I can say that since school started on 8-09, this is the first day I questioned whether or not this job is for me. Background, I am a new teacher, first year, no teaching experience. I have an emotionally handicapped, self-contained classroom with 7 kids grades 2/3. I have one aide.
Today started rough, two of my kids parents decided no more medication, so they were "different" than usual in their behavior. Nothing seemed to get them engaged or willing to do work. Word of the day "i don't care." I tried my best to ignore the behaviors that were not affecting others or my teaching. The day wound up with 1 student having two separate out of room time outs (1 hr each), then another was restrained two times, once by the deputy. He also could not ride the bus home because of his behavior. Finally, a third tried to stab another student with a pencil, got kicked out of his specials class and was violent upon dismissal and had to be talked to by the behavior specialist.
Bottom line, my class was a mess, I was frustrated and my aide fractured her ankle, so is pretty much stuck behind the desk. I have not had any training, so I have to call for assistance. Several times there was no-one to help me due to the other classes needing help too!
I am stressed tonight, questioning whether or not I can continue to do this effectively.
I was observed last week by my principal who said I have patience and with some experience behind my belt, I could do it but he said that he would mutally agree with me if I found that teaching EH students was "not for me" on my 97th day. I lost alot of confidence after that last week, but the week ended really well and I felt better all weekend. Now today, my classroom management is again under attack and I look like a fool again.
Anyway, just venting I guess. Thanks for reading my drama!
What happens on the 97th day?? I am sorry you are having a tough time of it, are you following the BIPS for these kids? I am sure you are, maybe look over them see if maybe there are behaviors not addressed and maybe you can have an ammendment ARD for the behaviors that way you can get a specialist, a Psychologist, an OT etc. in your class to observe and help you come up with a better plan for the rooma nd possibly another aide to help shadow your 2 worst behaviored kids for the year, all is not lost if your school principal, diags and mentors are in agreement and most are with EH classes. Good Luck.
Thanks for the suggestions. Here is the 97 day rule:
THE 97 DAY STATUTE: Florida Statute Section 1012.33(3)(a)(4) states: “For any person newly employed as a member of the instructional staff after June 30, 1997, the initial annual contract shall include a 97 day probation period during which time the employee’s contract may be terminated without cause or the employee may resign without breach of contract.”
Most of my students have bips. I have one targeted behavior goal and consequence on their desk to follow visually. Overall, most of my kids focus on task with little behavior. It is usually the same ones that need constant attention and re-direction. My behavior specialist will be spending more time in my classroom to work on strategies to use when the old ones are just not cutting it.
My aide just said, this is the real deal, the honeymoon is over. She had experience with many of them last year, so she says that these behaviors are "nothing new". I think tomorrow will be another procedure day instead of academics.
I'm sorry you're feeling so down. I can totally relate. My first job was in a self-contained Jr. High BD room. It was horrible. The kids were beating each other up and I knew it was only a matter of time before they came after me. I cried almost every night when I left, and I was literally sick thinking about going to work. I finally told my principal that I just couldn't do it anymore, and after only 10 weeks I quit. I felt like such a failure, and it took a long time before my confidence was back up. Someone told me there that the kids were acting up so much around me because they trusted me and felt safe with me. So many of them were beat by their parents if they acted up, and they knew that I wouldn't hurt them if they acted up. I don't know how true that is. I'm sorry you're feeling so frustrated. Kids with ED are so taxing aren't they? I have one boy in my class who has an ED, and I am emotionally exhausted at the end of the day. I keep reminding myself that I may be the only one in his life that cares about him, and that helps me keep my patience up and frustrations down. I would definitely have a psychologist or social worker observe the class and see if you can't come up with a behavior plan together. And getting a second aide would be something that I would definitely push for. For that many kids with that many disabilities, a third person would be greatly needed. Do you do some sort of reward system? Like when you see good choices you put a ticket with the students name in a jar and at the end of the day pick a name to pick from a prize box. That may help. Sorry this is so long, and sorry I couldn't be more help. Behavior management is not my strongest suit! Just know that you're not alone!
I want to applaud you on your strategies (individual visual goals on desk--that is outstanding!) and your attitude (a realistic plan for tomorrow instead of just giving up--superb!).
I hope tomorrow is a better day and as someone who has seen lots of people make the transition to special education, I think you're doing well.
thank you ellen. I printed out one of the red and green choices worksheet from the redandgreenchoices.com (thanks aspieteacher) website and made my own stick men green and bad choices and then drew pictures of the good and bad consequences. My behavior specialist loved them! The kids, well most of them, like them too!
Every morning I WANT to get up and go to school. This is a good sign right now!
Last edited by thechangingtabl; 09-18-2006 at 08:31 PM.
Reason: spelling
Have you thought about using the "TEACCH" method working with this group? It's a way of separating the students in his/her own "work" area where they can focus. You provide the work with visually structured directions (for poor readers/non-readers) and it really helps them stay on task. You use a "timer" so that they know there is a start and end to the tasks and they aren't able to watch each other or bother each other. It's a program that is designed for students with autism, but I think students with ED (emotional problems) would benefit from this form of teaching. Have you gotten your copy of Sylvia Rockwell's book: Tough to Teach, Tough to Reach" yet? I wish you the best of luck.
Have you thought about using the "TEACCH" method working with this group? It's a way of separating the students in his/her own "work" area where they can focus. You provide the work with visually structured directions (for poor readers/non-readers) and it really helps them stay on task. You use a "timer" so that they know there is a start and end to the tasks and they aren't able to watch each other or bother each other. It's a program that is designed for students with autism, but I think students with ED (emotional problems) would benefit from this form of teaching. Have you gotten your copy of Sylvia Rockwell's book: Tough to Teach, Tough to Reach" yet? I wish you the best of luck.
AspieTeacher
AspieTeacher
I interviewed for a position teaching students with Aspergers and HFA. If I get this job I may PMyou for some good strategies to use with these students. I have at some expereince teaching kids in my ED classes that Aspergers but I was an ED teacher. I did give all of my students timeouts when they neede it. I also made my program very sturctured. Some of my students will be gifted so I will need to address this as well. Anyway I will let you know what happens. You have come up with good advice for many people on this forum.
Terry G.
I love helping teachers working with their students. I never even imagined that a person with AS would be this helpful to other teachers (go figure). I love helping others who are willing to make a difference in the lives of these students. I won't lie, I get frustrated with a few of my students but I need to do my job. I actually re-structured the back of my room to help two of my most severe students with structured tasks so that they can be somewhat independent. I have chosen this career to help all students, not just the students without behavior issues. Thanks again for the nice comments.
thechangingtabl, I know exactly how you feel! I'm a brand new RSP teacher & just like you, I'm not only new to teaching special ed, but teaching in general. My aide is out on leave for most of the school year, so there're looking for an aide for me. Plus there are a couple of other frustrating issues going on that don't help. As soon as I got hired, I requested to have a support provider to work with. They're posting a position to have a mentor for me, but in the meantime, someone is helping me. But it's so incredibly overwhelming! We should keep in touch so we can swap stories about our jobs! Feel free to PM me if you want! We can support each other!
