breaking contract mid-year..?

i am so close to respectfully requesting release from contract and leave over mid-year break..

i would really like to know other teacher's thoughts and opinions on this matter

has anyone else done this..?

 

First what exactly is the problem that is causing you the stress? Is it something we can help you with? Overwhelmed with paperwork? Classroom management? Hostile work environment? Sometimes the biggest problems turn out to be solveable

The reason I say to let us help you first, is in many states when you break a contract in the middle of the year you will lose your license to teach, usually for one year. I would hate for you to go to that solution first without seeing if we can help you come up with another one.

Let us know what we can do, if it is a situation were everything has been tried than you can feel more confident in breaking the contract, I just don't want it to be a decision you regret after all the years preparing for the job.

 

it's just the overall stress of the kids and the classroom.. i have been going over this in my mind for 2 months or longer..

 

As in physicaly hurt????? By the students?

Have you told your adminstration what you are thinking? Maybe they can give you more support.

Are you a first year, or second year teacher?

You have been thinking about leaving since September? Wow, were you ever sure about the position or have you had reservations from the start?

I just want to give you the best advice as possible, so sorry about all the questions.

 

Please don't think I'm not being considerate of your feelings (we don't know your whole situation), but leaving mid-year in most areas of Texas is career-suicide unless you have a reason like husband being transferred or something totally beyond your control.

I'm sure you wouldn't even think of it unless your situation is making you desperate.

 

Hi. It's ironic that I gave myself this particular username and the first post I read is yours. I've taught for 15 years and have had many horrible situations. I've learned that there was alot going on inside me that really had nothing to do with the class or students, you've worked hard to get your licsense, take some time to rethink it and at least have a back-up plan. Many people would give anything just to have job, much less a career. That's what I say to myself each time I think about quitting.

 

:help:My post left out info. Last Friday I was bruised and scratched, bleeding everywhere..had to go to Urgent Care..get a tetanus shot, give blood for blood-born pathogen test, have my neck xrayed...yeah, I was ready to chunk it...but I worked too hard for this...I just needed time to rest...to calm down and examine everything.

 

No job is worth sacrificing your health. Have you spoken to anyone about your concerns before? Do you have a mentor or a trusted colleague to advise you. I'm not in Texas, but if it really is career "suicide" then you may want to rethink quitting.

 

monica, I would talk your administration first. I did this the first year of teaching. I started having concerns in October and went straight to my principal who was very understanding. Was it a tough choice to make? Yes. Did it ruin my career? No. I got a job the very next year. Circumstances are different for everyone and most people realize that. I agree with MissFrizz that you should not sacrifice your health for the job. What part of TX are you in?

BTW, I wish you a Merry Christmas MissFrizzle.

 

I'm thinking the same thing...

I am in my first year of teaching--I have 7 students (all boys) in a self-contained classroom and they have severe physical and mental disabilities. My supervisor is a horrible man who gives me absolutely no support. Just getting through the day is so hard for me. I have 2 aides who are great, but I am completely overwhelmed with the extreme behaviors of the children and the diaper changes, tube feedings, etc. Today I had to go to the bathroom and wash poop out of my hair in the sink. I want to quit so badly. I make very little money and it seems I can't please anyone. Today I was helping a new student get on the bus and the bus driver told me not to get on anymore--that I was to wait on the bus aide to get the kids on. I am feeling very old and worn down.
Probably the only reason I haven't quit yet, is that I'm afraid my supervisor will start harassing and yelling at me. I know that sounds strange but earlier this year we had a confrontation about something they were forcing me to do as part of my job that I believed to be illegal. He kept calling me and coming into my classroom to argue with me and he really treated me like I was a misbehaving child. It was so humiliating and I can't bear the thought of having to go through that again.
I know that the children need me and it would be hard for them to get a new teacher mid-year, but the working conditions are so bad for me that it is affecting my mental and physical health. I could really use advice and support on how to resign.

