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  • Klug
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    Post count: 145

    I am a kindergarten teacher in a rural, impoverished district. This year I have a student with Down Syndrome who is non-verbal and not potty trained. She can not eat alone, can’t do any of the academic tasks in kindergarten and needs constant assistance and supervision. She was placed in my room and wasn’t even given a one on one aide. I was given an “aide in the environment” who is supposed to help with centers and any student needs throughout the day. I have tried my absolute best to keep her engaged and entertained throughout the day with limited support.
    Not ONE person has said a word all year about how inappropriate this placement is for her.
    Today one of the special education teachers stopped me in the hallway to tell me that she’s concerned that the student doesn’t seem to be engaged in much whenever she comes to the classroom. Mind you, she doesn’t come every day and,, this week,the student hasn’t been getting pulled due to end of year testing. She asked if she could provide some activities for her and when I said, yes of course,she responded, oh good. Then I won’t email the principal.
    Today was the last straw! I am sitting on my porch at home crying. If I didn’t have just 3 years left to earn my health insurance in retirement, I’d quit.
    I am in such a dark place right now I actually had a moment where I thought, it’d be better to just be dead. I scared myself in actually contemplating this. The thing that keeps me going is my daughter. She is my best friend and the best human I know. I’m so glad she’s not in this God forsaken profession!

    K
    Guest
    Post count: 145

    Ive been reading these posts and not replying until I came to yours. I’m sure your contemplating was only a fleeting what if thought, but I can assure you that no one on earth, especially your daughter, would be better off if you were not here. Even Shi**y people can learn from good people, even if they give you heck for a moment, you may have an affect on them that isnt known until years down the road. Power through by separating your job from your life but approach your job as “I will choose what is right from wrong no matter what they say.” Then, stop worrying about what they say, email, or whatever. I am not fanatical, just faithful, and got by for years letting God decide his plan for me and that when my purpose in that place was fulfilled, it was time to move on. He let me know when it was time. A co worker who was contemplating later asked me about what she was considering, that she was unsure of what it would be like. My advice to her was that ther is life after teaching. It definitely is an adjustment and takes getting used too but you will find your strength. New adventures ( and tests, just a fact of life ) await and make stronger every day.

    Ann Jansen
    Guest
    Post count: 145

    I also have 3 years left. The special ed students placed on our caseloads is one of the main reasons I am leaving as soon as my time comes. Hang in there, you are human and need to put yourself first. My motto for this year is I don’t give a f#*k. Let the bitch tattle. Call in sick and take mental health days.

    Rattatattooeeee
    Guest
    Post count: 145

    I feel your pain. I have had the same thoughts this year, and we are only into week 4. I know what it feels like to be in that dark place where you feel no one can hear you screaming. I hear you. Other teachers hear you. Don’t let this job dictate your worth. It. Is. A. Job. Tell yourself that every day. No job is worth your life.

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