So I’m starting my teaching career, and I’ve never taught before. I have a bachelors degree, but not a standard Teaching certification yet. I took a job at a small private Christian school, because they were the first to offer me a position. The school is small, but they have me teaching 6-12th grade science. This is so many subjects for me to keep up with, and I’m struggling so hard. On top of this, they expect me to give an assignment every day in every class, and take at least 3 grades per week. Oh, also the school doesn’t believe in the students taking homework, so they need to complete in class which is almost impossible sometimes. On top of this, i am also in charge of the online virtual students. I have no conference period during the day, and i have so little Time to make sure that I’m grading, putting in assignments, generating tons and tons of paperwork for each class and just barely surviving to keep my head above water, much less to Put focus on being a good teacher. All of this in my first year. Also, with my previous student teaching experience being in public schools, I’ve already been scalded multiple times for being “too hard on the kids” simply because I’m pushing them and not letting them get away with being lazy or disrepectful. I think i got into a bad situation, and I’m in way over my head. My stress and anxiety are at a level i didn’t know i could get to. I’m just wondering if for some reason I’m unable to survive this for too long, what is your advice for me breaking my contract with the school to leave if i believe this is a position that i can’t keep working, because the stress and anxiety might break me psychologically. Also keep in mind i don’t have a standard certification yet. Any advice is appreciated
It does sound like the school is expecting you to perform miracles. I'm not sure how you even schedule science classes for that many classes each day. Check your contract and see if you are an at will employee. Most private schools are so they can't do anything to you if you quit. Your mental health is more important than any job.
My contract doesn’t state that i am at will, i do get paid hourly and have to clock in and out every day, but my contract says that the stint is between August 2020 and May 2021. There isn’t much to the contract, but would not having a teaching certificate currently and my constantly being stressed and overwhelmed with the workload, would i still be able to break it without repercussion?
I would sit down with my boss and explain your situation. Maybe visit a doctor first about your stress. Sounds like you are THE science dept in the school. btw this IS an impossible situation. Online and in class for you to be in charge of.
Have you talked to other colleagues in the school? Based on your description, I'm guessing this is a very small school, is there also a Social Studies teacher in the same or similar boat that you could talk with? Or math/English?
Yes, and they are also overwhelmed. It’s just very difficult to do this many different courses, to give an assignment every day, take so many grades, manage online learning and assignments, and we are all so stressed out
They are definitely putting too much on your plate. I'd look around b/c public school jobs are now opening in places unexpectedly. (Even in some hard to get into districts here.) In places that are not online is where they need teachers. To make things easier for now, can you make the assignments be something like: What did you learn today? Then have them write a paragraph? Make 1 rubric with maybe 4 points they can get. 3 for content + 1 for whatever you want to focus on? Use the same rubric for a week or 2. You could use the same 3 points for content learned with all of your classes and you wouldn't have to make tons of copies. You'd just expect different content to be written. Good luck!!!
T Those are some really good ideas, i might have to use that! But definitely, I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for public school positions that are opening up as well. I’m doing my best, but my days are so overwhelming so i just am hanging on for dear life as long as i am able
I get it. I have friends just hanging on by threads too. Try to leave school the second you are allowed this year, so you have time to relax every night. Best wishes!
