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 😂

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!

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 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

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.

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.

Really random but ever since I started working in an elementary school my hair gets greasy way faster than before. Also I’ve noticed other teachers hair being on the greasy side. Idk if anyone can relate but yeah

Our school is moving to block scheduling this year. We have kids for 75 minute blocks every other day.
What would your class look like? What are the best strategies you’ve used for blocks of time in a class period?
Thanks in advance!

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'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

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!

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?

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.