So it's kind of just as the title says.

For context : Last school year, I had a student (A) attack another student (B). A choked B, like had B pinned to a wall and B's feet were off the ground. I, the gen ed teacher, and the BI were the only people in the room. We both were able to get the kids separated. A was arrested and B was sent to the hospital (they had a seizure from lack of oxygen to the brain). My BI and I were summoned to court about a week later and had to testify. While on the stand, I made sure to mention multiple times that A is a good kid, he just made a bad choice. The judge had A spend 5 weeks in JDC and was on probation for the summer.

Now, I don't teach A or B anymore. A moved to the high school side of my school and B moved to another state. However, at some point of the summer, A's mom convinced herself and A that I ALONE was the reason A spent time in JDC. You know, the teacher who barely makes enough money to pay rent is the reason your child who choked the fuck out of another kid for no reason spent time in JDC.

Last night, A's mom added a bunch of the students in A's class that I taught last year to a group chat and started texting about how I deserve to die and how she's going to come up to the school to deal with me. (I think this is funny because the BI literally said worse shit in court than I did, but she isn't wishing him death or threatening him). She was also trying to convince the other kids to attack me if they got the chance... which wouldn't happen because those kids each came up to me individually, telling me about the situation and how they just want me safe. They even showed admin the texts. They're my Velcro babies, even though I'm not their homeroom teacher anymore <3

So it's the second day of school, and I had to report this to admin. I'm now on damn protective watch until further notice... which means the SRO and admin have to check in on me at least 3 times a day, and A is not allowed near me. Which is hard because I assist with their ELA class AND frequently have lunch duty with them.

I kept joking with admin that I could check this off of my bingo card (because I am literally not scared or worried at all), so that's where the title comes from. We can only go up from here though! (I say, in SPED teacher fashion)

I work at a primary school as an EAL teacher in the Netherlands so I have decided this year to run a "Word of the Week" bulletin board for the entire school.

Every week I will change out the word, translate it into multiple languages and offer prompts that are suitable for each grade to complete. I will also have a contribution box for kids to add their submissions, artwork and ideas. This is the first time I'm doing this so I hope to adjust and improve as we go along.

Also ignore the purple background. The board is a bit wrecked underneath. I also made some colour decor for my classroom.

I am just so pleased with how it turned out! Really a vision came to life.

Any suggestions or ideas are welcome!

One of my undergrad students had a pretty clever idea. He put the roll-number slip underneath a second, completely blank sheet of paper. Then, instead of writing directly on the slip, he wrote on the blank sheet above it, pressing down hard enough that the writing left faint marks on the paper underneath, like an indentation. So when he was done, the slip had his answers written into it as little impressions rather than actual ink. I mean… I can't exactly call it good academic behaviour, but I have to admit, the sheer amount of thought that went into it was something 😂

HS Science, USA

I inevitably find that my kids get bored of investigating and applying their ideas to our anchoring phenomenon about halfway through our unit. We just hit the 40% mark of Unit 1 and kids groan when I mention volcanic lightning storms...

I introduce the phenomenon & draw initial models at the beginning of the unit, and at the beginning of every class I briefly mention it to align our objective to the phenomenon. About once a week, I have students investigate our model and apply new ideas that we have discovered.

Any tips for keeping it fresh? I'm currently just thinking of spacing it out more (only revisit it once every 2 weeks), or selecting 2 for a unit and rotating through them - introducing both at the beginning of the unit, having kids compare/contrast to help elicit ideas and models, and then alternate to help keep them fresh.

Anyone have success keeping the anchoring phenomenon from getting stale? I do wonder if this is just the nature of the pedagogy.

Since the penny is no longer being produced I expect that they will no longer be used in money counting lessons. I’m curious as to when you guys think that might happen.

Hi !! I’m studying to become a social studies teacher for secondary school students, and I’m trying to get a grasp on good, go-to assignments and worksheet styles. I’d prefer physical tasks as opposed to digital ones, so my focus is on paper-based stuff for now.

My ideal teaching method would be the “gather the kids in a circle of desks and tell the history lecture like it’s a story/podcast” style, but I’d still need actual assignments to accompany the lectures.

