I want to teacher like her she seems so nice. I love how she does all the activities and gives students a lot of things so that they can experience cool things and have fun in class.
from one teacher to another- You are planting seeds. It may not look like anything is happening on the outside, but just know under the surface things are changing. You have to just keep doing positive things each day.
Best advice I ever got was from a teacher I had during my grad program- work your butt off from 7:30-3:30, then leave it all at school. It took me a few years to master it, but now 17 years in- it truly is the best thing you can do for you.
I just got my first teaching job and I'm so nervous about time management! Michelle works so hard but it scares me to see how long she's at work. I'm going to try to remember this! Im planning on getting to work pretty early so that I can leave by 4:30 at the latest.
Jessica Renteria hey Jessica! It's honestly all about how you plan ahead. I plan things a week in advance so that I don't stay late. I leave exactly when the bell rings and I come 30 min early to work. Also, have your students do things for you. Like for example, passing out flyers, give them to students to pass out themselves because there's no need to focus on small things that are not a big deal. Don't get caught up on things that literally won't matter in a week lol like small stuff
Jessica - I'm with you. My two anxiety triggers are time management and behavior management, which are both within the broader scope of classroom management. I recommend a book called "The Classroom Management Book" by Wong & Wong www.amazon.com/Classroom-Management-Book-Harry-Wong/dp/0976423332/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1495324434&sr=1-1&keywords=the+classroom+management+book+harry+wong
As a recent high school graduate I am so thankful for dedicated teachers who work so hard and put their life into their profession to make the lives of children better and impactful.
My boyfriend is an elementary ed major and I am music ed and we find all of your videos so exciting to watch! They get us so excited to get out in the schools and start teaching!
I'm just beginning my teaching career later in life...this fall I'll be a 37 year old student teacher! I love and appreciate the honesty and heart you put into your videos!
There are counties everywhere. There are counties named Montgomery County in many states. I am pretty sure she's moving closer to DC (the capital) for her boyfriend to get a better or different job. Hopes this helps!
TheAngryBlueberry oh okay thank you!! I just knew that there is a Montgomery County in my state so I was wondering if that's where she was going! But thank you guys very much!!
I know many teachers who do this reward system. The last 10 days of school you tell your students they are trying to earn a ice cream sundae type thing. Everyday they earn one item. They items are given in this order. 1. napkin 2. bowl 3. spoon 4. ice cream 5. sprinkles 6. M&Ms 7. gummy bears 8. chocolate syrup 9. whipped cream 10. special item If they get in trouble, they do not get that item for the day. They then work on that item the next day. I have seen some kids only get the napkin and bowl because they can not behave. This system is so fun for the students that earn it. I hope this is a helpful tip to get your behavior under control. :)
Thank you for your honest videos. I'm a Title 1 first grade teacher and my teammates and I are going through the same thing. Hang in there! You're clearly an amazing teacher, and your kiddos are lucky to have you!
It is clear you love your class... one day at a time. You are an amazing teacher. You cry because you want to be the best and try harder.... that being said, you may be making an impact that you won't see til later. Keep your head up and remember you are amazing. Keep loving those kids! Btw sometimes you just have to try to ignore the jerks if that makes sense... I am still working on the after 13 yrs.... I put them in the back together and try to ignore at the end as much as I can. So hard though. Hugs my friend!
I never noticed how much my elementary teachers impacted me and it's crazy now bc they impacted me so wonderfully. What you're doing is amazing please don't give up.
I'm a senior Elementary Ed major right now and have been absolutely binging all your videos (seriously found you last week & I'm all caught up now)! We just did Junior Achievement for one of my summer classes and it was so much fun! Thanks for vlogging the good & the bad, so happy to have found you!
I really enjoy your videos! You are such a great teacher. I feel for you with the behavior problems. My first year was really difficult, and I truly felt that I was unable to manage some of those kids' behavior. I used to have heart to heart talks with them a lot, but with those specific kids, I felt that it almost made things worse. I feel like the more heart to heart talks that we had, the more they felt like they could just walk all over me because all it would lead to was another reassuring chat together. I feel like what really worked for me was to become kind of stone faced about the whole thing. If they would act up, I didn't get mad or yell, and I didn't really talk to them lovingly or try to give them a pep talk. I just would say something like, "You're interrupting my teaching and disturbing all of your classmates. Now you owe me five minutes of recess (or whatever consequence)." They would sometimes keep going, but they eventually got the point that if they were gonna act like a fool, they weren't receiving my attention or reassurance. It can be tricky because sometimes those kids need that affection, but I found if I gave that affection because I saw that they were acting out, it didn't work well for me. They get the affection and attention the moment that they start to behave. Otherwise, I quite literally ignore them. It was hard sometimes because they would be so disruptive, but I feel that they ultimately just wanted attention. By not giving it to them, I did start to see a decrease in those behaviors. Paired with that, I just try to praise all the time and use that time to reassure. I hope this doesn't come off as me doubting your ability to deal with them, because that is totally not the case! I just have soooo been there and felt everything that you're feeling. My management goes really well now, and my administration always commends it. Good luck with everything! It's hard at the end of the year!
I'm in my 4th year of teaching in an inner city school. I don't even remember how I found your channel but I'm glad I did! It makes me feel so much better that I'm not the only one frustrated and crying! (I'm also 8 months pregnant so that doesn't help the crying, but, ya know... haha) Thank you so much for being so honest and sharing!
Please understand that you are amazing and you are the kind of teacher parents want!! Someone who cares is perfect for the job. We always get that one group that makes us question our profession. I am currently working on my degree and I'm working with preschoolers (2yr olds) and I feel this everyday.
Michelle, you are to good of a teacher. You are my role model! Im in middle school and already have decided that I want to be a teacher when I grow up! You are changing so many kids lives including mine! I wish I had a teacher like you in elementary!!!
That's the spirit, Mrs. Ferre! Counting your blessings is a great way to stay positive. I just started watching your videos, and I really admire your organization, your drive, and your honesty. I subscribed.
I have literally spent the last three days off school sick and have just binged watched all of your videos!!! I am in love with them and you are such an inspiration! You are an amazing teacher and you are the teacher I inspire to be like! Can't wait for more videos!!!
You are helping, trust me, at the beginning of the year I wanted to quit so bad, I literally cried in my classroom by myself trying to figure out what I was going to do, thinking if teaching was for me. I LOVe teaching, but sometimes its really hard ,because you don't get to teach , you have to deal with things that you had no idea were part of being a teacher. This year was really hard,but one of the things that helped me was youtube teachers, (you) just watching that I'm not the only one going through this ( kids misbehaving, parent support, school support ) seriously we are to over work, we really give our lives to our students, and sometimes it doesn't seems to be worth it. I just think that if I make a difference in at least one students life, it was all worth it. I think that you are a wonderful teacher, dedicated and absolutely inspirational. God bless you.
