To that end, however, I would suggest that you collect as few papers as possible. Give completion grades, grade in class and have students tell you their scores, do not be afraid to not grade an assignment if it already accomplished it’s purpose (in-class work, etc.). When you do collect papers, do whatever you can to make sure they are already graded. Having students grade each other’s work saves you amazing amounts of time. During my first two years teaching, I spent too much time grading the lesser assignments, valuing class time over my time, when, as an English teacher, I had plenty of essays coming my way! In fact, I am at a new school with new curriculum this year, and I spent first quarter relearning this lesson.

I would also reiterate that behavior is the first battle to be won in middle school. Be as predictable as possible when it comes to consequences. Setting Limits in the Classroom is an excellent book on classroom management.

Anyway, one thing that I have learned is to NEVER send students to the office in order to punish them. When you do that you give up the power and give the responsibility to someone else.

Here is what I would suggest, and it has worked wonders for me. If the students, as a whole, get too out of control, have them sit and do absolutely nothing. Nothing at all. You have to monitor them and make sure they are sitting upright in their chairs, no hands on desks, no pencils or pens out, no reading, no talking, nothing. Basically, terrorize them with an unbelievable level of control.

It’s just a tool for an occasion though. What you really need is an overall system of control. you need them to know that you are the boss. It’s really about style. I like to keep a log book, with student rosters that lists each student and different things that they typically do. Nothing bothers them more than having specific records kept of their issues. You have a lot of leverage on them with documentation.

I can always e-mail you a copy of what I use and then you can type in your own students’ names. You can contact me through my blog site.

However, what popped into my head as I was reading was, who is supposed to be supporting you? Every new teacher, if not paired with a Mentor, should at least be a part of some learning team (grade, subject etc). These teachers should be working with you to build lessons and collaborate on the work. Also, a good admin should see that you are struggling and be willing to do whatever it takes to make you into a solid, confident, contributing member of his/her team.

Maybe you’re good at hiding that you need help. Make sure you ask (and keep asking).

Lastly – it is probably far worse in your own head than what the reality is. The fact that you care so much puts you ahead of many. Take stock of what you are doing well. You reflect, you research, you experiment, you communicate and you give it your all. Are you building relationships with your students? That is the bedrock of everything else.

Good luck, and remember the answer to the old adage …”How do you eat an elephant?” is “One bite at a time”!

Susan Stack
Cleveland Metropolitan Schools

Also when things get better consider collaborating…with others, librarian, tech teacher, other teachers to get the job you want done…so many times we feel like we gotta go it alone- but dont! Find those supports!
BESt WISHES!
Leslie

I have been there. My first year, I lost ten pounds. I frequently locked my door after school and just sat and cried. I spent HOURS preparing engaging lessons only to have them ruined by disruptive students or my own inexperience. I’ve now been teaching 4 years and I feel that I well am on my way to becoming an excellent teacher. All I can say, is hang in there. The first two years are hell for everyone. It is an INSANE job, but the rewards are great if you can persevere.

One point of advice: get your principal to grant you a sub so you can spend one day a week in an experienced teacher’s room (same grade level). Find out who is good in Oakland and go and observe them for an entire day. Take copious notes, then steal ideas from the best -it’s a time-honored teaching tradition.

Indeed, though, Dan: hang in there, and thanks for your hard and important work.

man I have talked with school leaders who cater everything to ignirant controlling parents simply because of parental Involvement criteria. Why?!

Or ith others , such as the ghetto schools my kids once went too (anonymous) where bullish kids got away with almost anything because referrals, dtentions ans suspensions meant nothing to them or their families- and of course- expulsion of minorities is racist!

You are being offered band aids to cover a bullet to the vital organs wound. A paradigm shift is needed for education. Bureacrats and policy do gooders need to stay away- then we will see change.