 

Hi fellow new teacher,

Sounds like you are having a super rough time. I must say that your tenacity is admirable. I don't know how many people would tolerate the behavior/working conditions that you are currently involved with. If it's too physically/emotionally draining... and unbearable... I would resign, no if-ands-or-buts-about-it. You have every right... especially since you aren't receiving support from administration/your supervisor. They should be there to aide you in this transitional process.. especially since it's your first year! If they are giving you a hard time, find a school that deserves someone like you! This school doesn't sound like they are worried about you, so why should you care about them?

 

I just want to offer some encouragement to those of you who are having difficulty with your positions. Special ed is never easy, but it's a thousand times worse when you don't have the support you need. There are a lot of sp ed jobs that are going to leave you in the position of getting bit, screamed at, hit, defecated on, changing briefs, feeding tubes, restraining kids, etc. The list goes on and on. The neat thing about special ed is that there are so many areas. If you feel pulled toward working with kids with special needs, try a few areas. Just because what you are doing right now isn't working for you doesn't mean that you can't still be a special ed teacher. I went through three years (different school districts) of trying to find where I was happy. I am now and I really hope that all of you will be too!

 

I have to say, I hope everyone who has been suffering will find peace and hope soon.

I have never broke a 'contract'. but I quit more times than I care to mention. My take is, so many jobs will fire you at the drop of a hat. They have the right to dump you, so I don't think it's fair that teachers have a 'contract', and get into legal problems, licenses revoked or held, or receive bad references or unable to teach just for leaving.

I think that we are people first and teachers second. No job is worth losing your self esteem or threatening your health. Sure, you can do something else, or the same type of work somewhere else. The question is, why would you be forced into being miserable just to make ends meet?

I would see the union person first. Then, get some help through employee assistance, if possible. next, take an extended leave of absence. Get a doctor to sign off that you need medical leave. you are protected in that respect.

then consider your options. If you can stay off until spring, maybe they will be so shocked over your absence, they will straighten up for the time you return. maybe your school will see the madness you are going thru, and help.

if your job is seriously threatened by a break in contract, weigh your options. would you be unable to work for a period of time, or for life? could you work in another state? could you work in private, church based, charter schools? any other options? Tutoring maybe. Work part time to make money, on the side??

I truly feel bad about this.

Nobody should be miserable at work. :sorry:

 

Resigning tomorrow

I'm sorry I hijacked this thread with all my problems but the advice given has really helped. I saw a psychiatrist about 3 weeks ago and told him about what was going on at school and how it was affecting me and he told me to turn in my resignation the next day. I didn't do it then because I really care about the children and I know it will be hard for the adminstration to find a replacement because they have to find someone crazy enough to take the job. And I'm also terrified to tell my supervisor. He is such a bully.

I'm not sure if I should use the medical excuse and look mentally unstable or tell them I'm moving because my husband is actually being relocated--our house is for sale but we have to wait until it sells and besides that, I don't plan to move my children before the end of the school year.

I don't have a union rep--I work for a county-wide educational service center and there was nothing mentioned about any kind of union. I'm sure the administration keeps that information away from us purposely. And I don't have a mentor even though the state required that they provide a structured mentoring program for my licensure as a first year teacher. I am basically alone because I don't really work for the school where my classroom is located (if that makes sense!) The other teachers are nice, but I am not included in their meetings or social events so I haven't developed any friendships. I just get looks of pity when they see me in the hallway.

Again, thanks for all the helpful advice and wish me luck!

 

Good luck newtchr. I know it was a difficult decision, but it was probably for the best.

 

Do take care newteach...

Keep copies of everything they give you, especially whatever you sign. Somewhere down the road, you may be able to recoup from this loss, and maybe even sue!

If not, at least you have evidence and proof of what happened. If and when you are ready to teach again, you have a solid background on your departure from this sweatshop!

 

I have done this. I taught in an inner city school in Texas. I was not happy with the job and it was not in the area I wanted to teach in. The school was a bit of a disaster to be honest with you. I was offered a grant to retern to school for my masters in an area I was interested in and I spoke to the principle about being released. It was not a big deal at all, in fact it was rather common where I was teaching at. They even told me if I changed my mind and wanted to return to the district to talk to them (yeah right like I would want to do that!) Anyway, this was the best decision for me and now I am happy to be teaching at a great school in the area I am interested in. If you feel like your health is suffering as a result of the job, you need to put yourself first!

