I have been student teaching for over three weeks at a first grade level which I am not happy about. I really cannot deal with kids at this age level. I am so frustrated that I am thinking of quitting and getting an educational studies degree instead then go on and doing courses in reading education. I am overwhelmed and depressed and I feel like I have made the biggest mistake of my life. I do not prepare for my classes and I really do not seem to be able to get myself together. What is so sad is that I have been an A student all through my college career and all my teachers have high hopes, and here I am unable to go on. What can I do? I am very ashamed to talk to my teachers and I am at the edge of quitting, with graduation only two months away.
Is this your first practicum? If it is, you're learning a very valuable lesson- you are probably not cut out to be a teacher of very young children. However, you might make a fabulous Grade 5 or Grade 8 teacher. In the meantime, you should discuss this situation with your CT and voice your concerns or at the very least give an explanation why your preparation has been less than stellar. While the pace at a Grade 1 level can be very slow and repetitious, it can offer you one of the best opportunities to observe how children learn. This experience can serve any teacher well, no matter what grade level; there will always be the child who needs that extra help, that extra push, that extra time and tutoring. Specialist teachers, no matter what field they're in, need a lot of patience and perseverance. Practice teaching sessions are of a determinate length. You will not be "stuck" in Grade 1 forever. Take some of your determination that made you that A student and apply it to your practice teaching. Look at this as the same way you have probably looked at many assignments - with horror and some degree of desperation - but knowing that you were able to pick yourself up, complete the dreaded task and earn an A to boot!! Hang in there. Discuss this with your teachers. I wish you all the courage and determination you need to succeed with a generous dollop of good luck. Let us know how it goes.
this is my first real practicum. I have tried to put my all in it has I would anything else but I really feel miserable without any motivation and I am very afraid to approach my college supervisor. I am really at the end of the road.
Before I sign off for tonight, I just wanted to post this one last thought. Whatever your decision, please talk to your college supervisor. Your difficulty at this time is probably something that s/he has seen before; s/he will more than likely be able to give you some pointers or at least some advice on how to deal with your situation. Don't despair - there is always a light at the end of a tunnel!
I feel your pain! I am in the same exact position except I am teaching Social Studies in a high school. I am under constant stress trying to put together lesson plans that the students will find interesting (and the school has 80 minute block periods). I am so tired and depressed - I feel like I missed a couple of classes in school and that my fellow students teachers have it much easier. I hate this feeling that I am a failure and the teachers I talk with just tell me "It takes time but it will get easier". In the meantime I am in front of two classes feeling incompetent.
Hang in there and don't despair... Like you said, student teaching will be over in just a couple of months and finishing off your credential will certainly be better than just quitting so far into the game.
frustrated, I hear you. I am not inclined to enjoy primary grades either. I had to do a practicum in grade 3 and I hated it--to top it off, I had a terrible mentor to complicate my life. Just put your time in and keep in mind what your goal is; to get your teaching degree. After that, you can set your sights on the level of your choice. I know it's difficult when we are really not into it...I hope you can manage. Good luck.
I think we have shared the same kind of story together, haven't we Canadian Teacher? I had two bad associate teachers out of three, and had a challenging time to go through my practicums as well. I hated teaching Kindergarten (even though it is one of my favourite grades now) as a student teacher. It was my last practicum, and I had to teach for a whole day every single day for a month. I did not get much support from an associate teacher, and felt the almost exact same way as you did. (I was typing up lesson plans every morning right before going to school. How horrible was that? lol) However, what really helped me was talking with my classmates and friends. I know it seems like they are doing a way better job, and felt in the same way. However, you will find your strength sooner or later which nobody can take it away from you. Just take things slow and get through it. You can do it!
Talk with your supervisor he/she maybe able to give you pointers to make it through this difficult time you are having. I agree with kab54 -your calling may be to work with the older kids. Look on-line for information on teaching strategies (jigsaw, peer practice) to make this time better for you, there is a wealth of information all around you that might make the next few months better or at least tolerable for you. See if you can spend some time observing other classes to get some ideas..observe the older kids in the classroom.
I am feeling the same way- except I'm in the opposite situation. I am doing my practicum in a second grade and I really feel that I would love to teach preschool. So, while 2nd is one of the younger grades, it is VERY different than preschool, where I have had a lot of experience already. I feel horribly out of place and uncomfortable, and as a result, I feel completely anxious the whole time I'm there, which doesn't make it any easier. I have a really hard time talking about it with my coopearting teacher and I don't think my seminar teachers (who are supposed to be available for support with these kinds of issues really are). In addition, everyone around me seems to loooooooove their student teaching experience. I thought I would to, but this has really made me question my choice to go into teaching all togther. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone.
