Monday, December 1, 2008

Careers

Ever since I can remember I've wanted to be a teacher. I was always the child teaching my younger brother and cousins and even stuffed animals. One of my favorite Christmas presents of all times was a chalk board. I plunged my way through five years of school to be a teacher. I am at a great school. I work with and for some of the most amazing people. I could not ask for a better school.


Yet, I feel like more often than not, I do not enjoy my job. Right now for instance, I'm in a funk. I look at what I have left to teach this year and I don't want to teach any of it. It is all going to take major prep work on my part and I just can't get motivated to do that. I don't know maybe I just need a different subject, I don't know.

I've only been teaching 2 years. I shouldn't be having these "funks" all ready, but I am. And this not my first one at all. Occasionally I think about quitting and doing something else, but what else would I do? Nothing else sounds good to me.

I also feel bad for my kids, because I know that right now I'm not the best teacher. They aren't getting anything out of my class. I found myself this way this time last year. I'm just ready for the year to be over so that I can have a fresh start, so that I have a whole summer to prepare. Yet, I wasted this past summer. I spent all summer collecting ideas, but didn't really get anything together as far as lesson plans. So here I am stuck again.

Thanks for reading my vent... Please pray that I can get excited about teaching, that I will know what to do and where to go.

Love you all,
Elaina

7 comments:

  1. I am in my tenth year and I get into funks almost every year. They come and go.....I am just getting out of one myself at school.

    Usually my funks come around February and March when we are getting cabin fever. This year it came early.

    This group of students has been one of my more challenging groups--both in behavior and effort. Just a few weeks ago I questioned what I was doing.

    When I get in my funks, I usually try to focus on some of my favorite students--the sweet ones who try and eat up what I give them. Sometimes I just take a day too and do NO curriculum and play a game. We just played the string game--it was educational, they practiced some good problem solving skills, and they had fun. It was just what we all needed.

    You could also try reading some books on adding pizzazz to your curriculum or something of the sort. It helps me if I add something new here and there so I don't get bored with the same old thing.

    Teaching is hard work. There is a lot to deal with--students, parents, administration, grading, planning, etc. It is also rewarding too. Try to focus on the rewards.

    You vent any time. I'll listen. I've been there and back several times.....I'll pray you get out of this funk soon! :)

    Hugs, Sara

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  2. The word that comes to my mind is "tweak". It is my word for being creative. Maybe do something different in your lesson plans, something out of the box. I am not a teacher but I know in general that when I get into funks, I have to do something different. It could also mean that God is leading you, not out of teaching necessarily but maybe something different. Anyway, I will pray for you. God Bless, Kathie

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  3. Hang in there! I am going to be right there with you in a funk come January when my maternity leave is over! I had a dream last night that I couldn't find my classroom because I couldn't remember any of the kids. Conner will be 8 weeks old on Thurs. so I have been away for a while. I often worry will the kids and parents wish the sub were there instead of me but this too shall pass! Praying for you----Shelly

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  4. Hey girl... not sure how to "reply" to the comment you left me so I'm leaving one of my own on your blog :)

    I would go crazy if I had a scrapbooking room - I mean seriously I would lock myself in there! We do need to get together - I'm so new to it and I'm very picky about the embellishments I use but I love to see other people's ideas!

    So I can't remember if we ever finished talking about the fireworks from Saturday - other than the fire, was the show good? Jared was so sad he didn't get to go help.

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  5. Hey I was just reading your post (I commented last night wihtout reading it... sorry) and I wanted to tell you that if you would like to talk to someone about new ideas my sister and my step-mom are both teachers. Well... my sister is still in school but she's student teaching. Anyway, if you want a fresh perspective, let me know and I'll hook you up with one or both of them!

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  6. Elaina, I didn't know how to contact you but you were a winner on my blog. You can see the post here:
    http://triplethescraps.blogspot.com/2008/11/book-rak-winners.html

    I hope you will e-mail me your address so I can get your book off to you. Maybe this will get you out of your "funk." :) Have a blessed day!

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  7. I know how you feel! Although I am not a teacher, I get burnt out at my job sometimes too. It is always hard to get motivated around this time of year because you are ready to close everything out and start something new. there is so much going on in November and December outside of work that it is hard to focus. And dont be afraid to quit and try something new - you can do a lot with a degree in education! No sense in doing something you dont like!

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