Hi Adam and Dana -
The fact that you are on this forum and seeking insight shows that you really care, and that fact is paramount to becoming a great teacher. And the key in that last sentence is "becoming," because it will take time to be the best teacher you can be - so keep on giving yourself grace. You'll get there. It can take a few years, or more, to lose that sense of dread, but there are so many bright spots along the way. And then it gets easier.
To add to all the good advice already given, relationship building can really help. In addition to the whole class stuff, try to connect with a few of the kids at the start or end or outside of class, just to get to know them as a person. It builds trust, helps them know they are "seen," and then they are more invested in behaving in your class (or responding to your redirects when they forget). I'm sure you've had a gazillion PD lectures that tell you this - to build relationships. I always found it overwhelming. As a specialist I teach so many kids, how am I ever going to build relationships with all of them, when I only see them once a week for 45 minutes? Of course, you can't. But if you pick a few key individuals - maybe kids who seem to really want to be there, maybe someone with some social power in the group that could be converted 'for good,' maybe someone who really seems to hate the class but just needs to know that you'll like them even if they don't like theatre - you'll have the satisfaction of having reached a few kids, and when the behavior of a few shifts, sometimes it can change the tone of the group.
Finally (and you may already be doing this), seek advice from other teachers, including special ed. folks. Find out what strategies and language they are using, and what works. Sometimes they have suggestions that can work in drama class ... sometimes you just find that everyone is struggling with the same kids.
Hang in there, and savor the joyful moments when they come!
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Kristin Hall
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Drama Director
Lincoln MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2024 19:38
From: Dana Legawiec
Subject: New Teacher Anxiety and Dread
Hi Adam,
Thanks for posting this message - I am very much in the same boat. New FT classroom Performing Arts Educator working in a middle school that has never had a performing arts program. The behavioral challenges in my classroom are significant. I am getting very discouraged and demoralized by the lack of teaching I'm able to accomplish. It seems like I have the energy to manage the classroom, or the energy to teach, but not the energy to do both. I've had my illusions shattered and have lowered the bar for my expectations significantly. I'm giving myself the grace to know that I am learning the students - and most of them are eager and hungry for the experience - but the daily dose of chaos is wearing me down. I found some solace in reading your post, and some great suggestions in the responses here. EDTA has great resources too. But I feel everyday like I have to strip my plan to bare bones, and build myself up to return the next day.
Good luck to you!
Dana Legawiec
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Dana Legawiec
ME
Original Message:
Sent: 09-10-2024 09:19
From: Adam Hobbs
Subject: New Teacher Anxiety and Dread
Hello all,
I am a first year theatre teacher and I am struggling quite a bit. I work at a school with a good bit of behavioral issues and am coming into a program where they have had a the same teacher here for a long time. I feel like my classroom management is no where near where it needs to be and I feel myself constantly being riddled with anxiety and dread with each new week. I love my students and want to be the best teacher I can be, but I do not feel like I am succeeding at all right now.
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Adam Hobbs
Theatre Teacher
Lower Richland High School
SC
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