This year I took my first job as a teacher. I am fresh out of college with my bachelor's degree, and super excited to learn everything I missed in college (which I would NEVER say, but it is somewhat true as the only extremely productive semester was my student teaching being that I am an extremely Kinesthetic learner).
On my first day of school I had a student tell me in no uncertain terms that I was boring! I teach grades 1 through 4 (yes, all of the grades together all day long)! He did it rather diplomatically, telling me that another teacher "always tries to do something interesting". After crying my eyes out I laughed my head off, as it was truly hilarious!
My first couple of weeks were rather stressful, as I had to hear from the students how the other teacher used to do this or that. It is exceptionally hard at a school like this because there are only three teachers for grades PreK to 8th, and if they stay as long as my predecessor (about 5 years or more) then the students become both attached and unused to change. This has its benefits, but when change does happen (especially with a brand new teacher like me) it is all but catastrophic!
Those first few weeks my students and I butted heads on everything. I stood my ground, though rather more dishearteningly than I should have. They attempted to correct me in almost every facet of the school day. I was told "Miss Ines did this..." during worship songs. I heard "Miss Ines did this..." during reading time. I was informed "Miss Ines let us play games." during math. I was directed "Miss Ines let us have free time." during PE. And on and on and on!
I was so sick of hearing "Miss Ines" by the first two weeks I wanted to scream!!!
Thankfully that has passed, and other than the occasional desire to goof off (i.e. play board games all day) my students and I are beginning to get along.
I have to say, the only thing that managed to get me through those awful weeks was the fact that I was 700% sure that God has sent me to this place, and this is where He has a mission for me. I prayed often (and still do) that God would hold me steady and make me be the teacher He crafted with His own hands!
Good for you, Sunflower! Keep ploughing through and telling us all about it :) I have vague ideas of teaching at a private Christian school someday, so I look forward to hearing your experiences!
ReplyDelete