I'm not a second grade teacher, I'm not looking to be a teacher, as a matter of fact, I'm not a teacher at all! I'm a 14 year old who LOVES your videos! It's really neat to see 'behind the scenes' of teaching, and your videos really help me understand my teachers and that **most of them** really do try and love their job. I feel like I can appreciate my teachers more after watching your videos, realizing that it's more work than it seems, and that it takes lots of work and effort to BE a good teacher. I walked in on a teacher crying the other day. At the time, I was making fun of her in my head, but now I realize how difficult a teaching job is and how much pressure there is to be great! Thanks for your perspective on life as a teacher!
I am a homeschool Mama/teacher from Australia and absolutely love your videos. I have watched many of them and love how honest you are and truly wish our son was lucky enough to have a teacher like you when he was in mainstream schooling. He wasn't, hence why we are homeschooling. I appreciate your organisational skills, so I will be visiting your TPT store soon to buy a few of your items for our classroom. Thank you for caring and sharing! You truly are wonderful!
Kids and parents who just don't care about school are indeed totally flabbergasting to anyone with a passion for teaching. This is such a good learning experience for you - to come face to face with them and get that understanding. Focus on the kids who do care and give less attention to the others. And YAY for summer break!
Love your videos. I go through the same thing daily because I work in a SDC with behavioral students. I always look forward to Saturday mornings to see how your week was. Its hard but just keep doing what your doing. Just by watching your videos I see that your a great teacher and go above and beyond your job 😊
I 100% respect you Ms, Ferré I hope your new school is going well and I will definitely be referring back to some of these older vlogs in the future. Thank you for hanging in there for the kids and for caring about them as strongly as you do.
Everything you are going through usually happens at the end of the year. Some students function better when there is a familiar schedule and when they realize you will not be there during the summer, they make poor choices. Give yourself a pat on the back and know that you have given them a great academic year! They WILL miss you. 💕⭐️🍎
Can't believe some people criticized you for your rants. I appreciate you keeping it real. Have felt the same way as you many times. You've reminded me that it's rarely our fault when things like that happen and the importance of not beating ourselves up. You've also modeled self care by going home earlier, going to the gym, etc. You have definitely helped me. Thank you. Sending you love from Canada.
I just recently found your channel and I'm so glad I did. You're awesome and it must be nice to reflect on your experiences now that it's in the past. I definiteIy understand your struggles and I just want to give you a hug!
Michelle, Im starting to run out of your videos that I haven't watched!! It's all I've been doing! Thank you for taking time to make videos like this, I enjoy them so much
It's honestly so nice to see other teachers having these kinds of days, just because it makes me feel less awful about my own classroom sometimes, sorry! I'm just thankful the school year ends in two weeks and I can say goodbye to one of my classes (
Any time I hear you talk about your students I immediately identify with you so much because the area that I teach in is extremely similar to yours. I have a chuckles, I have a knuckles, and I also have a "friend". It is so defeating to constantly have to deal with situations like that when you don't have any support from parents. We are basically left to deal with everything ourselves. Our career can make us feel miserable, sad, overwhelmed, and exhausted, BUT it also one of the most rewarding things you can do! The good outweighs the bad. We just have to constantly remind ourselves that we are doing the best that we can, and that at the end of the day, we are doing it for our kids! Hang in there...summer is coming!!!
You have no idea how much your videos have helped me because they feel real and teaching is not all butterflies and rainbows, so thank you very much for your honesty!
Hi, I'm about to begin my student teaching in the Fall and I just want you to know how much I look up to you! You make me so excited to be a teacher. We all know how much you absolutely love all your kiddos. It shows day in and day out in your teaching, your classroom, your videos, and in your smile. You are so incredibly loved and even though you have some friends who give you a hard time, just remember that they need you! You are their sunshine every single day whether they show it to you or not. I'm so proud of the teacher you are, and even though I don't know you, I look up to you so much and aspire to be you. Sending good vibes and positivity your way! Hope you have a great week this week. xo
Love your videos...and your organization! I'm a special education teacher and have been teaching for 7 years. I totally understand your frustration and your compassion. Don't let those "bad" days get you down. You are a great teacher and kept it up!
I am a first year teacher and what you were saying at the end of the vlog is pretty much how I feel everyday. I try not take it to personally, but it is so hard not to when you are putting in the time, money, energy because you care so much. In the beginning of the year, I spent so many mornings crying in the car on the way to work, I spent weekends crying and stressing because I couldn't get through to the students (it's May and with many of them I still can't). I know can't control their actions, I can only control mine. Thank you for being real, I feel like you are honest about your days as an educator! You are a wonderful teacher and very inspiring! I know you are a loving and caring teacher and hold your students to high expectations and guide them to reach those expectations! Keep pushin!
I watched this video today after having a rough last few days with my 5th grade students. I can relate to not liking feeling like I'm not doing enough to help them grow and thrive later in life. I refuse to give up or stop because I love what I do. But watching your videos does help me so much. Thank you for showing the true side of what teaching is and I'm going to take your advice and do something relaxing for myself tonight. Thank you! And I love your vlogs!
Girl, you are so awesome! I'm going to school for Elementary Education, and sometimes do have the mindset that it's going to be all sunshine and rainbows. You and a plethora of other teachers on social media have shown me that it isn't always that way, but it's worth it. Thank you, Michelle! Gods blessings to you. Enjoy some YOU time this weekend, you definitely deserve it.
Can you make a video about your college experience? I'm about to start my second year of college and would love to hear about your experience with school and student teaching!
I think your videos are great, and let teachers, like me, know that I am not the only teacher going through bad days with their students. We just have to remember that we can't change every student and continue on, knowing that we have done our best. I love all your organization in your classroom and will be getting those mailboxes soon. Thanks for showing us the REAL side of teaching. Keep filming your videos.
Thank you for being so honest about what you are going through, and what it is really like as a teacher! I just graduated from college and I am in the process of applying for teaching positions, and you are such an inspiration! The amount of effort and energy that you put into teaching is so amazing, and it is so clear that you care so much about your students and that you are making a huge difference in their lives!
At 1:07ish you said you feel like you're not enough...Something I had to realize is that it was important for me to keep doing what I felt was best. A seed was planted that maybe the next few teachers may not see right away, but you are cultivating a tree that someone will see if we just keep feeding.
I a new subscriber and I am so glad I found you. You are such an inspiration to me and I feel so bad for your situation. I teach first grade in a private school and my school days are nothing like yours. I look to you for ideas on teaching and organization. Thank you for these vlogs!
You are an awesome teacher! I have been teaching at a Title 1 school for 13 years! I completely Love you're honesty, and personality! Love ❤️ you! Take care of yourself I wish the best!
I will be student teaching in the fall, and I cannot tell you how helpful your videos are. You truly seem like an amazing teacher. I'm grateful you make videos because it shows people just how much work teaching is. I can tell you are a blessing to your kiddos. Keep up the amazing work :)
I am a teenager and honestly your videos give so much more respect for my teachers. Stubborn kids do not make you a bad teacher, they only make you stronger. Do not give up because you do make an impact on them in the the long run. Looking back to when I was younger, I might have done some things that make my teacher upset, but the teachers I have had have left a wonderful impact on me.