 

well said.....there is only one you...can't buy happiness but you can sure put a price on peace of mind!

 

Oh dear, looks like there are a bunch of us...

I just started a thread in general ed. My work situation is not that bad, nothing to report to a union if I had one, but I am finding it overwhelming, personally. I think I just wasn't ready for this -- I'm not certified yet, never did student teaching in self-contained special ed, still taking a full courseload in college, and was not properly warned of the type of class I was getting when I took the job (I was told they were severely dyslexic -- smart kids who just have big learning disabilities, maybe a little ADHD, but otherwise normal. What I got was one PDD, one ASD, one BPD+dyslexia, and two with major ADHD problems and who-knows-what-else)

I am not coping. Something big inside me doesn't want to leave, but I don't know how I can afford to stay.

 

They didn't warn you about the type of class because they knew no one in their right mind would take it on! At least that's what I believe about my situation...
I did submit a resignation letter and the reaction wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. Maybe they're glad to be rid of me. I'm actually enjoying being at work more because I can see there is an end in sight. The only frustrating part right now is that the kids are being sent in to school deathly sick and once again, I have caught one of their illnesses. I don't understand how parents can put their kids on the bus knowing the child has pneumonia, explosive diarrhea, ebola, etc. They can't learn because they feel so bad and only want to sleep. Then they pass it around to everyone else. On the rare day that I do call the parent to pick them up, I'm the bad guy.
So I've been home sick for the past two days and I'm really hoping that I can get well by Christmas.

 

No, I think I would have taken it on anyway had I been qualified. It just so happens that I have zero training or experience (until September...) in dealing with the issues at hand. I don't think anything is accomplished by covering up something that has to be dealt with properly!

Feel better soon

 

double whammy

I have a double dilemma...

sp. ed. pre-k, with DD

that is...three 3 year olds, who are not really 3!

they are wearing pullups and clearing off shelves, and dumping toys!

that's like having a a room full of toddlers!

I did not sign up for this!!

I think we all have our limits. The high school teachers won't come near the pre-k rooms, and the the intermediate teachers don't want to wipe noses, and they wonder why we don't want the hormones!!

I just think life is better with one baby at a time...

unless my daughter gets married and has triplets!

which ain't gonna happen any time soon!

 

Try "teaching" 11 year old boys with DD who weigh 80+ pounds! They also clear shelves, dump toys and wear diapers! When they decide they don't want to be still & get changed, it becomes a big struggle and very messy. On top of that, some of them are going through puberty and are rubbing up against everything.

And all the handwashing in the world won't prevent me from getting sick because a couple of them blow spit all over my face on a daily basis. Their behaviors are so bad it is impossible for me to even take some of them to the cafeteria to eat.

It is too much stress and responsibility to place on one teacher. I am very patient but some days I have to go to the bathroom and cry. I am not a teacher anymore--I am a nurse/daycare worker. Thank goodness it's almost over for me!

 

newtchr, I understand where you are coming from. You shouldn't have to put up with that when the students weight that much.

MPK, I know some 3 yr olds that are NOT sped that wear pull ups and clear the shelves. That's just part of the territory when teaching 3 yr olds.

 

this is really something...

how can they figure out how to rub against stuff
but can't go to the bathroom???

any time somebody 'decides' whether or not they want to do something..I'm thru with doing it for them.

like kids who sit there with a coat in their hands. I hold it up, until they put one arm in, then I drop it! They keep looking back at me, like I holding them up on a bike or something! And once that coat is on and the zipper in place, when you get close to their neck, they snatch the zipper and finish zipping it up! :huh:

or tie other kids shoes, but demand they can't tie their own.

can't figure that one out...

but once I see them do it, I stop doing it for them

no matter how much they cry.

 

I can relate

Wow....my situation does not sound nearly as difficult as some. However, I find myself feeling very overwhelmed. I find that I just don't have the urge to do my job anymore. I have 147 students (all seniors) and I am exhausted when I come home.

