As I was reading the "Staying in the Classroom" section of chapter 11, there was one part that really stuck out to me. The statistic that 30-40% of beginning teachers do not return to their classrooms. I realized that not 100% of teachers always return to the classroom, but I had no idea the number was that high, especially for beginning teachers. Honestly, that's pretty scary. I really don't think I will be one of those statistics, but you never know. The section says that many of the reasons that teachers don't return to their classrooms is because of isolation from other professionals, pressure, the workload, and the constant demand from administrators, teachers, students. etc. I feel I am pretty prepared for those things, although I guess I don't know until I actually find out. My practicum teacher did emphasize how much work she does and how she feels it takes away from her family. She told me numerous times how she stayed up till 1 a.m. grading papers and she still isn't done.. or how she has this to grade and has this time limit to do it in...
All I can do is just try to do the best I can and deal with everything one at a time. And hopefully, I won't be another statistic.
3 comments:
You should also know that there is a percentage of college students trying to become teachers who won't even make it to their first year because the pressure's too hard and the stats on how many teachers drop out during the crucial first three years... the remaining number must be pretty miniscule! It's sad really.
I've met some people at various jobs that ask what I'm going to be and I tell them and they say, "I'm certified to teach but I'm just looking for a job"- granted a few of these people are looking but to think that most of the employees of Walmart and Target are soon-to-be teachers, certified and all, is unthinkable. They probably just quit too early.
I'm interested in how much work your practicum teacher dished out... meaning: was everything written work (essays, handouts, etc.)? And did she eat in the teacher's lounge during lunch time or grade papers when she had the spare time?
I really don't think that people recognize exactly how many hours teachers put into their job. Yes, it may only be 7:30 to 3:00 with students 9 months a year...but it is more like 7-7 (if not later) 12 months a year. I appreciate the fact that teachers collaborate so well together with planning because it really saves us time. It is definitely a community that i want to be a part of!
I think that the first year is going to be hard. You are trying to get everything in line. The students are going to push you to the limits because they know your new. I think once we make it through the first few years it will get better. I think the best advice and Stan kind of talked about it is don't isolate yourself. Get around other teachers. Have good teachers invest in you. I know that's what I want.
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