all around as the students deserve a teacher who is properly trained and willing. submitted by /u/honeybea1
Had a moment to meet with a counselor at my school site about a student of concern. Student has known issues with one gender of teacher (I'm that gender - there is another teacher for my subject of the opposite gender). They said there's no data to support that, they can't change it, etc., but then did admit that there was a concern about placing that student in my class. When I repeated this back to her to ask why they chose that placement, she immediately denied saying that and shut down the conversation, becoming very defensive and demanding to know what other teachers I'd talked to. I'd appreciate any advice going forward on handling this situation. Should I be attempting to create a paper trail here? submitted by /u/maestrita [link] [comments]
I have nothing to add really. It was over a ten point assignment that their student refused to do in my class. They wanted an extension for their child. Oh, and it's my first year teaching. This is great. I'm having the time of my life. submitted by /u/AlwaysSomethin6722 [link] [comments]
PSA: It's that time of year 🏈🏈🏈! Sunday Ticket is $198 for teachers, compared to $420 full price. If you have a college student in your home it's even cheaper. Edit to answer questions: I think this just started last season. Verification is through ID.me https://hosted-pages.id.me/2026-youtube-tv-sunday-responder-offer submitted by /u/Strange-Employee-520 [link] [comments]
I feel like this is happening in a lot of other professions too. More work added to your already overloaded plate with the reassurance that you can just use AI to get it done quickly. As if its not one more thing on our plates, time spent prompting and fixing, and a waste of water. Also, it really ticks me off that my county is using AI to create examplars for assignments. Students are shown these examplars as examples of what they're supposed to produce. submitted by /u/Starburned [link] [comments]
High School. The first happened Tuesday. I have 5 boys who are friends, but 2 are like dynamite and are provoked by everything. I separate them but inevitably one gets up for paper or to use the restroom or whatever and they are socializing again. This day I was doing paperwork, everyone independently working, and this boy (J)they really only tolerate, kicks his shoe off and it hits powder keg #1 in the face. He gets up and starts throwing punches. Powder keg #2 jumps on Js back. Desks, chairs, computers flying everywhere. Ugh. Those boys are still out. Now it's Friday. A teacher is out and they split his last period. I'm playing music because it's Friday. I let 2 students pick a song as a reward as we are cleaning up the classroom 10 minutes before the bell. I tell girl to play her song. Boy goes up and starts to play his. I think "whatever, she'll play hers second". Unrelated girl goes up to the board to put correct song on, boy elbows her in the face and when I told him to leave the
Story time (Fake names) I teach three year olds. They are potty trained, but accidents happen, nbd. Today, Sam pooped and needed help wiping. No problem, I help. He’s nice and clean. We go outside to play. Sam needs to poop again. But Sam doesn’t want to tell me so we can go inside and potty. Severe FOMO. He also doesn’t want to get his undies dirty. So, his solution was to stick his hands down his pants and catch it. Now he’s standing on the playground, gripping a turd. He does not want it. So he says to his friend “hey Sarah, here.” And hands it to her Sarah does not know what he’s giving her. Sarah is trusting. Sarah takes what San is offering her. She realizes what it is and comes running to me holding it. Intense cleaning and sanitation ensues. Happy Friday everyone! submitted by /u/Random-bookworm [link] [comments]
I work in a k-8 and many of our 8th grade boys are well over 6’ already. We have several on the football team that are pushing 6’3 - 6’4 and probably 250lbs. It’s absolutely insane that they’re bigger than full grown men. Even my own kid at 12 is about my size when I graduated high school. I know… hormones etc in the food. It’s just a sight to behold when literal children loom over you. submitted by /u/AggressiveSherbetty [link] [comments]
I'm a paraplegic and I've been working as a Math teacher in Middle School as a teacher for one year now. This week classes started again now that summer vacation is over. I already know many of my students who know me because I'm that teacher in a wheelchair. But since it's a new school year, many new students entered this year and I had to present myself to them telling them my name, what I teach, hobbies, etc., and then I asked my students to present themselves, so I can get to know them and also to ask questions about anything related to the class. Most of the questions my students made me were related to the subject and others about getting to know me a little bit more, so I had already expected some kids were gonna ask me about my wheelchair. A kid asked me how I make it to go to school like this, and I just told him that I use my car which is adapted. Another kid asked me if I can stand up or feel my legs, I just chuckled and said no. One of these kids even asked me why I use my
Too early in the year for this submitted by /u/Chaotic_Bonkers [link] [comments]
