We are now in week 2 of the school term, but it feels like week 7 or 8! Assessment is already beginning to creep up on us and planning is never ending!
I have always had two little teaching philosophies:
1. I will be creative with my teaching
2. I will form good relationships with all my students, even the most difficult ones.
The last two weeks I have come to a bit of a reality check. Whilst these things are definitely an important part of teaching, sometimes it's just not possible. I have come home nearly every day this week and fallen asleep by 8pm. I know part of this is getting used to full time work, but some days you are just so emotionally and physically drained from dealing with students. I have two classes and teach each of them for science and history. They are VERY different classes. One is incredibly lively, inquisitive and generally quite a fun class. The other are rude, disrespectful and for the most part, have no desire to learn. Both classes on particular occasions have left me sitting at my desk needing to just take a few breaths before I go to the next class.
This week, working closely with a couple of incredibly supportive people in my staffroom has made me realise I don't (and can't) always have to be that creative and fun teacher that gets on with everyone. There will be days when I clash with even my best students. Some days, my students don't deserve my creativity and need to earn my respect. It has also been pointed out to me that it's my first year of teaching, and if I 'try too hard' to keep this up, I'll burn out! I have learnt more in the past 6 weeks of teaching than I did in 4 years of uni. Nothing can prepare you 100% for teaching except being in a classroom on your own, with expectations that you teach those students!
Whilst I still endeavour to make my classes creative and build solid relationships with students, I don't put myself down when that doesn't quite work out. As once quoted 'If plan A doesn't work out, there's always another 25 letters in the alphabet'!
