First-year-teacher...this isn't the class for me! I need some advice!

[TeacherOfAutism]

I know my subject line sounds bad, but it's true. I just graduated last December and landed my first teaching job, only 5 weeks ago. I've always worked with elementary aged kids (special ed. and gen. ed) and I've loved every minute!
I never worked with students older than 5th grade, but didn't think I'd be opposed to it.
So currently, I'm working at a center-based program for all special ed. kids. It's a post-secondary program, so we primarily teach life skills, social skills, training for work, etc. We hardly do anything with academics.
My classroom is so different than any class in the school, or that I've ever heard of/seen. I have 5 students on my caseload, but only 2 in my classroom. All 5 students have autism.
I really do enjoy being around my kids and enjoy working with them, but it's not for me.
Since my second week in the classroom, I knew this wasn't right for me. Everyday, I think about the little ones and how much I miss working with the younger students. My classroom isn't like a classroom. I swear you wouldn't even know anything goes on in my classroom or there's even students...it's so silent all day! My 2 students in the class need to be separate. There are no academics, and I feel I'm working with behaviors more than anything. I miss teaching…I miss the academics…and miss the actual classroom!
I love teaching and I love working with kids who have special needs...but this class is not for me!
So this is my dilemma...
I will be finishing out the school year for sure, but not sure about next year. I think another teacher who prefers the older students and the VERY small/quiet classroom would be better suited. I feel like I'm letting the students down, by being "fake" and not being passionate about this classroom.
I don't know what to do. I REALLY want to find a different classroom for the next school year. I love the district I'm in; the staff is wonderful, parents are wonderful, and it's where I grew up. But how do I go to my principal and tell him this. How do I go and ask to be transferred to another district, or tell him I will not be returning next year, without it impacting my career. How will another district look at me, being a first year teacher (and for less than 1/2 year!), and quitting my first job already...just because I’m not “happy” with it?
I know in my heart, that this particular job is not for me. After being with this class and with older kids, I know I belong with the younger kids. I know that is where I'll succeed, and I know that's where my students will succeed.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Thank you for being my ears…

-Struggling Teacher :confused:

[laromley]

I'm sorry to hear that you are having such a rough time in your new class. It is hard being somewhere you don't like. My 2nd year teaching sounds very similar, my district moved me and I ended up at a school that was crazy (both my caseload and staff).
I ended up sticking it out and having lots of conversations with my new principal, she was very supportive and now I have taught at the that same school for 4 years. I really had to be honest with the principal about what was eating at me before anything was able to change for me. I hope that you can go to your superiors and ask them for advice on how they might handle your situation, maybe they can help you get a class that is better suited for you.
I wish you luck with everything.

[busbus]

If a teacher was assigned to a class only five weeks ago in my school district, that teacher would be on "Special Assignment." In other words, this teacher is in a temporary appointment and will have to select a new position for the next school year. Therefore, the situation, as described, would not be a problem.

However, when a teacher is on "Special Assignment" to a school, if the teacher wants to stay at the school or if the principal wants the teacher to stay, there is a form that each must sign and send to the Human Resources Office that will indicate that the position for that class, at that school has been filled. In the case of this situation, since the teacher is not satisfied with this position and the principal wanted the teacher to stay, then the teacher would opt not to sign the form to be retained and could explain his/her reasoning to the principal at that time without repercussions.

I can only speak about my school district. In this situation, there may be a completely different scenario. Whatever it is, I wish you good luck - if you are honest and above board with the principal, I do not think that you will have any negative repercussions.