Hey Ladies,
So I have kind of hit a wall here and am a little stuck, so I thought to myself, what better place to turn to than my London support group!
Things have turned NUTS here in Casa. There are three 4th grade classes, two with brand new first year teachers, including yours truly, and one with led by Diane, who has been teaching 4th grade for about 15 years in Hawaii. So about three weeks ago Diane quit her job. She finished out Quarter 2 and then got on a plane back to Hawaii.
On one hand I can't say as I blame her, because she and I have talked a lot about how unhappy she is at GWA and in Casa. She hasn't connected with people in the same ways that I have and struggled a lot with cultural adjustment. So I understand doing what is best for you and going to a place where you can be happy, but a lot of the staff hasn't seen that side of Diane, so they have turned really negative about her and been saying some rough stuff. Which has been really frustrating because I try not to roll that way, and I had been feeling like the school had a super supportive atmosphere, which I now feel like has kind of scratched through the thin veneer of that. So I'm a little disheartened.
The transition has been a little rough. Telling my class was really weird, their first reaction was unanimous NO of sorrow, then they turned negative and started to make fun of the new teacher just based on her name. So I had to try and put the kibosh on that right quick. We pulled of two great surprise parties and got to enjoy her last days here. But then it was another transition to working with the sub until the new teacher arrived. She is supposed to start on Monday, and I haven't met her yet. So I'm nervous about how that will change the 4th grade team dynamic, plus I feel as if it has pushed me into more of a leadership position among the team (Schwab would be so proud)
Then in my own classroom we have been having our own issues. My kids started out the year great, and I was like, this is awesome. But after Christmas, it is kind of like they flipped a switch. They are being mean to each other and deliberately not listening. I have about 6 kids that I am about ready to call parents and tell them that they are wasting their money sending their child to private school. The kids refuse to listen or do any work, talk nonstop, fool around in their desks and doodle all over their papers. And I have to spend so much time either waiting for them or re-correcting behaviors that the other 11 kids in my class are suffering.
And to top it all off when I issue a concequence like a card change or loss of recess, they yell that it isn't fair and I'm only doing it because I hate Moroccans. It is really getting under my skin being accused of ethnic favoritism. So I talked to the principal about it, because I wanted him to hear it from me first, and he basically just said that they are only doing it because I'm new and it's like their form of initiation. And all he suggested is that I talk it through with them about how I don't hate moroccans, and remind them of the rules and procedures. Which I have now done three times. But it isn't changing anything, so now I have decided to bring it up at parent-teacher conferences, but I'm really nervous about that. I think a big part of it is that since they are so rich they aren't used to hearing no, so when I say it they don't understand. They have been showing this crazy sense of entitlement, which really bugs me, because I see the difference between how much these kids have and how little the people on my street have. Casa isn't a rich city, but these children seem to have no clue of the wealth disparity. They think they are too good to have to do any work in my classroom. Heaven forbid that I ask them to pick up a piece of trash! It is totally different than what I am used to in my life.
Plus my girlfriend and I broke up while I was home for Christmas. Merry fucking Christmas to me.
Sorry this turned out so long, I just had a lot inside that I needed to get out. You don't have to respond or anything but just knowing that y'all read it makes me feel better.
Hope you are having a better run than me right now.
So I have kind of hit a wall here and am a little stuck, so I thought to myself, what better place to turn to than my London support group!
Things have turned NUTS here in Casa. There are three 4th grade classes, two with brand new first year teachers, including yours truly, and one with led by Diane, who has been teaching 4th grade for about 15 years in Hawaii. So about three weeks ago Diane quit her job. She finished out Quarter 2 and then got on a plane back to Hawaii.
On one hand I can't say as I blame her, because she and I have talked a lot about how unhappy she is at GWA and in Casa. She hasn't connected with people in the same ways that I have and struggled a lot with cultural adjustment. So I understand doing what is best for you and going to a place where you can be happy, but a lot of the staff hasn't seen that side of Diane, so they have turned really negative about her and been saying some rough stuff. Which has been really frustrating because I try not to roll that way, and I had been feeling like the school had a super supportive atmosphere, which I now feel like has kind of scratched through the thin veneer of that. So I'm a little disheartened.
The transition has been a little rough. Telling my class was really weird, their first reaction was unanimous NO of sorrow, then they turned negative and started to make fun of the new teacher just based on her name. So I had to try and put the kibosh on that right quick. We pulled of two great surprise parties and got to enjoy her last days here. But then it was another transition to working with the sub until the new teacher arrived. She is supposed to start on Monday, and I haven't met her yet. So I'm nervous about how that will change the 4th grade team dynamic, plus I feel as if it has pushed me into more of a leadership position among the team (Schwab would be so proud)
Then in my own classroom we have been having our own issues. My kids started out the year great, and I was like, this is awesome. But after Christmas, it is kind of like they flipped a switch. They are being mean to each other and deliberately not listening. I have about 6 kids that I am about ready to call parents and tell them that they are wasting their money sending their child to private school. The kids refuse to listen or do any work, talk nonstop, fool around in their desks and doodle all over their papers. And I have to spend so much time either waiting for them or re-correcting behaviors that the other 11 kids in my class are suffering.
