If a kid had a 6, for example, we used to have to override it to a 50 when turning in grades for the quarter. I’m sure many of you are familiar with the lovely grading floor.

My district finally said we would not be doing it anymore. It felt like a win. More accountability for students. They will actually get the grade they earn, and we will have taken a step in the right direction when it comes to fixing the mess that is education.

Ever since then, every staff meeting involves my principal preaching to us about how everything is our fault.

If a kid is failing, it is your fault. You should have checked in with them, contacted home, contacted admin, etc.

If a kid has a 0 in the grade book for anything, it is your fault. You should have emailed home when they didn’t turn something in. You should have sent them to admin’s office to do the work (yeah fucking right), you should keep following up daily and make them turn something in (I have too many students to keep track of all their assignments for them, that’s their job).

If you haven’t contacted home about failing grades, it is your fault that situation hasn’t improved. It shouldn’t be a surprise to parents when they get a progress report sent home and their child is failing (You’re right it shouldn’t be a surprise, because parents should be checking their kids’ grades online them fucking selves).

Yes, it is true that you shouldn’t just do NOTHING if a kid comes to class, puts their head down everyday, doesn’t do any work, and is failing. But it still isn’t OUR fault.

It is a student’s responsibility to do their work. It is a student’s responsibility to keep up with their grades. Especially being a high school teacher, these kids are old enough to keep track of this shit. I don’t need to hold their hand and move the pencil across the page for them. I don’t need to check all 90 of my students’ grades daily for them. It is a parent’s responsibility to check their child’s grades and notice when their kid has missing assignments or is failing.

None of this is our fault as teachers and this new attitude now that the grading floor is gone just pisses me off. I get where some of this is coming from. Again, we should be making an attempt to help struggling kids, but their actions and choices are not our fault in any way whatsoever.

31 year veteran here. I will retire for the 2nd and last time from this job come May. I am about effin' tired of every year a new guru consultant comes to kill our time in PD sessions. They tout these grandiose pedagogical cure-alls that are just largely plagiarized from other so-called gurus.

Isn't it safe to say if there were any silver bullet to achievement that it would have been found decades ago?

Every year it is the same old routine: go over data, teachers get shamed cuz this group or that group is not performing, we hear the same old gaslighting cliches like "remember your why," get pumped up by some motivational speaker as if we were some suicide bombers ready to sacrifice our lives for a greater cause, then we get a bunch of training from a consultant (probably somebody tight with the superintendent or a board member) getting paid big ass money who herself was desperate to leave the classroom, and all while we normal teachers are failing to pay attention as we have too much to do in our classrooms as it is.

My theory here is this is all smoke and mirrors as we could never have the honest conversation about student achievement so we obfuscate the realities with abstract gobbledygook.

Sorry for the rant. After 31 years (I have been admin, counselor, teacher, college professor, and other hats I cannot remember), I am very tired both mentally and physically.

But I am also morally indignant.

We cannot call ourselves moral people and be ok with this state of affairs.

A parent asked me to call about their child’s math grade today. Called at the beginning of my planning period—they were pretty aggressively rude throughout the conversation. And then at the end they go “by the way, I’ve been recording this conversation. Is it alright with you if I share this with my spouse?” Not only do I find this profoundly rude and upsetting, but I’m in a state where all-party consent is required…

I didn’t say anything I regret. And fortunately, I’ve got an administrator firmly in my corner and supportive of me in the situation. But in this day and age with AI, the thought definitely crossed my mind that “great, now they can manipulate that recording to make it sound like I said whatever they want.”

I’m at close to 20 years in teaching. But shit like this definitely makes me think that I’m not going to stay in teaching forever… why would anyone want to with the way parents behave in our society?

My coadvisor had a massive line so I was doing conferences in line with people, joking with kids, talking to parents, etc. I get to one kid who is failing 7/8 classes and after I stated I can’t get him to do work (including a test essay today where he wrote NOTHING) the dad started saying I’m disrespectful by throwing papers (the kid admitted I’ve slid papers across the table twice this semester) and need to learn how to do my job or get a new one. I told him straight away “let’s try that again because I don’t appreciate being told I’m not good at my job, I know I’m super good at my job. Your kid won’t do work.” He kept interrupting me and when I warned him “you get one more of those and I’m walking away.”