Does anyone have any advice? Sorry if I sound super naïve!!! :(

Hi! I’m 20F and have interest in pursuing early childhood education! I’ve struggled to decide what career path is a good fit for me. I’ve changed my major 4-5times. I’m currently on a gap year and based on my research, a bachelors degree in ECED seems to be a solid option. Ideally I’d go back for my Master’s after a year or two of teaching to get better pay.
I love kids! I think kindergarten might be a sweet spot for me. Prek seems too chaotic but I love the idea of working with young kids. I’m sure it’s challenging, but is the reward worth it?
Maybe I’m naïve, but I feel like ECED curriculum can’t be too difficult for an adult with (potentially) a masters degree to master. I feel like that gives more opportunity to master lesson planning and focus more on classroom management and bonding with the students as they are starting a new chapter of their lives.
I think this job has potential to be a fun and meaningful creative outlet. From decorating a classroom, lesson planning, wearing fun teaching outfits, and of course pouring love into a new generation.
Of course I hear teaching horror stories, lots from this subreddit! I have no doubt that the job is challenging and mentally and physically exhausting at times. I’m looking for any advice/ insight! Feel free to ask questions.
I think I’m scared of choosing an education and career path that I regret and feel miserable and stuck in, hence changing my major 4-5 times lol.

I am 33y old, almost 10y into teaching high school and I am starting to get too confortable. I think one of the worst things about teaching is that it gets to a point where you have basically done everything you had to do and you have no real option to do something different within education (if you are not interested in becoming a principal, inspector or such). Anyone else feel the same?

I'm a dual US/UK national who went to school in the UK.

I have a masters degree in music. Ideally I want to teach it.

I have 5 years teaching experience in Asia teaching ESL.

I don't have a QTS in the UK. Only teaching qualification I have is a TEFL.

It's hard to find results that aren't specified for international teachers. I'm a US national. Is there a specific name for the license? Is there a single governing body? I'm just not sure how to even apply or what to apply to.

Thanks

I was a social studies teacher for 5 years from 2018 to 2023. In 2023 I left to work for Costco. I thought teavhing was horrendous but this job, while it has its perks, is so much worse. Its so cold and unfeeling. If Im gonna spin my wheels in an institution it might as well be teaching!! So needless to say Im back on the job market

Hi everyone,

Just looking for some advice. I trained in Primary, finished my PGCE in July. I've been offered quite an interesting and well paid job as an alternative provision tutor which includes tutoring secondary students with SEN who are either not in mainstream education or need extra help. They also want to give me additional responsibilities within the company including tutor/client liaison, tutor interviews and observations, platform management, marketing etc. They expect to further develop the role and my involvement in the wider business.

I have a few concerns though, I would be tutoring English (which is fine, I have a BA degree) and Science (not done it since school, although have an A Level in Bio) to GCSE level. I'm just worried about subject knowledge and making sure I can do right by the students, as well as the fact I didn't train in secondary. I'm also worried about the fact I won't be getting classroom experience.

My other option is to go on supply - which obviously gives the classroom experience but maybe not very secure - I don't really want to end up TA'ing and stuff if there's no work. What do you think - would this hinder my chances for a potential full time teaching role in the future? Should I give the tutoring a go or stick with supply? Thank you!

I’m in my second year of K5 (taught K4 two years ago and 1st grade the year prior so I’m in my 4th year of teaching) and I have 33 students. I have a teaching assistant who is incredible but mostly always out of the room dealing with chronic elopers. When the school year started I had 39 enrolled but because it’s a charter school some families used it as a backup in case their first choice school got them off their waiting lists, happens every year nbd. I asked about another k5 teacher coming on board weeks ago when I found out about my class size and have been told several times they were interviewing for another teacher. Cut to three weeks later and still no other teacher so I emailed HR asking if another teacher was ever coming, how I feel their education is going to suffer as I feel like I’m just doing damage control at all times and cannot help every single child at all times and stay on pace curriculum wise. I also asked if I’m doing such a large class size if I could get a raise. In the past my school capped k5 at I believe 25 max but it usually was in high teens low 20s. I work at a title 1 charter school we have a lot of kids with IEPs and I just requested 4 other students in my class to be evaluated.