I'm so proud of you for taking time for yourself. It is hard to disconnect, but sometimes that's exactly what you need to do . :). I love checking in and following my fellow UA-cam teachers 👨🏫
Your passion really resonates with me as teacher, I've been in your shoes and struggled with behaviour issues in my classroom. Just remember, that one child might not remember you in the way you want them to in the future-but those other 99.9% will and that's all we as teachers could ever want. Loving the vlogs and congrats on 20k. xoxoxo
I feel you. This is my first year to teach 6th grade and I have a group of kids just like yours. They just don't seem to care. Good thing for me is I only have one half day left and I get to enjoy my first summer off. Hang in there and keep on loving those kiddos.
I don't usually comment on videos, but I feel so compelled to do so on this one. I've been watching your videos for a while now, and I just really want to say thank you. I'm currently in college to become a teacher, and I've only got about a year and a half left until my first year of teaching. Watching you and your videos makes me so excited to join the education community. You always have amazing lesson ideas or organization tips, and I've definitely been taking notes for my future classroom. But I also wanted to say thank you for showing the realistic side of teaching. In school, we do hear that some days will be harder than others, but seeing how you deal with it and how you persevere through it is so inspiring. You are such an amazing teacher and your students are so lucky to have you. I can only hope to be even as half as amazing as you :)
Michelle, Michelle...I'm in the same place as you with my kids and my feelings professionally. They aren't listening to me and they aren't responding to redirection and lessons. They've quit and we still have eight days to go in the school year. I'm taking this weekend off for me. I'm exhausted physically and emotionally. Thank you sharing your life. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
I cried along with you during some parts of this video. I totally understand where you are coming from, both in past years and during this unusual pandemic teaching year.
I've told this many times that I love your channel. Due to the time zones, some days I don't get out of bed until I've completely watched your video. Today I had to break it up into parts. I feel sorry for you for everything you are going through. It is heartbreaking seeing and knowing everything you do, and the students who you want to reach the most act the way you do. Don't worry because it is coming to an and soon! On the last day, I would love to see a clip of you clicking your heels and saying "Goodby!" I hope you get a job at a school in which teachers are supported. You deserve this.
I also work at a Title I school. I just started watching your vlogs over the summer so I'm catching up on old ones between weeks when I'm waiting for your new ones. Title I is so challenging and so rewarding at the same time. Before breaks and summers are the worst times for behavior because a lot of those little ones don't know what they're coming home to. You are my daily inspiration and I take pieces of your vlogs into my classroom each day and I feel like I'm a better teacher since discovering you. Keep doing what you're doing, you're an amazing teacher and inspiration to so many.
Thank you again, Michelle, for these Vlogs. I love the ups and the downs and everything in between. You are an amazing teacher, and I look up to you tremendously!
I have only recently found your videos but every video I watch I can completley relate to everythign you are saying. I also work in a title one school with 2nd graders and it is unbelievably hard. I am thankful for the good days but the bad days definitely drain me. You are not alone. Keep putting in the effort with the kids. You are a great teacher.
I’m currently in school studying to become a teacher. I really thank you for your videos. It’s so raw and real. Teachers like you inspire me to be just as committed and caring.
As a college graduate that's not going into education (first off, I don't know why I'm here except you're awesome). Second, off all, you show me HOW amazing educators are. I'm lucky that I've seen this personally in my own life, but thank you for caring about your students as much as you do. You really are planting seeds. They may not understand how much you care now but they will more as time goes on.
I can relate. I had a class of headstrong minded students. We do as much as we can mentally & emotionally repeatedly all day & everyday. It does get frustrating & tiring. Keep hanging in there! 👍 I love the music!🙂
I think you are making great points here. There are a couple things going on all over the place, it is the end of school and I think kids just try and get away with whatever they can. I just finished my student teaching this week and I saw the same things in the two classrooms that I was working with. I was doing my special education rotation. I had a first grade teacher apologize to me this week because she thought she was being short with me because she was having the same kind of week as you are. By the way, I told her she had nothing to apologize for. She is a wonderful teacher who has so many great strategies and activities for her kiddos. It can be so hard when you put so much into and no matter what you do, the kids will not cooperate and just make it through the day. I love you videos and look for them every week. I love how honest and real you are. Sometimes the best you can do is get through the day and move on.
People that say that you're saying the kids are bad are not teachers. I am a substitute teacher and I get behaviors all the time. Many cases the kids think it's funny, keep laughing and continue on with their behaviors and I do feel very frustrated because there is nothing I can do. There is nothing wrong with you trying to be the best teacher you can be to change students' lives. Keep up the good work. Love your videos.
I just recently found your videos and I'm obsessed! I'm an elementary ed major and I work at a title 1 elementary school during the summer. I have dealt with similar situations with a large kindergarten/ first grade class of kids who had a lot of behavior issues. I too struggled with finding ways to change the behavior. So, I just wanted to say that I think you are doing an amazing job. It is obvious that you care so much about those kids. I personally have learned so much from just watching your videos. I can't wait to have my own classroom. Keep your head up! You are a great teacher!! It's almost summer!!!!
Your vlogs are my reality. Appreciate how honest you are. It resonates and you are making a difference not only in every single one of your students but to us teachers out here who are inspired by your passion and dedication. Keep it up!!! Some questions, what's the status on new jobs? Any interviews? You have new drawers I think next to your desk (multi-color drawers), what are you using those for? Can you do a video on top 10 apps / websites (free possibly) you use? I've seen a few here and there throughout some videos. Excited for the video tomorrow! Please take care of yourself and enjoy your weekend!! Lots of love from Colorado!
I totally appreciate your "for real" videos because this is how it truly is, in the real world of teaching. I have been there and done that many times. Your endless strategies and concern are commendable and I feel that your administration is your weak (or missing) link. They should be able to move forward with the discipline after you have exhausted your resources. Have they considered a behavior plan through the counselor and admin? You should emphasize to them that the learning process is hindered and thereby causing a problem for the students who are making the right choices. Hang in there! You've got what it takes!
I stumbled across your channel while looking for flexible seating options for my classroom, and I have been watching non-stop since! You inspire me to be more organized, and I have already purchased some stuff from your TPT store. Hang in there with the classroom management...I know it's difficult. I struggle with similar things from my fourth graders. My biggest advice to you would be to follow through and show them you mean business. Like you, I also utilize attention getters (shark bait, oh ha ha!). I noticed that only a few kiddos responded and some were talking over you when you were giving directions. Make sure you have their undivided attention before moving on. Earn that respect, girl! You deserve it!!!
I know this is one of the older videos, but WOW I felt you on a spiritual level about the behavior issues! I’m Just gonna keep binge watching all of videos 😂! I’m still a ways away from starting my career In education, but your videos are a huge motivation and inspiration source for me to get through college! I really needed hear someone say that unfortunately you won’t impact every student because let me tell you I have truly taken that weight on my shoulders! I’m currently an After school program teacher and I seriously do take the weight of trying to impact EVERY one of my kiddos, and as you said that is a sad reality to realize you may not impact Every student! All that said... I’m so incredibly blessed that God had called me to teach and mold this next generation of world changers!