When he told me his kid has never been disrespectful to my face I said “he started day one being disruptive, talking loudly, pushing tables around, and talks every day when I’m lecturing.”

His response “man I know you’re disrespectful, I’ve seen you today”
“Give me an example”
“I know how you are, and my kid has ADHD, here’s the diagnoses.”
“Yeah, I do too, so I guess I’m not being disrespectful, huh? Tell you what we can do about this then…”
He interrupted again so I just said “have a goodnight” and walked off. Gave my principal a heads up and the dad later went to complain to him. I doubt the dad will like the daily PDF he gets tracking every single interaction to “maintain an air of respect and understanding” that details moods, posture, etc.

I also had a mom, who’s daughter is in the same class, tell my principal “you know, I had problems with him a couple years ago with her older sister but I’m so glad he’s the teacher. She doesn’t talk about any other teachers but she loves going into his class and thinks he’s so great. I’m really thankful he’s the one teaching her.” My principal told her “please don’t tell him that, it’ll justify him.” Hilarious.

Time for day 2 of conferences.

Okay, okay, okay, hear me out...

We can easily out compete drug cartels.

We can produce safer and higher quality.

And we can finally partly fund our classrooms again. Maybe even replace that SPEC-20 from 35 years ago with a Vernier probe!

Just make sure our TA isn't dating the child of an air traffic controller.

I see no problems with my plan and I will not be taking questions.

The Brewers Jake Bauer claims he got back into baseball because his teacher wife got pregnant and they were going to need the health insurance. This is being treated as a heart warming story. Is it though? Or is it a damning case of pathetic teacher compensation and the joke of health insurance in general?

considering all the ways to communicate, and the ease of keeping parents informed, why are conferences still a thing? .... tradition?

I’ve worked as a substitute teacher, and I’ve seen and overheard some things involving paraprofessionals and assistant teachers talking about regular teachers behind their backs when the teacher isn’t around. Today I worked a half day assignment in a classroom with a paraprofessional, so I actually got the chance to meet the teacher, who was actually very nice.

At one point, some administrators and specialists came into the classroom, and the paraprofessional started talking about how the kids are always out of control, don’t listen, and can’t get their work done. She then started talking about how she has worked in other classrooms throughout the building and doesn’t have those same issues in those rooms. One of the administrators asked her whether she thought the problem was the students or the “adult” in the room, obviously referring to the regular teacher. The paraprofessional didn’t answer and told them that she would talk to them about it later.

This isn’t the first time I’ve witnessed something like this. I worked in a very small school for students with special needs where a paraprofessional was actually reporting back to the principal about the teacher. They would complain to the principal about things the teacher was doing or not doing in the classroom. Experiences like these have made me genuinely curious: Do teachers actually like having other adults in their classrooms? I understand that assistants and paraprofessionals can be helpful, but I wonder how comfortable teachers really feel having another adult in the room who could potentially be discussing their performance with admin behind their backs.

Obvious exaggeration in the title, but as a first year art teacher, Pre-K Art twice a week is slowly becoming degrading, and I’m shouting to the void to get it off my chest.

The kids are so sweet don’t get me wrong, but Pre-K lessons require SO MUCH more prep because they need so much structure and scaffolding. Prepping materials, organizing the classroom, timing out the steps, everything feels like it takes 3X the effort compared to even my kindergarteners.

And after all that prep, I just come into class and try and wrangle thirteen 3-4 year olds for FOURTY ONE minutes.

I’ve been told I have great classroom management, I never have crying/tantrum kids, and everyone participates and finishes the art projects. Parents have contacted me that their 3 year olds love art class, and my principle has been giving me praises for how I’ve handled Pre-K

So WHY do I just feel like a glorified baby sitter every week??

Somehow Reddit started sending me r/Teachers posts in my feed and I can't help noticing a lot of frustration. I just wanted to share what my favorite teacher taught me one day that I used my entire career. When I express my fondness of her, please understand that it wasn't because she was our buddy or sweet, matronly teacher. In fact, when I first saw the Harry Potter movie, I was shocked by how much she reminded me of my teacher. She was tough and very demanding. She had high expectations of everyone in her class. She taught from 1959 until 1991, I had her for Honor's and AP English between 1988 and 1990.