I’m a first year teacher and this is my second week. I’ve already had to get ahold of several parents for behavior. I feel like most of the time they’re either dismissive or just plain rude. It makes me not even want to communicate with them anymore. submitted by /u/No-Scholar-2983 [link] [comments]
Yesterday, two girls were missing from my sixth period. I marked them absent and started class. They showed up five minutes later, asking for a pass to guidance. They had just been in guidance without a pass, and were giving the lady there attitude, so she sent them to me. I get them seated, call guidance, and determine they wanted a schedule change. We aren't doing schedule changes right now except in very narrow circumstances because we are over capacity. I told them they couldn't go. One of these 11 year old kids got an attitude and refused to talk to me the rest of the period. I told her I'd be happy to explain once she got over herself. Today, she was off my roster. Mom apparently came in and got it changed. The thing is, this kid wanted a whole new schedule. They only changed her out of my class, which isn't even the class she wanted switched yesterday. So she is not only still stuck in the class she wanted out of yesterday, she is now with a science teacher who doesn't do even h
Link to original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/s/kBQZIJtWM6 Just a quick thank you to everyone who responded. It was really helpful advice, as in my almost decade of teaching I’ve never even had something remotely close to this happen to me. I wanted to provide an update and also a warning for anyone who ever finds themselves in a similar situation. As I suspected, the meeting with admin was not great. My lesson plan was put into question (which was an SEL lesson mind you) and the parent of the student that assaulted me actually filed a complaint against me saying that one of the questions (about dealing with anger) is what triggered her kid in the first place. Not once in the meeting did admin even acknowledge what I went through or asked if I was okay. Before leaving, I was clearly upset so I asked to go home for the day. So after reading your advice here, I decided to go get seen at the hospital and it turns out I have a concussion. So I’m out of work for now. I didn’t rea
The first year of teaching is really tough. No one tells you all the little useful tips. I struggled a lot my first year, so I’m sharing everything that helped me. Classroom order is the most important thing you need to work on Make 3 to 5 simple daily rules, and tell kids clearly. Show them how to walk into class, ask for help, and switch activities. Demonstrate, practice, and remind them often. Kids feel safer with steady rules. They don’t just want a funny teacher. Write down a simple behavior plan early. Don’t wait for problems to happen. Finish your lesson plans before students come to school Plan lessons for the first two weeks ahead of time. Prepare substitute lesson plans on your first workday, too. For the first week, focus on getting close to your students. Don’t rush through too much textbook work. Kids won’t learn well if they don’t trust you. Daily small tricks that old teachers never talk about Keep quick snacks at your desk. You only have a little time to eat between cla
I teach in a typical suburban high school. We have a higher-than-average poverty level but we aren’t Title 1. This is just context. I seem to be one of the only teachers at my school who doesn’t police bathroom use. If my 14-17 year olds say they need the bathroom, then they will go one at a time. A few of my colleagues seem to take joy out of not letting students out to the bathroom. “Not while I’m teaching,” “In another 5 minutes” “Only 4 times per quarter” are things said. I completely understand that students will only learn if they are present in the classroom. But I don’t feel like the bathroom policing is healthy or should be normalized the way that it is. Am I alone in this? How can I persuade teachers (some of whom I supervise as their department chair) to stop taking pride in policing the bathroom? Edit: I do teach block schedule, where classes are 100 minutes each. And regarding the “in another 5 minutes” I have watched a teacher do that a few times in a row to where a kid h
This is my 4th year teaching as a long term substitute I've worked in our local middle school for 2 years and now 2 years in the high school. We just finished out last PD day before the school year starts and the admin are already asking us to offer money and fund programs or events in the school and I think it is rediculous to ask us this while still expecting us to supply our classrooms with anything that title 1 doesnt approve which often times is a lot of things. I am wondering if this is common in other schools across the country? Also, I feel like it's highly predatory and exploitative to constantly ask teachers to pay or give money for school programs or events students are running. I think last year I had at least a dozen kids asking me for money for programs, and I had a lot of staff meetings where the admin wants teachers to fund events. We don't make nearly enough money to be giving it away like that but you know teachers will because they want to support the students and at