My classes are pretty big (my smallest being 26 kids). I just feel as if I can not keep my head above water. I always have a ton of papers to grade, worry about following curriculum, ten pages of lesson plans a week ( I have to do one for everyday in my district for each class), and overall not having any time for myself.

I have been debating what to do for the past few weeks. I don't know if I should tough it out or if I should ask to be released.

I now think that my supervisor (who is usually amazing) is mad at me because I found out that I was going to be observed by her and was amply prepared. Well, she found out I knew. She said she wasn't going to count the observation. Now I feel that I will always be under the microscope. I can not handle the stress, I keep myself up every night, and find myself crying for no reason at times.

I am besides myself.:help:

 

Wait, she is not counting a good observation because you were well-prepared? I'm sorry, that sounds like BS to me. Who cares if you knew about the observation? Shouldn't we all treat every day as an observation day? (I know, easier said than done)

 

I recently decided to pursue dual certification in both General & Special Education to broaden my opportunities.

This post is making me wonder about that decision lol

 

Don't let one person's experience scare you away from something you are interested in... keep looking around the site and you'll find tons of people who love their jobs.

 

I know that. I was just trying to break the mood

I'll take whatever comes in time and do the best I can :up:

 

I second that. I fell into Special Ed by being hired as a Teacher's Assistant at a high school that had one of the largest special ed programs--various levels of disability--in the district.

I'm now a first year English Resource teacher there and as such have no life. However, as ECAP (an alternative certification program) told me at their Summer Academy, first year is the hardest and that we should all tell our Significant others that we won't be seeing them for the duration of the school year.

They were right. There is a range of special ed programs/classes. I teach English to students who are three or more grade levels behind in reading/writing with one or two who are classifed as MR or having ADHD. Class size is small compared to Reg Ed with 10 being the maximum allowed. I teach Freshman and Junior English.

Good luck,

Jessica

 

let us get besides you! Every place I ever worked ALWAYS gave you plenty of notice before evaluation. In fact, it was a written form, and preview that you filled out, to let the supv know what you were going to do! And there was mgmt by objectives...tell us what you plan to do, and after you did it, how it helped you improve the situation. throw in a few seminars, workshops, volunteer stuff, and a few compliments, and that is it!

I think an evaluation, like taxes... should not be a surprise. if you know what you are doing, or not doing half the year, paddling like crazy under the water, while trying to look good on the surface is not gonna cut it.

I got a few too many, 'needs improvement' which was my cue to exit, before they dismissed me.

again..if you already know...

yeah...I would walk softly, and hide all your notes...in your car!

if you want to leave, do it clean...
nothing worse than a principal hating on you...
never live it down.
unless you don't want to use this in your reference

 

my instructor told me when I was student teaching...

Treat an observer like furniture. Give them a copy of your lesson plan, and forget they are there. If they have a question, a professional will wait until AFTER the lesson to talk to you.

Yes, we are live..on the air...every day.

and..my mom told me...

Whenever you are getting paid, somebody is watching you. :crosseyed

 

I taught special ed for one school year. Not only was that my first year as a teacher, but special ed on top of it. Plus, I was the only type of teacher on my campus. I wasn't crazy about the job, but I was willing to learn to like it & stick w/ it. Ironically, I was chosen as a juror that lasted exactly the last two mos of the school year, so I got paid my teacher's salary while getting to sit back & listen to an interesting case! I learned a lot from my teaching job though & overall, it wasn't too bad. I'm currently back to subbing & I really don't want to be a special ed teacher again. I plan to switch gears to work w/ kids in a slightly different capacity.

 

The way I see it Mrs. I,

every class I had always had at least 2 sp. ed (undiagnosed) kids. sometimes, I was an aide for the sp. ed kids. nobody wants to deal with them. they get pulled out and pushed around. when I did my student teaching, I noticed there were lots of specialists in and out the room, and the class size was a lot smaller.

so, I chose special ed, because I always seemed to end up with them anyway!

what I DID not sign up for, was the severe and profound, and drug addicted kids. I can't wrestle kids to the ground, or wear a face mask every day. That requires a special school and special people. I choose pre-k because that is my level. I would never would with kids bigger than me! I don't have the strength or energy for that.

also, I may add...I will be 49 next year. that means I only need to work a few years and I can retire (because of age, not necessarily service)! I would not take sp. ed when I was younger. don't think I could work in that capacity for a long time.