Long story short I was told today that no they’re not looking any longer for another k5 teacher to split the class up and that this class size is normal and doable and I am incredibly frustrated. I have proven myself to be a strong teacher that always has high literacy scores and I told them I won’t be able to teach them all to the best of my ability with just the amount of kids there are. So many of them need SPED and we only have 2 SPED teachers for the whole building and I cannot assist them all in ways they’re going to need help. And again my TA is amazing she’s currently in school to be a teacher but she is forced to spend so much time out of the room dealing with elopers.

Any time I have asked about another teacher they say they’re currently interviewing, even this morning the principal told me she had an interview and she was hopeful. But when her boss talked to me today she told me it doesn’t make fiscal sense to hire another teacher and my class size is normal. Even if it’s “normal” is it responsible? Is it reasonable? Is it effective?

AND at the end of the school day I got an email saying 2 more kids will be joining my class tomorrow bringing my roster to now 35. Somehow this not concerning? I’m wondering if this is the new normal in education.

How much should I charge for the following. 45 minute group sessions of generalized homework help (5 people limit). Targeted group sessions on math and reading. One on one tutoring with tailored lesson plans.

Hi everyone.

As the title states, I am a first year teacher, and I am struggling. I know your first year is stressful and I was prepared for it going in, but I am straight up miserable.

I did a year-long placement in a high school last year and LOVED it. High school was always the goal. There were no high school positions open in my district this year, so now I am teaching 6th and 7th (one class of 6th and three classes of 7th). Every adult in my school knows and will gladly tell you about how awful this group of 7th graders we have is. There is a 32 year veteran teacher on the 7th grade team who said she hasn’t had kids this bad in YEARS, and even she said she is at her wit’s end. They don’t respond to any discipline, they are constantly having behavioral issues, and they simply do not care about any of the work we give them. It’s been 5 weeks at this point, and I feel completely inept.

I know I am not the first or the last teacher to experience this. I know this is not a unique experience. I guess I am just looking for your best advice about how to survive this year. It’s been really discouraging to have such a rough group my first year. Any and all advice is welcome. TIA.

Hi guys, after two years I'm going back to school to finish my degree, and I've decided to be a teacher.

Recently my Instagram feed is all about teaching and how is everyone quitting their jobs as a teacher.

Is it really that bad or it depends on in which country you live?

Please, no hate, I'm just genuinely curious. Thank you 🩷

Hey everyone,

I know this isn’t the right place to post and others can’t tell me what to do. Perhaps I’m looking for validation. I don’t know myself. But hear me out.

I’ve been divorced for about 5 months now. I’ve realized working while going through a divorce is so so so exhausting and draining. Alongside dealing with legal papers and what not. I’m a teacher and I’m just now starting my career after graduating at 21 with my bachelors. I’m now 23. The year I didn’t work (age 22) was when I was married and a house wife. The thing is I have two job offers where one is a teaching assistant and it’s Monday through Friday from 8-4. I went for about two days and I was overwhelmed with a lot of information and changes in my schedule. I just don’t feel like I can commit myself to five days a week. I feel like I won’t be able to emotionally give myself time and I want to take time for myself and be selfish with my time. Part of me wants to say that I’m just at that spot in my life where I do not want to ignore my emotional self at any cost after being abused in my marriage. But I also know that opportunities like this don’t happen every day and that it’s stupid to put your career on pause to take time to heal esp when the district that hired me to be a teaching assistant is a really good district and I’ve already made a good connection with the principal and he’s super nice to me. But I just feel so weak, exhausted, lonely, overwhelmed, and like I’m barely surviving.

The other job is a remote teaching position and it’s a flexible position where I can customize my own schedule. Because it’s work from home I feel like that’s a lot more manageable for me. I don’t have to get some where on time and present myself. If I feel like I can’t work a specific day then I won’t.

I also currently live with my parents and I don’t have huge expenses to take care of like rent or groceries. And my expenses for my necessities are not a lot either.