As an undiagnosed ADHD student, my General English teacher told me at the end of 10th Grade that she had pushed for me to be in Honor's English the next year to challenge me. I shrugged and said, "okay." The next year I sat about midway back in a room full of the smartest kids in my grade and felt like I was in the wrong place. Shortly into the first week or so, Mrs. Roby asked the class what the definition of a "participle" was. Most of the class raised their hands, some of them bouncing. I did not.

As you can imagine, she called on me. I told her that I didn't know. For 10 years, that reply worked and the teachers would call on someone else, but not that day.

She replied, "yes, you DO," with the word "do" in a higher pitch from the rest of the sentence.

I was confused. Politely, I explained that I did not know.

"Yes, you do," she repeated, but with each word stretched out.

Obviously, this poor elderly woman did not understand what I was trying to communicate. "I'm sorry, Ma'am, but I don't know what that is." All the other kids sounded like howler monkeys trying to get her to pick them and I was really uncomfortable.

She directed me to stand up at my desk and pick up my Grammar book. She explained that she would continue with her lesson while I found the definition. Once I did, I was to interrupt her and read the definition out loud. It took me a bit, but I complied.

That day I learned what the definition of a participle was and I never forgot. More importantly, in about 15 long minutes, I learned the answer "I don't know" was unacceptable. If you don't know something, you look it up. Throughout my military and civilian careers, I took that lesson to heart by reading every relevant policy, regulation, style guide, background research, or related document. People learned they could come to me for reliable guidance or instruction. It isn't because I was smarter than anyone else, but because in 11th Grade English, I learned that "I don't know" was never an answer.

I know the profession has changed over the years, but don't ever think your not having an impact on your dullest student. We're paying attention and learning more than you realize. Thanks for all you do.

I am currently on sabbatical to pursue a masters degree and have been out of the loop for 2 years. While this is not technically a long time it feels like a really long time given how quickly trends and slang appear and get replaced. I missed the whole 6-7 craze and just witnessed it from teacher accounts on social media. I now am trying to create list of roles that teens would be able to relate to today. I know aura is widely used (aura giver or aura taker??).

If you can list some of the slang/roles, I would be most appreciative!

I teach at an EXL program. I’m shocked at the lack of common base knowledge in my 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders.

I have 3rd graders who don’t know their parent’s first names. 5th graders who can’t tie their shoes. Not a single student knows their home address or has any phone numbers memorized, including their own. Some of my 3rd graders don’t know how to spell their last names. I have kids who don’t know what city they live in, let alone be able to identify our state on a map.

These are just basic fundamentals of their own lives. If there was an emergency and they lost their phone, these kids wouldn’t be able to call their parents, wouldn’t be able to tell anyone who their parents are beyond “mom and dad”, and would not be able to find their way home.

I feel like we’ve absolutely failed these kids. I don’t feel like parents are taking any initiative to the development of their children at home. They’re just leaving them to figure it out on their own with no support. How are these kids going to fill out a job application, or complete legal paperwork, or file taxes when they graduate? I feel like we’re less than a decade away from seeing massive consequences in general society when a majority of people in their 20s lack fundamental knowledge and skills.

Are others seeing similar trends in their classes? Any advice on how you handle these things?

After teaching at this school for the past two years, my contract was terminated after what could only be seen as a school administration screw up that they needed to save face over and retaliation against me.

The rules for getting a teaching license changed during my first year, but the school never informed me of the new requirements till after the allowed time passed. When I was asked why I was not in compliance, I was given an extremely small window to do what was needed. After attempting the impossible, the school decided that it was easier to just to terminate me. I learned from other colleagues that there was already a replacement that started the day after my contract was terminated. It seems this was planned by some members of the administration but not all were informed.

I have just returned my keys, and I am now out of work. Trying to find a new job in mid-October is not that easy...

My district uses Google for everything. They just made two factor authentication mandatory. I am not happy about using my personal phone for work.

This is right after they told us not to use our phones in front of students.

I have a feeling we are behind the times. How do other districts handle two factor authentication?

Parent teacher conferences today. I teach 10th grade. Student is writing at a 5th grade level. Not the only one, but Jesus the deficits.

