Dear we are teachers,
I teach 6th grade and everyone dreads the week of final exams every year before winter break. Our administration is very strict about what can and cannot be used as a final exam grade (for example, the final exam cannot be a creative project and cannot be an essay) . Additionally, the final exam must count for 15% of the child’s grade, which is a significant amount. As a result, students are stressed, parents are stressed, and we are all stressed. What’s the best way to convince principals that they need more flexibility this year?
—It’s the most miserable week of the year.
Dear ITMMWOTY
Well, it’s understandable that high school seniors have strict expectations for the finals. But 6th grade? They are too young to feel this kind of stress.
If the principal doesn’t listen to the teachers’ pleas, I think he needs to organize a small squad to get his point across. The people you need on your team are:
students. If a student complains that they are feeling stressed about final exams, encourage them to write a letter to their principal (respectfully) with specific, realistic suggestions on how to improve. parents. If you receive an email with questions, pushback, or concerns about the final exam, end the communication by saying: [principal’s name] If you have any questions about the final week, please feel free to contact us. ” I hope they will work on that with you too! Your counselor. It is well worth going to a counselor and listening to the stress your student is reporting. “Do you think it’s worth considering whether finals week can be restructured?” Depending on your answer, you can get additional information from your campus mental health professional and talk to your principal again.
Dear we are teachers,
I teach high school, and over the past five years I’ve noticed that it’s very difficult to come to school in a good mood around this time of year. From the time I wake up until about mid-morning, I’m completely grumpy. What are some tips to make your winter mornings a little more fun?
–She’s a mean person.
Dear SAMO
First of all, thank you for recognizing this pattern and working to do something about it. Identifying the problem is half the battle.
Also, you are not alone. I know this period is difficult for many people. My main suggestions for cracking down on morning terror are:
1. Make your commute more glamorous! What gets you uplifted? Laughter? Try our new comedy podcast! Music? Try listening to something new that gets your blood flowing. Do you want to move? Start your day by dancing to one uplifting song.
2. Get a classroom lamp that brings joy. Whether you love the soothing glow of a Himalayan salt lamp or feel like your life is missing a cute little toaster lamp, there’s something about lighting up your favorite lamp first thing in the morning. Overhead lights in the classroom!) to help you start your day off right.
3. Start a breakfast club. We loved this idea that a teacher shared with our social media team. When you work on something similar, it doesn’t have to be big, elaborate, or every day. But it’s so fun to have something to look forward to (and one less thing to plan).
4. Introduce fun new traditions. If starting a daily attendance question or attendance segment feels daunting, you may want to commit to it for the rest of the year.
I hope this helps!
Dear we are teachers,
I’m in my second year teaching 7th grade math. The principal called me into his office today and told me that classes would be completely different when the new semester started. Instead of a 7th grade math student, you will be teaching a mixed class of 6th through 8th grade students who need remedial math instruction. The principal claimed that it was because I was the best teacher, but I hate that I ended up in this situation because I was good at my job. Not only are you devastated by the loss of the community you’ve built in your classroom, but you’re also having to plan all new lessons for next semester without essentially having a set curriculum to work with. Can you say no to the principal? what would you do?
—This is my nightmare
Dear Timun,
I’ll be honest. This is the worst.
I don’t think you can say no (though it doesn’t hurt to check with your school’s union representative). However, I think it is fair to set aside a separate time to speak with the principal to outline the support needed and the plan for moving forward. What I want to say is:
“As principal, I understand this was a difficult decision and I am up for the challenge, even if it is a significant setback to the community, routines, and lessons that I have worked so hard to build this semester. I’d like to talk about a few things that will make this transition easier.
“Time for planning. Since there is no fixed curriculum (cannot rely on existing lessons), additional planning periods are required for intensive preparation. There is no room for additional planning periods in the schedule. If not, I would like to discuss other ways to give you more time to develop lessons and interventions, perhaps meeting once a month for a day with your district’s curriculum specialist. You might be able to do that.”
“Regular check-ins. Can we set aside some time this semester to see how this arrangement is going? I’ve never done anything like this before and my position is Because there are no other teachers in the school, we expect them to deal with some challenges that are not visible from their current vantage point.”
“April is a time to think about next year. Like I said, I’m up for the challenge. But right now, I’m not sure if a remedial role for three grade levels is something I want to take on next year. I don’t know. I would like an opportunity to evaluate what my options are (if any are available) in April.
I think all of this is completely fair, and I favor a more firm tone than usual. If your principal is going to turn your world upside down two weeks in advance, the least he can do is give you the support you need. And if he has the courage to get angry about these very small questions? Tell him I sent you.
Have a burning question? Email us at askweareTeachers@weareTeachers.com.
Dear we are teachers,
This year we have a new teacher joining our team who requires a lot of energy. Pam causes unnecessary drama, like sending hostile emails to parents about trivial issues (which obviously escalate into bigger problems). She complains about the way we do things here and compares it to her alma mater. But what’s really surprising is how much time she wants to spend with all of us. You would think that someone who hated their job so much would hold her back, but she always showed up in our room before, during and after school, and spread her negative opinions. I am. Can Pam be turned into a ray of sunshine?
–We’re dead here.
