The reason I named my blog amy-up in the attic is because my class room is up on the 3rd floor and I feel like I am out of the loop, covered in cobwebs. No one comes up to visit us teachers, besides students and once in awhile our principal, but that isn't a bad thing. I guess the stairways our to strenuous. It is for me at times.
I have been teaching for the past 8 years, seems like 50 years at times, but I am just now starting to get frustrated with the disrespect from students and parents. I teach in a middle school, grades 6th, 7th and 8th, and it seems that no matter what you ask of your students there is always a snide remark, rolled eyes etc. So when this happens and I have had enough, I send my little buggers down to the disruptive student room for some of the class period. It just so happens the next day I get a phone call from a parent asking why I am picking on their child. When I explain the situation to the parents they just don't get it. Parents don't want to discipline their kids, and therefore, it seems, that the students are running the school. Any suggestions or advice?
Disrespect is a pretty big epidemic. And as far as the parents go, a teacher I work with says, "You plant potatoes, you get potatoes". I would just continue to try to get the parents on board. Hopefully if you show concern for their child and education, maybe they will back you up more. It's hard when you're also fighting the parents. You've also confirmed to me why I'm still an elementary teacher.
ReplyDeleteOh I feel your pain!!! I am in my 17th year in the same district. I was just talking to a friend about the difference in education...or should I say students. I have found even some of our band students are more disrespectful but especially in my music appreciation and campus choir class. The rolling of the eyes especially! The groaning when I give an EASY assignment. It is frustrating. My advice...don't give up. You have the future in your hands and just try to keep a positive attitude and never give in. I have had the strangest calls and conferences this year with parents. Hopefully you have a supportive administration that will back you up...that always seems to help. I bet all teachers have been accused of "picking" on students. My answer to parents and students will always be the same...if you are not like the other students I will call you on it! I always give the Sesame Street example of one of these things are not the others. That was always my favorite part! And my last bit of advice would be hug your kids every day and talk with other educators. I call it my therapy along with shopping and chocolate.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love your fish!!! And...amazing that your students start band in the 3rd grade!!! We start in the 6th grade here and they meet every other day. I can hardly wait to tell the staff tomorrow. How interesting that your kids also play more than one instrument (brass and woodwind). Thanks for supporting the arts! We need all the help we can get!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your advice. I guess I should of stated in my first blog that it isn't me that the parents are mad at but the Principal and the Dean of Students.They are trying to stop bullying, sexting, etc and it just seems they are getting no where. I feel for all the Principals out there with the way things are going.
ReplyDeleteLisa,
I have to tell you that this year they stopped teaching band to the 3rd graders. The band director said it was because the hands/fingers of third graders really can't reach the notes. So now they start in the 4th grade. Also, I think in the elementary they only meet twice a week, but middle school and high school meets everyday.
Hi Amy and Lisa! I am your new partner in "crime". The gentleman is no longer in the class so Carmen changed me to you. If I would have read earlier I would have known that so I apologize!
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that you start band in 4th grade!
I used to teach middle school music but that was before the cell phone. It is a different world now. I do relate to you not being in the loop. My classroom is right by the office and the rest of the teachers are in "pods" or in the same hallway. If I am not in the office at the right time, I don't know anything! Kind of frustrating.
I just try to remember why I am there and hopefully I am making a difference to at least one child!
Happy blogging!
I am so sorry I spelled Karmin's name wrong! oops!
ReplyDeleteCheryl,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to our alliance. I am really enjoying reading other peoples blogs. They are pretty exciting and many have great ideas. Happy blogging.