Bad day? Blog it out.

Somebody's got a case of the Monnnnnndayyyyyys.

Today was terrible.  Not in the sense that most first year teachers experience though.  I can handle my classes, so classroom management is not a problem.  I can teach, so getting my students to understand the material is not a problem.  I like teaching, so this job as a temporary career choice is not a problem.  What I am having a problem with is all the other crap that we as teachers have to do...

I finally came to the conclusion today that, after finally realizing that my two weeks lesson plans were due, after remembering that the first nine weeks is almost up, and after sitting through another terrible session of professional development, that I officially have no clue what I am doing...

First and foremost, I hate planning.  I can handle all of the other stuff, but planning is something I am not good at.  I can plan individual lessons, they might not be the most stimulating lessons in the world, but I can get by.  I can BS my way through an administrative requirement  known as "the two week lesson plans", but I don't stick to them by any means.  I can gauge my student's understanding by giving some type of assessment that I halfassly create, but who knows if it's actually working or even good enough...

Now, fast forward to the end of the first term.  I have no idea what I've done, if I've done any good, and if I've even been up to par with the state frameworks.  I have no idea how to plan for units, or long term goals for my students.  Basically, I'm flying by the seat of my pants when it comes to what my students should learn in my class.  I guess that's the whole point though huh?  After all, it is my class.

Second, I'm not trained in special education.  This past week we have been having professional development in various, unhelpful categories.  Today, for example, was on students with multiple disabilities.  I mean, come on.  I can barely teach kids without disabilities.  IEP's, IBP, and other plans, are flat out ridiculous in my opinion.  I have enough to deal with already (planning, grading, teaching, managing) before I can even think of assimilating these kids into my individual lessons, let alone, my class entirely.

Third, I hate going home and having to do work.  I cannot stand this aspect of the job.  I was fine with it this summer when I first began "teaching".  Now, I don't even have anything to look forward to when I leave work except for more work.  I was talking with my girlfriend on the phone today and she said, "I'm ready to go home."  Uhh, I'm not.  Instead of going home and relaxing, I have to prepare for tomorrow. I have to decide how I can BS my way through another day...

Fourth, teachers are not paid enough money for our job.  It's official.  The cliche saying is true.  Trust me.  All this crap for $30,000.  You've got to be kidding me.  I was driving home today and passed a semi on I-55, and suddenly I became enraged.  "I bet that truck driver makes more money than I do," I thought to myself.  That's ridiculous.  I can sit, by myself, and drive for hours easily.  I do it all the time when commuting to and from Oxford on the weekends.  Instead, I'm  in charge of 150 kids, lesson plans, assessments, grades, inclusion, and other random duties just to name a few, for only $30,000.  Once again, you've got to be kidding me.

As of right now, I will not be teaching for the rest of my life.  Not high school at least...

So, there's my bitch session.  Now, LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!