Post # 1
Member
175 posts
Blushing bee
I just need to get this off my chest. My SO is not a teacher and has no clue, and although he is sympathetic, it’s hard for him to fully understand my frustrationg.
We (the teachers in my province) are in the teaching battle of our life with our government right now. Things have gone downhill with regards to public funding and class composition, and things need to change if we are going to have the world-class public system that we have had in the past. The past few years have been tough.. I have had some TOUGH classes and some kids who really need some support in school, but there just isn’t anything for them. I feel like such a failure as a teacher because I can’t give my kids the help they need.
Anyways… so this has been felt everywhere, and we were going through job action drama for the second half of the year. The government ended up locking us out for part of our day (not allowed in the schools at lunch or more than half an hour before or after school) and docking us 10% of our pay. This was tough financially, but also professionaly as I was unable to prep as I normally would, mark, or help my students before and after school… so really frustrating overall. But then, we ended up going on strike. We had some rotating strike days, so a few days taken off my paycheqe, and then went into a full strike. Then, the government locked us out of the schools completely for the last few days of the year, so even if we weren’t on strike, we werent’ allowed on school property. So needless to say, I have been feeling the pressure financially. We have been on strike since mid June… and we would normally be returning to work on Tuesday, but it is not looking good. I am very nervous about the potential of being out for another unknown period of time. SO glad I have my SO to help us get through… I know of many colleagues that are not so lucky and are in a very scary place.
So here’s the other thing… since I am a fairly new teacher, I got laid off in June. Then, in July, I was place somewhere new. I am supposed to start teaching in an alternative program. It is a school within a school, and I am still not sure what it is. Normally I would have been at work the past couple weeks figuring stuff out and getting sorted, set up, etc. for the new year. I’m panicking now because if we DO go back, it will be with little notice and I have no idea what I’m even teaching or how this program works 🙁
Ok.. I think that’s my rant. Just needed that 🙂 Thanks for listening.
Post # 2
Member
1141 posts
Bumble bee
Similar situation with my friend last year. She was put into one grade level, prepared all summer for it and, when she got to work the first day, they decided to put her in another grade level. If I remember correctly, she went from supposed to be teaching a kindergarten class to teachin 6th grade. I mean, talk about total game change! Like you, she was panic stsricken as she had nothing for that first day and week! She really flied by the seat of her pants for awhile until she got into the groove. All year, she said that she felt like she was just one step ahead of her students because she had to deal with all new curriculum, books, and kind of kids. She said it was the most difficult year of her life but that it made her a stronger teacher.
I am sure you will be doing the same thing … flying by the seat of your pants. I am sure it’s going to be a bumpy ride, but it will get better. It did for my friend! <br /><br />Good luck to you!!!!
Post # 3
Member
46675 posts
Honey Beekeeper
Dreaming42: Take a breath and relax. The government locked you out so it’s not like you chose not to get ready for your new class. I know that, as a professional you want to do the best you can, but the reality is that this government chose to make that an impossibility.
The government has already lost in court re the classroom size and composition issue and is appealing, but still had the gall to try to include an article in the collective agreement that stated that if they lost in court again, they could cancel the collective agreement and start from scratch. The kids of this province are worth better from our government.
The only expectation the government and the school boards can possibly have is that you do the best you can to catch up when school does start. And that doesn’t mean killing yourself working for free, before and after school!
Post # 4
Member
215 posts
Helper bee
Man, I’m a teacher but my probs can’t even COMPARE to yours. Have you tried working at a private school? I’ve only ever worked at a private school and there’s no government BS like what you’re going through.
Don’t take the guilt if your students arent getting the resources they need. Do your best to prepare what you can, don’t stress if they aren’t the best lessons…just get em done. They can’t expect you to work during your personal time after locking you out.
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This reply was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by amstudent1.
Post # 5
Member
1070 posts
Bumble bee
julies1949: Holy Hell in a handbasket, Batman. Do you teach in the same province?
To OP, I can’t say that I fully understand your situation as I’m in the private, Catholic sector; but I hear you and hope you have these issues resolved soon. I can’t even begin to imagine what you’re feeling right now.
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