I was just reading some of the posts and remembering my student teaching days - Grade 1 in particular. I hated that practicum. My CT was awful - rigid, no sense of humour and I couldn't do anything right! It was tough. Then I had my French practicum and the CT didn't even know I was coming!! No one had told her to expect a student teacher. I wasn't too crazy about the Grade 9 English placement either, but I found my stride with the Grade 3 placement. I'm now teaching Special Ed. and am a CT myself. I have a student teacher in my classroom at this time. I know that it's tough for student teachers, especially when the CT is told that the student is expected to teach 80% of the day, but I implicitly tell all my student teachers to ASK QUESTIONS. Don't be afraid if you're not sure or comfortable about something to ask. The main thing is to take something valuable away with you. I know that the last thing student teachers want to hear is that it will get easier, but it's the truth. You will become more comfortable standing in front of a classroom full of kids, planning for the day, knowing how much to plan and how much you can get done. It all comes down to experience, and the only way to get that is to jump in feet first. Just remember one thing - you DO know more than the kids do!
I am feeling the exact same way as a lot of you. I am in my first education class and am student teaching/observing a 2nd grade class and I am really nervous that I have made a huge mistake and set myself back a semester by switching to the education school. Hopefully it is just cold feet and nerves that are bothering me and you.
Just hang in there Frustrated. I've been student teaching for the past four weeks, and my so called Supervising Teacher is a control freak who acts like I'm an intrudor in her own classroom. It has been hell, quite frankly. The principal could see there was tension, and even offered if I'd like to work with another teacher! I said sure, as long as this doens't mess up my credential, and she had no problem with it. Turns out this "supervising" teacher has been communicating everything to the principal, and not telling me anything. I have been in the dark the entire time. I almost quit two weeks ago, I was driving home in tears, everything. Still, I have about 4 years of subbing under my belt, and I was able to stick it out, because I know that this profession can sometimes be stressful, and sometimes we have to work with adults that are a real pain. Just remember, you are almost done, you almost have your credential. Hang in there, and do the best you can. I have great friends and family that have helped me through all of this. I also try and take long walks at least twice a week, just to burn off some tension and think things out. I even write in a journal. I pray a lot too! WHatever it takes Frustrated, please don't give up! Talk to your supervisor, and just know you will get through this. Peace~ Nasimi77
I am a student teacher in first grade too, frustrated. I loved every placement I had with older kids (third and fourth grade), but I found that I too am struggling with the age of these children. I do understand how you feel! However, I chose to teach this grade, mainly to give myself the experience of teaching possibly the most difficult age level ever. It isn't the age I want to teach, ideally, but it is an incredible learning opportunity! It is by far the most challenging grade I have ever faced, but I keep in mind that if I can make it through the next couple of months, I will have my degree, as well as a valuable lesson. I do the best I possibly can. All I can tell you is that all you can do without quitting is your best. You sound so intelligent and together in your posting, and I'm sure you are a wonderful teacher. Everyone hits bumps once in awhile. To quote a movie, "Life is like a box of chocolate... We never know what we're gonna get." I think it goes for the field of teaching too. You may love teaching (chocolate), but you may get stuck with a grade level (filling) that doesn't appeal to you. I know this metaphor sounds lame, but it was all I could come up with. Unfortunately as teachers, we can't always control what we get. But you can control whether or not you spit it out, or grin and bear it. :-/ I know you can do it! If you need help, please post! With all of the student teaching newbies here, I'm sure we can help you figure out your lessons, help you organize yourself a bit, and we can definitely give you lots of support. We're on your side! You may learn to love first grade. Or you may find that when looking for a job, you will look for a position teaching older definitely. Either way, you will learn. That is what being a student teacher is all about. Best of luck to you... Stephanie
frustrated Hang it there, I had a terrible time during my one student teaching experience and I thought I would never teach that type of class agian. My second half was wonderful, and after two years of two different schools, I have finally found a place that suits me and appreciates me and I am successful at. Sometimes it just takes time, just hang in there. You will probably learn something from it, even though you think you probably won't. Sometimes the experience turns out to be better then you think.
Re: Frustrated What do I say? Seven years ago I was in your situation. I was student teaching kindergarten in my first placement. Man it was pure hell. I don't believe my ct prepared her students for me and to see me as a teacher like she was. To make a long story short, it became so bad I quit two months before graduation. I actually withdrew from student teaching and school. I had done everything- took the NTE and passed it, background check- the only thing I had left to do was student teaching. The really sad part was no one- not the ct, not my student teaching supervisor, not even the director of student teaching, tried to stop me from quitting. They just let me go- even though I had been a model student with a 3.2 cumulative G.P.A., and I had spent four and a half years preparing for this career. I am not advising you to quit. Even though I do not regret my decision the road has been very rough. I had the presence of mind to ask them to give me an AA degree in general studies so I would have that to fall on. I sunk into a very deep depression and even considered suicide. I said all of that to say hang in there. You know your situation better than anyone and make sure you have a good support system. This time will go by before you know it. Take care and best wishes.
