first year as an elementary art teacher and I don’t think I’m doing very well. the 5th graders are tough to deal with, most of class has made it clear they don’t like art, they are constantly late to class and they come in arguing, cussing, fighting or just not caring about anything.
also the staff is pretty clicky-clicky and I don’t really have much to say, most times if its not small talk or about it work, I’m really just a listener type.
had a rough day today and I’m getting tired of trying to entertain these kids or make art enjoyable enough for them. I did hand out candy once and I won’t do that again, the good behavior didn’t last very long and when I ran out they were resentful.
I have admin support and other teachers help too. however I was told when hired that the principal is big on classroom management, that is her concern. I wasn’t asked anything about art, just basically when can you start. now I understand why. I try not to ask as much bc it seems like word is getting around that I am having classroom management issues. I really do enjoy it but today was tough, it’s the first time I’ve thought that maybe this is not a good fit. I worry if I go to another school I may encounter the same things. I’ve also thought that maybe teaching was just a phase idk y’all these students wore me down today 😭😔 and 5th graders have been wearing me down since day one.
This is my 4th year teaching, but my second yr teaching art, which I really enjoy. First year was HS. Before that it was 2yrs in special education and the IEP meetings it required planning skills that I was losing sleep over.
I enjoy teaching art, the students, the hours, the holidays and summer breaks. most times it doesn’t feel like I’m at work at all. Today was the first time I ever thought, maybe teaching ain’t for me. and that scared me alittle. even all the previous issues I had in other teaching positions I never thought about leaving the profession before.
im gonna continue to do my best and roll with it, but I wonder if it’s the school or just this particular set of students that I need to wait until they go to MS? or should I really be re-evaluating my career choice?
i never thought about leaving the profession before, that’s a new one for me.