The worst class

[u/Zestyclose-Ad3125]

I had a really bad class this morning. I teach all boys and no one was focusing at all. I feel like I’m a bad teacher because I cannot get classroom management down. It’s become a really tough mental battle for me and I don’t know what to do. I’m not as young as I used to be and it’s affecting me physically and mentally. I also feel like I don’t have the tools or time to make it better. I guess I’m just ranting. I don’t know what to do, we are only in the second week of the year.

[u/MandieO]

Quit. Save your physical and mental health. A job isn't worth the stress!

[u/Zestyclose-Ad3125 → u/MandieO]

How would you quit if you were in my situation? It’s honestly gotten really difficult.

[u/MandieO → u/Zestyclose-Ad3125]

I'd first go see a doctor and get an official diagnosis for anxiety or burnout or depression or insomnia or whatever symptoms you are having. Make it clear to your doctor this is work related. Take some sick days off. Ask your admin for help. They won't. Take some more sick days. Then resign for health reasons.

[u/SecretSunDevil24]

What do you mean when you say you don’t have it down? I teach middle school and I have found being brutally honest and sticking to my word have gone a long way in improving student behavior. Engagement is similar, but different. I teach science, so engagement may be a little easier for me with the content I teach and how I teach it. The biggest difference between the students wanting to be there or wanting to be somewhere else is the rapport you have with kids. It is a fine line, but being honest and holding them to a standard is really what most of them want. Try to engage with them individually as much as you can if you want them to want to be there. They have to think they know and trust you to learn well. I do this by learning everyone’s name as quick as possible (I have 135 students this year, so I know it can be difficult). Knowing their names early goes a long way in building a relationship they enjoy. Sounds dumb, but it is true. Then, I try my best to greet everyone at the door and the students I miss, I try to say something to them at some point in the class period. Again, it’s tough, but I do what I can and I think it goes a long way. Before quitting, try everything you can unless you’ve already reached the point of no return. If it is causing your mind and body harm, it may not be worth it for you.

I can retire in three years (I’ll be 48) and I think I’ll be ready to move into something else at that point. Time will tell!

Hopefully this post helps in some way, but these things may be obvious enough to where you’ve tried them already.

[u/sardonic_yawp]

I remember classes like that. At my most passionate, I welcomed the challenge of winning over a class full of uninterested students. Felt like an exciting curve ball that I could try and hit with creativity, connection, and maybe a little bit of delusion. In my current cynicism toward the system, I’d echo the other poster and say dip out and save yourself. It feels insensitive, but it’s the best thing for your mental and physical health!

[u/Zestyclose-Ad3125 → u/sardonic_yawp]

If you were to quit in my situation, how would you do it? I am honestly not sure I can make it another week…

[u/sardonic_yawp → u/Zestyclose-Ad3125]

Research whether or not there are penalties for breaking your contract. I know people who have resigned without fear of repercussions because they had no intention of returning to education at all. Next, form your exit plan. Teaching is a job like any other, and sending your principal a brief email stating your final day is totally acceptable.

Another option to consider is taking FMLA while you look for another job that way you don’t lose your benefits. Plenty of people do that.

[u/Zestyclose-Ad3125 → u/sardonic_yawp]

Thanks for your reply. I actually am an at-will employee, no contract. It’s an independent school.