Any reader of this blog will have noticed the distinct absence of posts for the past couple of months. That's because your resident teacher now works at a charter school and - much as you might imagine - she is being worked to the bone. Sometimes in a good way and other times not. However, it's time to break the silence and let you all know what it has been like starting my new job as a charter school teacher.
As you may remember, I was unhappy with the lack of strong leadership and positive work environment at my previous school. I was also tired of feeling like I was the only one truly committed to making a difference. I figured - and rightly so - that teachers at a charter school would be more like me, tirelessly dedicated to improving the school and giving kids the best education possible. I was right about that. I feel like I can barely make my presence known, since every teacher at my new school is constantly starting student clubs or suggesting ways to improve the school. It is both a relief and a new challenge to try to make my own impact on the school culture.
I also hoped that a charter school or at least this one in particular would have a more supportive administration. Unfortunately, that was not exactly the case. First of all, soon after I told my old school I was leaving, that principal was fired and a new one with more experience was hired. From talking to my old colleagues, it sounds like things have been improving there. Meanwhile, the charter school I now work at also went through a change in administration over the summer and the new principal is still getting used to running the school. She is not the best communicator and is obviously drowning in work on top of that, making it difficult to get in touch with her or find out what is going on. I have been constantly stressed by the fact that we don't find out about changes or deadlines until about 24 hours before things need to happen.
On top of the administrative disorganization, the students are very resistant to forming relationships with new teachers. Because the school staffs many TFA teachers, there is a high rate of turnover and the kids are understandably wary of new teachers. It has been a struggle for me to work hard at building positive relationships after leaving a school where I knew every student and was extremely close to many of them. The students at my new school have been mean and difficult, but things are starting to take a turn for the better. I'm getting more used to the new systems and am able to plan more engaging lessons and make time outside of class to work on creating bonds with students.
It has been a long first quarter and I am looking forward to relaxing over Thanksgiving break. Hopefully I'll be better about posting as well!
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