Rock bottom?

[absentmindedprof]

Last night, I burned the Harry Wong book in my woodstove. I've never burned a book before, but I hoped it would turn my recent streak of horrendous luck around. It didn't work, but it at least provided some warmth.

Any suggestions for getting through the worst week? Anyone have a week from heck that could maybe top mine? (Or at least make me not feel so bad?)

[Anna Lee]

I too burned the Wong book.

When you teach in an environment of chaos on the part of administration/lack of a logical coherent discipline/behavior intervention, or with students who could drive Mother Teresa to the looney bin, then by all means take a mental health day or week off from school (even if they say they have no subs for your class)! Oh my, hope the editing cops don't freak out over my long poorly punctuated sentence :p

Wong most likely never taught in what the majority of public schools are like in our nation today. Schools full of burnt out students, parents in stress, etc etc.

But we do.

And you can make it. You may decide that the school you are at is not a right "fit" for you. Your principal may use you as a scapegoat and decide that you don't "fit" his or her dream teacher vision.

Document, document, document. Rest, rest, rest.
Get something going outside of school that has nothing to do with teaching. You have the right to a good nights rest.

I hope you made it through the end of the year and have time off to recover this summer.

I have had weeks and school years from heck. That is why I have learned to listen more, document, and do my best in my class and not worry about things I have absolutely no control over. And I know my contract and thank God for my union.

Ann Lee

[christiw]

Wong, unfortunately, is one of those administrators who has no clue what it is like to be in the trenches. I was even more offended that my university professor found him so amazing. In retrospect they both were cause for serious doubt.