 

MPK, I like special ed, specifically RSP & speech because of the small group instruction & the ability to have a different group of kids for a short period of time. I was never a fan of the general ed class of thirty something kids all day long! I did get my multiple subjects credential anyway though just in case I ever needed it.

I don't want any grade level higher than 3rd & I don't want moderate/severe disabled kids (which is why I got my mild/moderate credential).

 

that's exactly why I chose early childhood. Largest class I've ever seen was 21.

all other grades can have up to 37!
with no extra desks.
and you'd be xeroxing books all day to make copies for those extra 8 or 9 kids!
that's like two rooms to me!

 

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum and am so encouraged to see that other people have had awful times in their teaching experience and have continued to teach. I had no real education experience (or education) before beginning as a long term sub last year. I teach students who have severe handicaps in at a special school run by the state. I have a student with autism who is very self abusive and is now directing his aggression toward the staff (myself and my para). Our school's policy is not to physically restrain students, but we receive no support or training in how to deal with the behaviors we face. My principal has seen my student hit, scratch, bite, and almost rip my shirt off and did not help me. We have had teachers who were forced to quit because they were so severely injured by students and the administration would not support them. I do not plan on staying in this position after the end of the year, but what should I do in the meantime? And when I leave, what can I do to help the staff left behind?

 

If I were in your shoes, I would not ride out this assignment. I'd quit, and fast. There's not enough money in the world to make me stick around and get abused at school.

If you're not in a position to quit, I think you have an obligation to ask about additional training opportunities to familiarize yourself with various de-escalation techniques and maybe something like CPI. Your district should be willing to provide you with that training, or at least with a para who has received that training. If they won't, you might seriously want to consider leaving anyway.

 

notsodiva...I am feeling you big time...

I have a new student starting Monday, and I think he has autism, although it's not diaganosed. I already have a handful, of drug-affected kids in my class and I warned my aide that he bites, hits, and runs out the room. I think children whose condition is that severe need their own aide, and nobody should suffer any abuse from these kids! if they do, admin. should follow the steps to get him/her moved out to a severe/profound program.

I don't believe teachers and staff should suffer with injuries just because we work with special ed students. I would not run out tomorrow. I would start working on my resume, and searching for other jobs. I would also document, heck even video tape, every thing that you would not tolerate. Bring your notes, and (hide your video) and talk to principal, and union. Ask what they plan to do to help. If they say, "Well..that's your job!", then I would go to my union. If union can't help...I say start looking for another position, and then sue on the grounds that they allowed you to become injured. Keep any doctors statements. I don't think we chose this profession to be punching bags.

the real issues comes in when we try to get counseling, and then WE get labled as a basket case! Then our record is messed up, and nobody wants to hire us. You don't want it to get to that point!

the only thing that keeps me sane is the fact that my kids are preschool. I would NEVER work with kids older than 5. I had a preschool class and I was an aide, and they had a 6 year old who was as big as a third grader! That is the fuzzy part. they have developmentally delayed children, but they are the size of older kids!

and, I am a domestic violence survivor, so I have a real issue with allow anybody to hit me, no matter how old or what they are! I worked in a day care and a kid was throwing blocks and trucks. they watched me on camera as I moved over to the table. supv. called me in office and said, I needed to sit on the floor with the kids. I said, as long as he keeps throwing blocks and trucks, and nobody can stop him, I am NOT sitting next to him! yeah, I lost that job. Oh well.

If this situation is that serious, and you support your staff...encourage them and help them look elsewhere too. You would feel guilty leaving them behind? Help them find work also! Hey, it's easier to find work when you have a job and somebody else lookign with you! I have made the best friends from old jobs! We bail out the best and safest way we can, and then tell others about good places for them, or bring them along with us!

some people stay because they are complacement, lack education, or have other reasons for sticking it out. You may have to accept that, and move on for your own well-being. but from what you are telling me, your admin should stand up and take notice if they see the entire sp. ed dept is trying to jump ship!

that's my 2cents...

please keep us posted!