Parent comes in: "why is my child failing?"

Girl because he writes like shit? Here's an artifact! Here's the proof? Here's him compared to an anonymous student's writing in the same class?

I asked what does he read independently. Answer: TikTok

That... isn't reading.

I can only do so much. Take the screen away and PARENT YOUR CHILD!!!

I need to fidget most of the time and for now I find myself spinning my ID badge almost all the time. I need a more professional way to fidget that doesn’t annoy anyone and isn’t that noticeable. Any ideas?

I have been an active certificate holder for elementary education in the state of washington since 2021. I apply to every new position for 7+ districts in my area. I do not have a preference to grade level and have been applying at every position in elementary I can apply for.

This has been ongoing for 3 years. One year ago, I worked as a part-time preschool teacher for a school district that promised me a full time position but funding was not cleared and the position they were going to put me into dropped.

I worked as a preschool teacher, substitute teacher, and behavior coach to specific students for that district and the best they could do for me was Para positions and I currently make more than that as a Nanny.

I apply to every new position, use time when I wake up to search for jobs basically every day. What is holding schools back from hiring me?

I would not be able to apply for a rental apartment if I chose to do substituting full time since they need a salaried position to apply for apartments.

Does the market just suck now, or are there certain things I did wrong that got me on a denied list?

After 12 years of teaching I’ve never seen a short term sticker chart, dojo system, path rewards board, or choice board work for the most severe behaviors. Maybe it works for a week at most. At worst it leads to fits when an incentive isn’t earned. It also takes a lot of cognitive energy to manage where I’d rather be funneling that focus into analyzing misunderstandings , scaffolding understanding, observing learners etc. It also seems unfair to reward those in the class doing the least though I realize they struggle to make good choices perhaps due in part to trauma or biochemistry. Am I just burnt out? I’m over bribery.

Kids don't know their parents phone number, their parents email...do they even know their address? Hey, what if we have to tell emergency personnel where we're at? General area would be nice. Rant over...some of my seniors are cool.

I’m not sure what to do anymore. Students can’t handle simple tasks, either by themselves or with a partner. It could be a simple jigsaw document analysis with one or two questions where they teach each other. I use a timer, model, and let them know the expectations. They just put it off and/or talk through it. Gallery walks are now turning into opportunities for them to be out of their seat and mess around. Lately I have been resorting to whole group instruction. It’s exhausting but seems to be the only way I get some peace, focus, and students willing to respond to questions verbally. Of course there are still disruptions but less. At least something gets put down on their paper. Thoughts?

I can keep my calm when students are disruptive and disrespectful. I can even keep my calm when a student giggles at me when I have to discipline them. The consequence is still the consequence, and they will be better for it. But what gets under my skin is when a kid who is just being a brazen little rancid shit has the gall to give me those hurt puppy-dog eyes when I gently redirect them, like it’s the pinnacle of injustice for me to ask them to quiet down. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING!!! THE FUCK IS SO SURPRISING???

Sorry, that’s being sitting on me since 2nd period, and I just can’t let it go for some reason. I love teaching, but sometimes the immaturity of the kids gets to me.

Who else wants to find catharsis in venting their spleen?

This is new to me, because last year it was a challenge to get kids to participate at all. This year I'm at a new school, and for the first time in my career, the majority of my kids are at or above grade level. Many of them love to participate, and they can construct really thoughtful answers. But I have one kid who just enjoys hearing himself talk.

Like, we're reading The Outsiders, and when we were talking about how Ponyboy got jumped and the rest of the events in Chapter 1, he raised his hand and started talking about how the Socs were the good guys because they were trying to give free haircuts. At first, I was like, "ok, he's just being silly."

But I'm noticing it's becoming more of a problem because the other day he raised his hand and started talking about the Socs being the protagonists and just talking and talking and talking. And I'm trying to figure out if I should nip it in the bud and if so, how? His behavior in general is nowhere near what I was dealing with last year, but I can already begin to see the attitude and willingness to break rules from brief interactions over the last few weeks.

So, apparently there is a new game going on on campus. The students try to spit on eachother when the other student isn't looking. Some spit water and some spit just saliva.

Gross! I've already had to talk to 3 different students about this dumb game.