I got my teacher observation earlier this month. As teachers we get observed yearly or once every two years. Admin comes in, observes you based on these guidelines and standards, and then gives you feedback good/bad, etc. well, I had my observation and I went in for my feedback. You know, this is my third year teaching, I've grown so much as a teacher. I feel like I got this. I spend close to 30+ hours weekly lesson planning and grading. I love my job, I really do but I also realize this style of life is not what I want for the rest of my life. I'm sorry but I don't want to come home to work, I want to come home to rest. I want a life, I want hobbies, I want to take my dog out for a walk. So anyway I went in for my observation and I got all this criticism about, "some students didn't look that into it" mind you, I was doing an interactive and engaging lecture followed with discussion. But, when admin tells you this it's like, it's your fault. Things that are out of your control are often your fault. He also wants me to have the State standard aligned and visible with every lesson I do and use this other app. --- Ok, ok. We also have to asses students and provide data based on this. Ok. Ok. Wait a minute. I work 35 hours teaching + monthly after school meetings + adjunct duty + other teacher duties like after school clubs, lunch clubs, and other monthly meetings. Technically I'm only getting paid for 5 hours of prep time. I spend 30+ hours doing my lesson plans, making sure I'm utilizing every minute of the class, making sure I know what I'll be teaching, updating content, grading. And you want me to do what? And students being bored it's my fault? Am I getting paid to teach or entertain? If 10 kids are engaged but 10 others are not, it's my fault? Seriously. Fuck teaching. Don't become a teacher. Teachers that have been teaching for 20+ years are miserable. New teachers like me, were full of optimism, life, and we like our jobs but we're also exhausted. Some teachers get their admin credential or move up as counselors. Because no, this is not sustainable. Teaching is rewarding, but I can't live like this forever. It's the students that make it worth it and keep me going.
stormborns
vaporwave