You're changing some kids lives and you're doing plenty of a good job. Others you can't and that happens but you're helping the next generation of teachers big time
I fell in love with these vlogs. You are truly an inspiration to me and you show how hard it is to be a teacher. Since I found you, I have been totally binge watching these vlogs. Please keep posting more videos and keep up with your hard work!
Michelle, remember too that you may be the only good adult figure the kids sees daily. They do takeout on us their frustrations. You are doing an amazing job! My question is where do the parents stand on discipline? It truly does start at home. If they get consequences at home would be my question. Please keep the faith... you are wonderful!
Michell, you can do this. There are only a few days left! You have taught these kids so much. And there are always kids who misbeahve. I believe in you, your kids believe in you! I KNOW you can to this! DON not give up!
I found your channel about a week ago and have been trying to watch all the videos. You're awesome! It breaks my heart to see you upset day after day because students behavior. I can totally relate. On another note.. love your dollar tree haul. I just got a set of those snack containers- they only had 1 two pack.. I need more!! Lol.
as a student in our art class room (in middle school) we have a bin that holds G.O.O.S paper, it is pronounced like goose and it stands for good on one side!! and we use it for the same thing your students do
I found your videos a few weeks ago and I LOVE them, I'm a secondary education major for History and ESOL these videos are so entertaining and insightful. By the time I'm going to start my teaching I will only be 20, so I was wondering if you have any advice for young teachers?
Find a great mentor, if you can. Having an experienced teacher to support and encourage your is so important. Spend a great deal of time this summer learning about classroom management and building community with your students. Also, be yourself! students love to feel cared about and valued in a classroom. Good luck!
I totally agree with Happily in the Middle! I was a secondary ss major, but my job offer was in English, and my mentors all helped me connect with other ELA teachers so I could get perspective and pick their brains before I started!
I just finished my clinical teaching and my kids were not as bad but they did give me a tough time whenever I was in charge. One thing that helped me when they acted out and made me feel the way you are feeling was that I sat them all down and we talked. We talked about how I felt, how they felt, and what we could all do to make it better. I made sure they understood that whether they liked it or not we are a family and if one of us is upset we have to work together to make that person feel better. And I told them that their misbehavior was wasting time for their and their peers learning and it was making me feel bad. I also made them close their eyes and think about their behavior and think whether or not it was right for them to act that way. I thanked the students who were doing what they were supposed to be doing and left off by saying that tomorrow was a new day to make things right.This ended up working because afterwards the kids started to behave and we ended the semester on a great note. I hate to see you upset when all you are trying to do is give these kids a good education and love. I hope this is helpful or gives you an idea of what you could do.
It's hard to separate emotions when you care so much....one week I started being super strict from the jump so first infraction they got the teacher look and I said we are not doing this, this week, if you can't get it together you're out of here. Next infraction they were out. And I don't mean admin, just another teachers room with their work. Teachers who care tend to give chance after chance and react emotionally and the kids get used to that and take advantage of it because they want your attention but when you come in differently and let them know that they won't be allowed to do what they've been doing and that you will continue to educate and be strong regardless, they TEND to come around (at least for a little bit) . We are in survival mode right now, so whatever helps you get through these last few weeks is worth a try, same consequences just quicker and everything they make a bad choice, no chances and no smiles until they earn that back. Hope this helps some.....
You are sweet trying to explain but the truth is your students are misbehaving and it's sad that someone is critical. Working in a title one school is hard because you can end up with 6-7 major behavior problems. This environment takes all your energy and time to manage children instead of teaching. I pray the last three weeks of school calm down. Stick with your plan and hold them accountable.
Thank you so much for your vlogs ! I'm a second grade teacher too and it helps so much to see that we're not alone ! You're wonderful and they are really lucky to have you as a teacher ! Don't give up, it's almost over ! xxx
I don't think you should feel bad for saying their behavior is bad. It sounds extremely disrespectful and I think kids need to know that is not acceptable. It is sad when parents and administrators are not supporting you. Kids need boundaries and consequences. So I agree with what you are doing and I support you! I am so sorry you are going through this. I had a hard class last year and I had to tone it down and keep things very predictable and structured while still making sure it was engaging. It's a hard balancing act.
So sorry you are going through behavior issues. I substitute and on Thursday I was in a 6th grade class and for some of them it was like it's 5 more days and I'm out of here forever so I shouldn't have to behave. I wasn't the only one struggling that afternoon. So was the other sub across the hall. I feel for you and I admire how you handle the situations thrown at you.
I completely relate, Michelle. I practically took away everything the kids look forward to for one of mine last week. I regret it now, but that's what teaching is all about. Learning, reflecting, moving on. It is so hard in these last few days (I have 3 left) when the kids know they can get away with almost anything. I work in a Title 1 school as well, so I know all the feels. You rock, don't let anyone get you feeling other wise. Oh, by the way, even though it doesn't seem like it in the slightest, you are making a difference with those students you feel that you are not. In fact, you are probably making more of a difference in those students then you are in the ones you think you are. Someday, they will be telling their spouses or their kids about their second grade teacher who made an impact on their life.
I'm 12 and definitely not a teacher but this helps me to understand why my teachers are upset and understand their perspective!
Awazing everything twins same except I'm 10 almost 11
Awazing everything twins same
same
Omg TRUE
Same but 11
Who else wishes they had her as a teacher? She seems like such a cool teacher to have her students don't know how lucky they are!!
Me! All of my teachers seemed like they hated kids.
Sameee
I want to teacher like her she seems so nice. I love how she does all the activities and gives students a lot of things so that they can experience cool things and have fun in class.
Julia C. All teachers are like this thats why our generation is smarter that others
I would have loved to have her as a teacher when I was young. She's positive, encouraging, and truly cares about her students.
from one teacher to another- You are planting seeds. It may not look like anything is happening on the outside, but just know under the surface things are changing. You have to just keep doing positive things each day.
Davis52gether I
Best advice I ever got was from a teacher I had during my grad program- work your butt off from 7:30-3:30, then leave it all at school. It took me a few years to master it, but now 17 years in- it truly is the best thing you can do for you.
I just got my first teaching job and I'm so nervous about time management! Michelle works so hard but it scares me to see how long she's at work. I'm going to try to remember this! Im planning on getting to work pretty early so that I can leave by 4:30 at the latest.
Jessica Renteria hey Jessica! It's honestly all about how you plan ahead. I plan things a week in advance so that I don't stay late. I leave exactly when the bell rings and I come 30 min early to work. Also, have your students do things for you. Like for example, passing out flyers, give them to students to pass out themselves because there's no need to focus on small things that are not a big deal. Don't get caught up on things that literally won't matter in a week lol like small stuff
Jessica - I'm with you. My two anxiety triggers are time management and behavior management, which are both within the broader scope of classroom management. I recommend a book called "The Classroom Management Book" by Wong & Wong
www.amazon.com/Classroom-Management-Book-Harry-Wong/dp/0976423332/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1495324434&sr=1-1&keywords=the+classroom+management+book+harry+wong
Jasmine Flores AQ
Those are mine too! Thanks for the book share. I appreciate it.
