I'm tired. We had "Meet the Teacher" tonight. I have 28 kids on my roster. I have lots to say- but no energy to do it.
Today an issue from last year came up. A parent called a meeting for the 2nd day of school- regarding a student from LAST YEAR. She is demanding to have her retained- or "she won't bring her to school.".....Okay....?....anyway I have to go to the meeting and match up against her and her posse that I know she's bringing. As soon as I found out about it- all the stress and anxiety flooded back from last year. This summer I have felt so free from it. My class situation looks pretty challenging this year as well- especially with the little mistake that the office did when they added several students to my class that they forgot to mark on the list. Half of my students are on a "Hot List" which is flagged for major concerns.
Anyway I have just been trying to look at it in a new light. God has allowed each and every one of those kidos in my room for a reason. They all need me for something. I need to be available to love them, to teach them, and to believe in them. I just have to believe that God has His hand in this and that I need to leave it in His hands, not my own. And- I don't need to carry the burden- OR the stress.
Pray for my kids, and for my efforts. With everything they're asking us to fit into a day- (especially since we're in AYP jail)- (Adequate Yearly Progress)- it just is so overwhelming when you have a large, challenging group- and when your heart gets involved.
But God is good and He is working in me. I pray that He'll carry me through this year and make it a positive experience for the students and me.
Gotta sleep now. big day ahead.
10 comments:
I can relate to the "at-risk" group. It is so challenging mentally and physically. I'm sure they were put in your class for a reason. I'll be praying for an extra dose of patience and wisdom.
I will be praying for you. Have a good day tomorrow.
Candee
Some of the red flag children will most likely be the ones that crack you up on a daily basis. Just look at Jer! Kidding. Things always seem worse right before a big day, but you are an exceptional teacher and person with the type of love and energy students need. Your job is about the children, not making overbearing moms feel better. Good luck!
You are exactly the kind of teacher I want my kids to have this year and every year after that:) You have such a good outlook and even though it will be challenging, you are absolutely right - those kids do need you and God put them in your care for a reason.
I hope you have a very rewarding year:)
My thoughts as I read this echo Pam's. You are the kind of teacher that I pray for when my child is being placed. You teach because it is a calling, a passion. Not because it's a job. For that very reason you will be blessing to those children. God will use you and it will be a wonderful thing for those kids and their parents.
Praying for you today. I knew parents when I was working for IYR like the one you are meeting with tomorrow. :( They're tough.
Thinking of you today Joy
Joy, those kids are so lucky to have you! I know they will feel the love of God in your classroom. You have one of the hardest and most important jobs in the world. I'll be praying for you. Keep us posted on how it's going!
Hey at least you didn't plan all summer to teach 3rd grade again only to be told today that you will be teaching 5th grade in a portable that isn't even done being built yet! And they don't even know where your classroom stuff is! (I go back in two days)
Just wanted to let you know that teaching seems to always throw stuff at you - from every angle. And somehow we always manage to get through it!
I hadn't read this until the today (the weeken). Your kids really were exceptional in my class, and (I'll admit) I was one of the spies who chose them because they really were doing the best job out of the primary. Take heart, Joy...you're a great teacher!
You're not just any teacher. You're a model for school kids as well as fellow teachers, and sooner or later, for student teachers too. I will keep praying for the energy to get through to them, and then still love going home to your family. Proud of you!
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