And to top it all off when I issue a concequence like a card change or loss of recess, they yell that it isn't fair and I'm only doing it because I hate Moroccans. It is really getting under my skin being accused of ethnic favoritism. So I talked to the principal about it, because I wanted him to hear it from me first, and he basically just said that they are only doing it because I'm new and it's like their form of initiation. And all he suggested is that I talk it through with them about how I don't hate moroccans, and remind them of the rules and procedures. Which I have now done three times. But it isn't changing anything, so now I have decided to bring it up at parent-teacher conferences, but I'm really nervous about that. I think a big part of it is that since they are so rich they aren't used to hearing no, so when I say it they don't understand. They have been showing this crazy sense of entitlement, which really bugs me, because I see the difference between how much these kids have and how little the people on my street have. Casa isn't a rich city, but these children seem to have no clue of the wealth disparity. They think they are too good to have to do any work in my classroom. Heaven forbid that I ask them to pick up a piece of trash! It is totally different than what I am used to in my life.
Plus my girlfriend and I broke up while I was home for Christmas. Merry fucking Christmas to me.
Sorry this turned out so long, I just had a lot inside that I needed to get out. You don't have to respond or anything but just knowing that y'all read it makes me feel better.
Hope you are having a better run than me right now.
Oh Jon,
ReplyDeleteLet me first off say - I'm so sorry. However, I understand completely. That being said, expect an email from me VERY soon. For right now, I think your plan of talking to the parents is a smart, proactive, and mature approach. They may be able to talk to their students to help you out - I've found that my parents are very supportive and understanding. Keep your head up - you've got this Mr. S. You're an AMAZING teacher!
Wow Jon, sounds like a lot is going on. It must be so tough but I think you of all people can do this!!! Being in a leadership position may be intimidating at first but it will push you professionally and yes Schwabby would be so proud!! Haha but maybe the new teacher will be awesome - you never know! And I'm so sorry to hear that there has been gossip but unfortunately it exists in almost every work place. You just have to try and rise above it! Yikes I can't believe that they are saying you hate Moroccans what a difficult situation. I think talking to the parents is definitely a good idea! I'm not sure what your schedule is like but what if you tried to do a service learning project with your class? I know it's something you've done before and it might really help them put things into perspective. Stay strong Mr. Simmons I have faith in you!! <3
ReplyDeleteAlright Jon - here's what I have to say.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I think these challenges prove that you are doing your job right. It wouldn't be work if everything was perfect all the time. These set backs are making you a stronger teacher and person in general and you need to take full advantage of this. I wouldn't look at this situation as a problem, but as a learning opportunity... sounds lame, I know... But what fun would teaching be if you were never challenged?
So how to fix the problem.. I think bringing up your concerns at parent teacher conferences is a great start. I think if you can show the parents that you really care about your students and your relationships with them then this will transform onto their children. It is worth a try at least... Another option would be for you to have a conference with each of your students alone. Ask them what you are doing well, and what they think you could improve on. Tell them that just like how you give them report cards so that they can improve, you want to know how you can improve as their teacher. They could even write this down as a part of your regular day too if there is no time for 1:1 meetings.
Next, I think the more immediate issue here is that you seem to be very upset over this. That shows you care, a lot, and it shows it effects you in a way that something needs to change. We've had our fair share of behavior management and multicultural education classes and if you feel you are doing all in the classroom that you possibly can to improve the situation, perhaps you need to start being a little more selfish!
YOU chose to go to Morocco and you need to make the most of your time there. Life is too short to feel down for more than a few minutes and your time in Morocco won't last forever. Perhaps you can take this as a learning experience of the culture in Morocco and in the meantime, go out and have some fun. As much as you want your kids to learn and to respect you, I think we would all agree that we want you to ENJOY your time in Morocco more :) Hang in there kiddo!
<3 Natalie
Thanks for the support and advice guys!! I contacted parents, and two kids changed their behavior right away, so just a few more to work on. So things are looking up and the new teacher seems to be doing okay. Its a surreal experience to look at her in her first week and then realize how much I have learned about the kids and the community and processes in the school that I am teaching her. Its a nice reminder of how far I have come. You guys are awesome and I'm looking forward to planning a reunion and catching up this summer!
ReplyDelete