As a recent high school graduate I am so thankful for dedicated teachers who work so hard and put their life into their profession to make the lives of children better and impactful.
My boyfriend is an elementary ed major and I am music ed and we find all of your videos so exciting to watch! They get us so excited to get out in the schools and start teaching!
I'm just beginning my teaching career later in life...this fall I'll be a 37 year old student teacher! I love and appreciate the honesty and heart you put into your videos!
Anybody else want to give her a hug? 😁
I am not going to lie... I am so excited for you to move to your new school to see you decorate and organize your room!
Lizzy Tenison Shes moving schools?
Angelo Cyrus ohh that good, thanks for telling me
Angelo Cyrus what state is Montgomery county in??😂
There are counties everywhere. There are counties named Montgomery County in many states. I am pretty sure she's moving closer to DC (the capital) for her boyfriend to get a better or different job. Hopes this helps!
TheAngryBlueberry oh okay thank you!! I just knew that there is a Montgomery County in my state so I was wondering if that's where she was going! But thank you guys very much!!
I know many teachers who do this reward system. The last 10 days of school you tell your students they are trying to earn a ice cream sundae type thing. Everyday they earn one item. They items are given in this order.
1. napkin
2. bowl
3. spoon
4. ice cream
5. sprinkles
6. M&Ms
7. gummy bears
8. chocolate syrup
9. whipped cream
10. special item
If they get in trouble, they do not get that item for the day. They then work on that item the next day. I have seen some kids only get the napkin and bowl because they can not behave. This system is so fun for the students that earn it. I hope this is a helpful tip to get your behavior under control. :)
Lol, I am sorry, but I laughed at the thought of some kids sitting there with a bowl and a spoon because that is all they earned. Good idea!
I love this idea
Lol just imagine some kids trying to eat there bowl and napkin just because that's all they got because they missed behaved! XD
Your the best teacher ever! I've never seen a teacher that cares so much! You are the one teacher that inspires me to become a teacher!
Thank you for your honest videos. I'm a Title 1 first grade teacher and my teammates and I are going through the same thing. Hang in there! You're clearly an amazing teacher, and your kiddos are lucky to have you!
It is clear you love your class... one day at a time. You are an amazing teacher. You cry because you want to be the best and try harder.... that being said, you may be making an impact that you won't see til later. Keep your head up and remember you are amazing. Keep loving those kids! Btw sometimes you just have to try to ignore the jerks if that makes sense... I am still working on the after 13 yrs.... I put them in the back together and try to ignore at the end as much as I can. So hard though. Hugs my friend!
I never noticed how much my elementary teachers impacted me and it's crazy now bc they impacted me so wonderfully. What you're doing is amazing please don't give up.
I'm a senior Elementary Ed major right now and have been absolutely binging all your videos (seriously found you last week & I'm all caught up now)! We just did Junior Achievement for one of my summer classes and it was so much fun! Thanks for vlogging the good & the bad, so happy to have found you!
I really enjoy your videos! You are such a great teacher. I feel for you with the behavior problems. My first year was really difficult, and I truly felt that I was unable to manage some of those kids' behavior. I used to have heart to heart talks with them a lot, but with those specific kids, I felt that it almost made things worse. I feel like the more heart to heart talks that we had, the more they felt like they could just walk all over me because all it would lead to was another reassuring chat together. I feel like what really worked for me was to become kind of stone faced about the whole thing. If they would act up, I didn't get mad or yell, and I didn't really talk to them lovingly or try to give them a pep talk. I just would say something like, "You're interrupting my teaching and disturbing all of your classmates. Now you owe me five minutes of recess (or whatever consequence)." They would sometimes keep going, but they eventually got the point that if they were gonna act like a fool, they weren't receiving my attention or reassurance. It can be tricky because sometimes those kids need that affection, but I found if I gave that affection because I saw that they were acting out, it didn't work well for me. They get the affection and attention the moment that they start to behave. Otherwise, I quite literally ignore them. It was hard sometimes because they would be so disruptive, but I feel that they ultimately just wanted attention. By not giving it to them, I did start to see a decrease in those behaviors. Paired with that, I just try to praise all the time and use that time to reassure. I hope this doesn't come off as me doubting your ability to deal with them, because that is totally not the case! I just have soooo been there and felt everything that you're feeling. My management goes really well now, and my administration always commends it. Good luck with everything! It's hard at the end of the year!
I'm in my 4th year of teaching in an inner city school. I don't even remember how I found your channel but I'm glad I did! It makes me feel so much better that I'm not the only one frustrated and crying! (I'm also 8 months pregnant so that doesn't help the crying, but, ya know... haha) Thank you so much for being so honest and sharing!
Please understand that you are amazing and you are the kind of teacher parents want!! Someone who cares is perfect for the job. We always get that one group that makes us question our profession. I am currently working on my degree and I'm working with preschoolers (2yr olds) and I feel this everyday.
Michelle, you are to good of a teacher. You are my role model! Im in middle school and already have decided that I want to be a teacher when I grow up! You are changing so many kids lives including mine! I wish I had a teacher like you in elementary!!!
She's not just an example of a great teacher, but of a great professional putting everything she's got into her job.
That's the spirit, Mrs. Ferre! Counting your blessings is a great way to stay positive. I just started watching your videos, and I really admire your organization, your drive, and your honesty. I subscribed.
I have literally spent the last three days off school sick and have just binged watched all of your videos!!! I am in love with them and you are such an inspiration! You are an amazing teacher and you are the teacher I inspire to be like! Can't wait for more videos!!!
You are helping, trust me, at the beginning of the year I wanted to quit so bad, I literally cried in my classroom by myself trying to figure out what I was going to do, thinking if teaching was for me. I LOVe teaching, but sometimes its really hard ,because you don't get to teach , you have to deal with things that you had no idea were part of being a teacher. This year was really hard,but one of the things that helped me was youtube teachers, (you) just watching that I'm not the only one going through this ( kids misbehaving, parent support, school support ) seriously we are to over work, we really give our lives to our students, and sometimes it doesn't seems to be worth it. I just think that if I make a difference in at least one students life, it was all worth it. I think that you are a wonderful teacher, dedicated and absolutely inspirational. God bless you.
I'm not a second grade teacher, I'm not looking to be a teacher, as a matter of fact, I'm not a teacher at all! I'm a 14 year old who LOVES your videos! It's really neat to see 'behind the scenes' of teaching, and your videos really help me understand my teachers and that **most of them** really do try and love their job. I feel like I can appreciate my teachers more after watching your videos, realizing that it's more work than it seems, and that it takes lots of work and effort to BE a good teacher. I walked in on a teacher crying the other day. At the time, I was making fun of her in my head, but now I realize how difficult a teaching job is and how much pressure there is to be great! Thanks for your perspective on life as a teacher!