Which do you think I should pursue? I know a lot of people might tell me to pursue the district one and that’s rightfully so, I guess I just want to know that as someone who has her whole life ahead of her and can get her “foot in the door” after she’s healed is it really necessary to push myself if I feel like I can’t? Is it selfish to reject a position bc of your emotional state? Is there someone who’s been through this and can give advice?

I am planning to apply for credentialing programs for next fall. I live in California.

One of the application requirements is hours logged doing classroom observations for the grade level and subject I’m interested in teaching (middle school science).

Please share some advice on how to log these hours. Do I just email the schools near me? Thank you!

About ten years ago I did the NJ Alternate Route and got certified in English and Elementary. I subbed for a year and then became pregnant and ended up being recruited into local government when my daughter went to school. I really want to get back into teaching but it has been so long since I was in a classroom.

I have applied to a ton of aide jobs just to get back in the door. I have only heard back from one, a private alternative school for kids with behavioral problems and it seems like then want more of a security guard than an aide. Are these aide jobs hard to get or what am I missing? I keep seeing posts about how the aides aren’t helpful at all, but I only want to do this to be helpful and learn so I can step up and become a teacher.

I’m sure the ones with benefits are more competitive but I am I wrong to feel like I should at least qualify for an interview? Are they all pausing the hiring process until school starts? I was thinking this past month they would be in a rush to get someone before the first day of school but I’m not hearing anything. Super bummed. Any info or ideas to get noticed would be appreciated. Thanks!

My colleague wrote this about a young US teacher who is thriving overseas, part of a new bump in TEFL hires: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/aug/30/young-americans-teaching-abroad

so i’m turning 27 in September and i’m applying to community for early childhood education. it’s been something i’ve always had in the back of my mind to do. I haven’t been to school since 2018.

the only issue is i would have to work full time while getting my associates, is there anyone in this group who was able to do that ?

I am coming from only working retail and healthcare.

I just feel to old now and that it’s to late is there anyone who started late ?

I’m going into my second year teaching kindergarten in NY. Last year, I had a classroom aide, a 1:1 aide for a student with an IEP, and we have a grade level TA who splits her time across the four kindergarten classrooms. I just found out that this year due to an aide shortage, we won’t have classroom aides and our TA is going to be spread thin elsewhere.

I teach in an urban setting with high rates of poverty, students with trauma, etc. Last year I had multiple students who had daily intense behavioral crises. I retained one of these students so I know I will have him again, plus whatever other students I have this year. I also know I have a lot of SpEd students.

I literally don’t know what to do. We are finding this out days before the school year starts. Last year my mentor teacher left halfway through the year because of how bad things were, and I refuse to do the same, but I don’t know how I’ll navigate this. Our school in particular had such a rough year in kindergarten last year that they want me and the only other teacher who didn’t quit to speak about how we “survived our hardships” to other teachers at a district meeting.

So, I’m feeling beyond hopeless and scared. I’m only 23. I was physically injured several times last year despite having support in my room. How will I mitigate crises while still being there for the rest of my class? Frequently, I called the office for help during crises last year, but they didn’t have anyone available to come help. So last year I could at least have my aide remove the student from the room. That’s going to be impossible this year.

Is anyone else in a similar situation? How do you navigate crises or emergencies? How do you do centers? How do you zip all their zippers for recess and pack their bags at the end of the day? Any and all advice is appreciated, thanks.

Hello, I lead a club in Tennessee of 9th through 11th graders (14-16 years old) and I’m looking for a class size of 14-20 to exchange letters with in English. Unfortunately my club can only run from now until January. contact for more details. Please let me know if interested and we can get started soon!

I'm in my 30s and have always had it in the back of my mind that I'd like to pursue elementary education. I almost completed an El Ed degree when I was in college and I could easily get my MA Provisional License (all my MTELs are already passed). But when I talk to elementary school teachers I know in my area (South Shore) I get such mixed reviews. A lot of people tell me they love it but others are very passionate when they tell me that in this day and age the job is unbearable. If you're an El Ed teacher here in MA, what are you thoughts?