I am a homeschool Mama/teacher from Australia and absolutely love your videos. I have watched many of them and love how honest you are and truly wish our son was lucky enough to have a teacher like you when he was in mainstream schooling. He wasn't, hence why we are homeschooling. I appreciate your organisational skills, so I will be visiting your TPT store soon to buy a few of your items for our classroom. Thank you for caring and sharing! You truly are wonderful!
Kids and parents who just don't care about school are indeed totally flabbergasting to anyone with a passion for teaching. This is such a good learning experience for you - to come face to face with them and get that understanding. Focus on the kids who do care and give less attention to the others. And YAY for summer break!
Love your videos. I go through the same thing daily because I work in a SDC with behavioral students. I always look forward to Saturday mornings to see how your week was. Its hard but just keep doing what your doing. Just by watching your videos I see that your a great teacher and go above and beyond your job 😊
I 100% respect you Ms, Ferré I hope your new school is going well and I will definitely be referring back to some of these older vlogs in the future. Thank you for hanging in there for the kids and for caring about them as strongly as you do.
Everything you are going through usually happens at the end of the year. Some students function better when there is a familiar schedule and when they realize you will not be there during the summer, they make poor choices. Give yourself a pat on the back and know that you have given them a great academic year! They WILL miss you. 💕⭐️🍎
Can't believe some people criticized you for your rants. I appreciate you keeping it real. Have felt the same way as you many times. You've reminded me that it's rarely our fault when things like that happen and the importance of not beating ourselves up. You've also modeled self care by going home earlier, going to the gym, etc. You have definitely helped me. Thank you. Sending you love from Canada.
it’s so nice how much you actually care about your kids !! what a great teacher :))
I just recently found your channel and I'm so glad I did. You're awesome and it must be nice to reflect on your experiences now that it's in the past. I definiteIy understand your struggles and I just want to give you a hug!
Michelle, Im starting to run out of your videos that I haven't watched!! It's all I've been doing! Thank you for taking time to make videos like this, I enjoy them so much
It's honestly so nice to see other teachers having these kinds of days, just because it makes me feel less awful about my own classroom sometimes, sorry! I'm just thankful the school year ends in two weeks and I can say goodbye to one of my classes (
Any time I hear you talk about your students I immediately identify with you so much because the area that I teach in is extremely similar to yours. I have a chuckles, I have a knuckles, and I also have a "friend". It is so defeating to constantly have to deal with situations like that when you don't have any support from parents. We are basically left to deal with everything ourselves.
Our career can make us feel miserable, sad, overwhelmed, and exhausted, BUT it also one of the most rewarding things you can do! The good outweighs the bad. We just have to constantly remind ourselves that we are doing the best that we can, and that at the end of the day, we are doing it for our kids! Hang in there...summer is coming!!!
You have no idea how much your videos have helped me because they feel real and teaching is not all butterflies and rainbows, so thank you very much for your honesty!
Hi, I'm about to begin my student teaching in the Fall and I just want you to know how much I look up to you! You make me so excited to be a teacher. We all know how much you absolutely love all your kiddos. It shows day in and day out in your teaching, your classroom, your videos, and in your smile. You are so incredibly loved and even though you have some friends who give you a hard time, just remember that they need you! You are their sunshine every single day whether they show it to you or not. I'm so proud of the teacher you are, and even though I don't know you, I look up to you so much and aspire to be you. Sending good vibes and positivity your way! Hope you have a great week this week. xo
Love your videos...and your organization! I'm a special education teacher and have been teaching for 7 years. I totally understand your frustration and your compassion. Don't let those "bad" days get you down. You are a great teacher and kept it up!
I am a first year teacher and what you were saying at the end of the vlog is pretty much how I feel everyday. I try not take it to personally, but it is so hard not to when you are putting in the time, money, energy because you care so much. In the beginning of the year, I spent so many mornings crying in the car on the way to work, I spent weekends crying and stressing because I couldn't get through to the students (it's May and with many of them I still can't). I know can't control their actions, I can only control mine.
Thank you for being real, I feel like you are honest about your days as an educator! You are a wonderful teacher and very inspiring! I know you are a loving and caring teacher and hold your students to high expectations and guide them to reach those expectations! Keep pushin!
I watched this video today after having a rough last few days with my 5th grade students. I can relate to not liking feeling like I'm not doing enough to help them grow and thrive later in life. I refuse to give up or stop because I love what I do. But watching your videos does help me so much. Thank you for showing the true side of what teaching is and I'm going to take your advice and do something relaxing for myself tonight. Thank you! And I love your vlogs!
Girl, you are so awesome! I'm going to school for Elementary Education, and sometimes do have the mindset that it's going to be all sunshine and rainbows. You and a plethora of other teachers on social media have shown me that it isn't always that way, but it's worth it. Thank you, Michelle! Gods blessings to you. Enjoy some YOU time this weekend, you definitely deserve it.
Can you make a video about your college experience? I'm about to start my second year of college and would love to hear about your experience with school and student teaching!
jessicamariepj I
Yess
Often children who are the hardest to love need it the most
I think your videos are great, and let teachers, like me, know that I am not the only teacher going through bad days with their students. We just have to remember that we can't change every student and continue on, knowing that we have done our best. I love all your organization in your classroom and will be getting those mailboxes soon. Thanks for showing us the REAL side of teaching. Keep filming your videos.
Thank you for being so honest about what you are going through, and what it is really like as a teacher! I just graduated from college and I am in the process of applying for teaching positions, and you are such an inspiration! The amount of effort and energy that you put into teaching is so amazing, and it is so clear that you care so much about your students and that you are making a huge difference in their lives!
At 1:07ish you said you feel like you're not enough...Something I had to realize is that it was important for me to keep doing what I felt was best. A seed was planted that maybe the next few teachers may not see right away, but you are cultivating a tree that someone will see if we just keep feeding.
I a new subscriber and I am so glad I found you. You are such an inspiration to me and I feel so bad for your situation. I teach first grade in a private school and my school days are nothing like yours. I look to you for ideas on teaching and organization. Thank you for these vlogs!
I'm not even a teacher nor an adult and I love your videos (I'm 13)😂
Immys Art I'm the exact same but I'm 12 and want to be a primary school teacher
I would love to be a teacher too but I love art also but......I'm thinking an art teacher 😂🖌🖍✏️
Immys Art I'm the same
Me too, I am 10
Immys Art I'm 10 and I love her videos
The speech at the end was everything. People don’t understand the stress teachers go through sometimes
You are an awesome teacher! I have been teaching at a Title 1 school for 13 years! I completely Love you're honesty, and personality! Love ❤️ you! Take care of yourself I wish the best!
I will be student teaching in the fall, and I cannot tell you how helpful your videos are. You truly seem like an amazing teacher. I'm grateful you make videos because it shows people just how much work teaching is. I can tell you are a blessing to your kiddos. Keep up the amazing work :)
I am student teaching this fall as well! I'm so excited. Good luck!
I am a teenager and honestly your videos give so much more respect for my teachers. Stubborn kids do not make you a bad teacher, they only make you stronger. Do not give up because you do make an impact on them in the the long run. Looking back to when I was younger, I might have done some things that make my teacher upset, but the teachers I have had have left a wonderful impact on me.
Same
I'm so proud of you for taking time for yourself. It is hard to disconnect, but sometimes that's exactly what you need to do . :). I love checking in and following my fellow UA-cam teachers 👨🏫
Your passion really resonates with me as teacher, I've been in your shoes and struggled with behaviour issues in my classroom. Just remember, that one child might not remember you in the way you want them to in the future-but those other 99.9% will and that's all we as teachers could ever want. Loving the vlogs and congrats on 20k. xoxoxo
I am not a teacher but I am a special education para educator and I have felt almost everything that you talked about in the video.
I feel you. This is my first year to teach 6th grade and I have a group of kids just like yours. They just don't seem to care. Good thing for me is I only have one half day left and I get to enjoy my first summer off. Hang in there and keep on loving those kiddos.
I don't usually comment on videos, but I feel so compelled to do so on this one. I've been watching your videos for a while now, and I just really want to say thank you. I'm currently in college to become a teacher, and I've only got about a year and a half left until my first year of teaching. Watching you and your videos makes me so excited to join the education community. You always have amazing lesson ideas or organization tips, and I've definitely been taking notes for my future classroom. But I also wanted to say thank you for showing the realistic side of teaching. In school, we do hear that some days will be harder than others, but seeing how you deal with it and how you persevere through it is so inspiring. You are such an amazing teacher and your students are so lucky to have you. I can only hope to be even as half as amazing as you :)
Michelle, Michelle...I'm in the same place as you with my kids and my feelings professionally. They aren't listening to me and they aren't responding to redirection and lessons. They've quit and we still have eight days to go in the school year. I'm taking this weekend off for me. I'm exhausted physically and emotionally. Thank you sharing your life. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
I cried along with you during some parts of this video. I totally understand where you are coming from, both in past years and during this unusual pandemic teaching year.
I've told this many times that I love your channel. Due to the time zones, some days I don't get out of bed until I've completely watched your video. Today I had to break it up into parts. I feel sorry for you for everything you are going through. It is heartbreaking seeing and knowing everything you do, and the students who you want to reach the most act the way you do. Don't worry because it is coming to an and soon! On the last day, I would love to see a clip of you clicking your heels and saying "Goodby!" I hope you get a job at a school in which teachers are supported. You deserve this.
I also work at a Title I school. I just started watching your vlogs over the summer so I'm catching up on old ones between weeks when I'm waiting for your new ones. Title I is so challenging and so rewarding at the same time. Before breaks and summers are the worst times for behavior because a lot of those little ones don't know what they're coming home to. You are my daily inspiration and I take pieces of your vlogs into my classroom each day and I feel like I'm a better teacher since discovering you. Keep doing what you're doing, you're an amazing teacher and inspiration to so many.
Thank you again, Michelle, for these Vlogs. I love the ups and the downs and everything in between. You are an amazing teacher, and I look up to you tremendously!
Teacher, your videos should turn on as a TV serie! They are awesome! Congrats!
I'm a first year teacher and your videos inspire me so much! I appreciate how real you are and feel for you. THANK YOU for being honest!
You are such a great teacher. I love that you care so much about your students.
I feel your pain. I have had classes like that. I have often said that if I didn't care I wouldn't try, cry, etc. Thanks for being so genuine!!
Michelle you are an amazing teacher. Dont let bad behavior get to you
I have only recently found your videos but every video I watch I can completley relate to everythign you are saying. I also work in a title one school with 2nd graders and it is unbelievably hard. I am thankful for the good days but the bad days definitely drain me.
You are not alone. Keep putting in the effort with the kids. You are a great teacher.
I’m currently in school studying to become a teacher. I really thank you for your videos. It’s so raw and real. Teachers like you inspire me to be just as committed and caring.
As a college graduate that's not going into education (first off, I don't know why I'm here except you're awesome). Second, off all, you show me HOW amazing educators are. I'm lucky that I've seen this personally in my own life, but thank you for caring about your students as much as you do. You really are planting seeds. They may not understand how much you care now but they will more as time goes on.
SOOO glad you took "mental time off" over the weekend! You needed it and DESERVED IT!!!! Keep being you...❤
I can relate. I had a class of headstrong minded students. We do as much as we can mentally & emotionally repeatedly all day & everyday. It does get frustrating & tiring. Keep hanging in there! 👍 I love the music!🙂
I think you are making great points here. There are a couple things going on all over the place, it is the end of school and I think kids just try and get away with whatever they can. I just finished my student teaching this week and I saw the same things in the two classrooms that I was working with. I was doing my special education rotation. I had a first grade teacher apologize to me this week because she thought she was being short with me because she was having the same kind of week as you are. By the way, I told her she had nothing to apologize for. She is a wonderful teacher who has so many great strategies and activities for her kiddos. It can be so hard when you put so much into and no matter what you do, the kids will not cooperate and just make it through the day. I love you videos and look for them every week. I love how honest and real you are. Sometimes the best you can do is get through the day and move on.
People that say that you're saying the kids are bad are not teachers. I am a substitute teacher and I get behaviors all the time. Many cases the kids think it's funny, keep laughing and continue on with their behaviors and I do feel very frustrated because there is nothing I can do. There is nothing wrong with you trying to be the best teacher you can be to change students' lives. Keep up the good work. Love your videos.
I just recently found your videos and I'm obsessed! I'm an elementary ed major and I work at a title 1 elementary school during the summer. I have dealt with similar situations with a large kindergarten/ first grade class of kids who had a lot of behavior issues. I too struggled with finding ways to change the behavior. So, I just wanted to say that I think you are doing an amazing job. It is obvious that you care so much about those kids. I personally have learned so much from just watching your videos. I can't wait to have my own classroom. Keep your head up! You are a great teacher!! It's almost summer!!!!
Your vlogs are my reality. Appreciate how honest you are. It resonates and you are making a difference not only in every single one of your students but to us teachers out here who are inspired by your passion and dedication. Keep it up!!! Some questions, what's the status on new jobs? Any interviews? You have new drawers I think next to your desk (multi-color drawers), what are you using those for? Can you do a video on top 10 apps / websites (free possibly) you use? I've seen a few here and there throughout some videos. Excited for the video tomorrow! Please take care of yourself and enjoy your weekend!! Lots of love from Colorado!
I totally appreciate your "for real" videos because this is how it truly is, in the real world of teaching. I have been there and done that many times. Your endless strategies and concern are commendable and I feel that your administration is your weak (or missing) link. They should be able to move forward with the discipline after you have exhausted your resources. Have they considered a behavior plan through the counselor and admin? You should emphasize to them that the learning process is hindered and thereby causing a problem for the students who are making the right choices. Hang in there! You've got what it takes!
I stumbled across your channel while looking for flexible seating options for my classroom, and I have been watching non-stop since! You inspire me to be more organized, and I have already purchased some stuff from your TPT store. Hang in there with the classroom management...I know it's difficult. I struggle with similar things from my fourth graders. My biggest advice to you would be to follow through and show them you mean business. Like you, I also utilize attention getters (shark bait, oh ha ha!). I noticed that only a few kiddos responded and some were talking over you when you were giving directions. Make sure you have their undivided attention before moving on. Earn that respect, girl! You deserve it!!!
I know this is one of the older videos, but WOW I felt you on a spiritual level about the behavior issues! I’m Just gonna keep binge watching all of videos 😂! I’m still a ways away from starting my career In education, but your videos are a huge motivation and inspiration source for me to get through college! I really needed hear someone say that unfortunately you won’t impact every student because let me tell you I have truly taken that weight on my shoulders! I’m currently an After school program teacher and I seriously do take the weight of trying to impact EVERY one of my kiddos, and as you said that is a sad reality to realize you may not impact Every student! All that said... I’m so incredibly blessed that God had called me to teach and mold this next generation of world changers!
You're changing some kids lives and you're doing plenty of a good job. Others you can't and that happens but you're helping the next generation of teachers big time
Thanks for being such a positive influence for your viewers.
You don't have to apologize. You are AWESOME, I wish I had Teacher's like you when I was growing up. Loved the video! It'll get better soon!
Thank you sooo much for your videos. I 'm a first year teacher in London and I find your vlogs so incredibly inspirational and helpful
I fell in love with these vlogs. You are truly an inspiration to me and you show how hard it is to be a teacher. Since I found you, I have been totally binge watching these vlogs. Please keep posting more videos and keep up with your hard work!
Michelle, remember too that you may be the only good adult figure the kids sees daily. They do takeout on us their frustrations. You are doing an amazing job! My question is where do the parents stand on discipline? It truly does start at home. If they get consequences at home would be my question. Please keep the faith... you are wonderful!
Michell, you can do this. There are only a few days left! You have taught these kids so much. And there are always kids who misbeahve. I believe in you, your kids believe in you! I KNOW you can to this! DON not give up!
I found your channel about a week ago and have been trying to watch all the videos. You're awesome! It breaks my heart to see you upset day after day because students behavior. I can totally relate.
On another note.. love your dollar tree haul. I just got a set of those snack containers- they only had 1 two pack.. I need more!! Lol.
as a student in our art class room (in middle school) we have a bin that holds G.O.O.S paper, it is pronounced like goose and it stands for good on one side!! and we use it for the same thing your students do
I found your videos a few weeks ago and I LOVE them, I'm a secondary education major for History and ESOL these videos are so entertaining and insightful. By the time I'm going to start my teaching I will only be 20, so I was wondering if you have any advice for young teachers?
Find a great mentor, if you can. Having an experienced teacher to support and encourage your is so important. Spend a great deal of time this summer learning about classroom management and building community with your students. Also, be yourself! students love to feel cared about and valued in a classroom. Good luck!
I totally agree with Happily in the Middle! I was a secondary ss major, but my job offer was in English, and my mentors all helped me connect with other ELA teachers so I could get perspective and pick their brains before I started!
What does ESOL mean
I just finished my clinical teaching and my kids were not as bad but they did give me a tough time whenever I was in charge. One thing that helped me when they acted out and made me feel the way you are feeling was that I sat them all down and we talked. We talked about how I felt, how they felt, and what we could all do to make it better. I made sure they understood that whether they liked it or not we are a family and if one of us is upset we have to work together to make that person feel better. And I told them that their misbehavior was wasting time for their and their peers learning and it was making me feel bad. I also made them close their eyes and think about their behavior and think whether or not it was right for them to act that way. I thanked the students who were doing what they were supposed to be doing and left off by saying that tomorrow was a new day to make things right.This ended up working because afterwards the kids started to behave and we ended the semester on a great note. I hate to see you upset when all you are trying to do is give these kids a good education and love. I hope this is helpful or gives you an idea of what you could do.
Thank you for sharing your rants! I'm a new teacher and love knowing that I'm not alone!
It's hard to separate emotions when you care so much....one week I started being super strict from the jump so first infraction they got the teacher look and I said we are not doing this, this week, if you can't get it together you're out of here. Next infraction they were out. And I don't mean admin, just another teachers room with their work. Teachers who care tend to give chance after chance and react emotionally and the kids get used to that and take advantage of it because they want your attention but when you come in differently and let them know that they won't be allowed to do what they've been doing and that you will continue to educate and be strong regardless, they TEND to come around (at least for a little bit) . We are in survival mode right now, so whatever helps you get through these last few weeks is worth a try, same consequences just quicker and everything they make a bad choice, no chances and no smiles until they earn that back. Hope this helps some.....
I WAS SO EXCITED WHEN THIS GOT UPLOADED!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
You are sweet trying to explain but the truth is your students are misbehaving and it's sad that someone is critical. Working in a title one school is hard because you can end up with 6-7 major behavior problems. This environment takes all your energy and time to manage children instead of teaching. I pray the last three weeks of school calm down. Stick with your plan and hold them accountable.
You are so inspiring! I am a high school senior about to graduate and be an education major and your videos have helped so much!
Thank you so much for your vlogs ! I'm a second grade teacher too and it helps so much to see that we're not alone ! You're wonderful and they are really lucky to have you as a teacher ! Don't give up, it's almost over ! xxx
I don't think you should feel bad for saying their behavior is bad. It sounds extremely disrespectful and I think kids need to know that is not acceptable. It is sad when parents and administrators are not supporting you. Kids need boundaries and consequences. So I agree with what you are doing and I support you! I am so sorry you are going through this. I had a hard class last year and I had to tone it down and keep things very predictable and structured while still making sure it was engaging. It's a hard balancing act.
So sorry you are going through behavior issues. I substitute and on Thursday I was in a 6th grade class and for some of them it was like it's 5 more days and I'm out of here forever so I shouldn't have to behave. I wasn't the only one struggling that afternoon. So was the other sub across the hall. I feel for you and I admire how you handle the situations thrown at you.
I completely relate, Michelle. I practically took away everything the kids look forward to for one of mine last week. I regret it now, but that's what teaching is all about. Learning, reflecting, moving on. It is so hard in these last few days (I have 3 left) when the kids know they can get away with almost anything. I work in a Title 1 school as well, so I know all the feels. You rock, don't let anyone get you feeling other wise. Oh, by the way, even though it doesn't seem like it in the slightest, you are making a difference with those students you feel that you are not. In fact, you are probably making more of a difference in those students then you are in the ones you think you are. Someday, they will be telling their spouses or their kids about their second grade teacher who made an impact on their life.
I volunteer twice a year for JA and I just did that lesson with the donut assembly line! That was the students favorite lesson!