Walking away...

[scheherazade_79]

I'm a school teacher.

Today, after three years in the job, I handed in my notice. Why? I'll sum it up in one word - inclusion.

For all of those unacquainted with UK teacher-speak, inclusion means that every child, regardless of how fucked up they are, has a RIGHT to be taught in a school with other kids.

Let me give you some examples:

1. A boy comes into school with an air gun and shoots another boy in the eye. The victim comes very close to losing his sight. The teachers move immediately to get the perpetrator expelled, but their recommendations are turned down by a panel of people who've never set foot in a classroom.

2. A 6ft boy of 15 takes offence when he's asked to sit down in class, so he puts his face right in his female teacher's face and screams "Fuck you!" at the top of his voice. His punishment is a day in isolation. The teacher is expected to teach him as normal the next day.

3. A 12 year old boy won't stop masturbating in class. Lesson after lesson, he has his hand inside his pants, tossing himself off in a classroom with 15 other kids. His punishment is a detention, during which he threatens to bring his dad up to school to beat up the teacher who put him in there.

4. A girl accuses a male teacher of sexual assault. The teacher is suspended immediately. It later emerges that the girl made the entire thing up because she didn't like her teacher. She has a severe talking to, then everyone is expected to go on teaching her as usual.

5. A 14 year old boy feels annoyed with a particular teacher, so pisses all over the teacher's car. He's caught in the act, and part of his punishment is to wash the car. The next day his parents storm into school, claiming that the school has violated his human rights by making him wash the car.

These aren't inner-city schools - these are schools in quiet countryside areas. Admittedly, the examples I've given you are some of the more extreme ones I've come across... in the past couple of months. But the problem is this - when teachers are told that little Johnny has ADHD, or dyspraxia, or complex emotional problems, they're expected to cut him some slack. When other, normal children see little Johnny getting away with stuff like that, they think - "Why don't I have a go, too?" And that's where the system falls down.

I get told to fuck off on almost a weekly basis, and I've been told that next year's intake are going to be even worse. I'm talking about 10 year old kids who are already calling their teachers "fucking bitches" to their faces.

So what weapons are at a teacher's disposal to fight constantly disruptive and disrespectful behaviour? Very few. Detention, a letter home, and maybe a meeting between the parents and school. But that's pretty much it. It seems like we've turned children into demi-Gods. They can't be named, they can't be photographed, they can't be physically restrained, they can't be insulted... and at the heart of it all they can't be controlled.

The result? The absolute crap that's going on in schools all around the country. It's one thing to give children rights, but it's reached the point where many of them feel equal to adults without having any of the responsibilities.

I'm a good teacher. I have a masters degree and I'm qualified to teach two other languages as well as English lang and lit. But I wouldn't say that I've taught properly in a long time, though. Instead, I just deal with bad behaviour, issue detentions and wade through the oceans of paperwork and red tape that are swamping the profession.

I could offer a lot, but I don't want to anymore. The government says that all children have a right to be taught Shakespeare at the age of 14. Try doing that with kids who are reaching secondary school without knowing how to read or write.

I'm going to be blunt - why are we trying to turn kids with limited mental resources into academics? Wouldn't it be a lot nicer for everyone if they were taken out of the school environment as soon as they started being a pain in the arse, and taught something like bricklaying, how to milk cows, or how to throw garbage bags onto the refuse lorry?

So there it goes. I've had enough and I'm fucking off out of the profession as soon as I'm able to. I don't care about the pay-cut, or the loss of the long holidays (which are usually spent either recouperating from illness or preparing lessons) - I'm quite happy to go and work in a supermarket until I find something better. At least cans of beans don't answer back, or scream "WHY!" whenever they're told to do something.

 

[cloudy]

Schools are still allowed to paddle students here where I live, and I can't help but think it's a good thing. The teachers don't have to put up with the crap that you've had to, thank goodness.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

I'm a school teacher.

Today, after three years in the job, I handed in my notice. Why? I'll sum it up in one word - inclusion.

For all of those unacquainted with UK teacher-speak, inclusion means that every child, regardless of how fucked up they are, has a RIGHT to be taught in a school with other kids.

Let me give you some examples:

1. A boy comes into school with an air gun and shoots another boy in the eye. The victim comes very close to losing his sight. The teachers move immediately to get the perpetrator expelled, but their recommendations are turned down by a panel of people who've never set foot in a classroom.

2. A 6ft boy of 15 takes offence when he's asked to sit down in class, so he puts his face right in his female teacher's face and screams "Fuck you!" at the top of his voice. His punishment is a day in isolation. The teacher is expected to teach him as normal the next day.

3. A 12 year old boy won't stop masturbating in class. Lesson after lesson, he has his hand inside his pants, tossing himself off in a classroom with 15 other kids. His punishment is a detention, during which he threatens to bring his dad up to school to beat up the teacher who put him in there.

4. A girl accuses a male teacher of sexual assault. The teacher is suspended immediately. It later emerges that the girl made the entire thing up because she didn't like her teacher. She has a severe talking to, then everyone is expected to go on teaching her as usual.

5. A 14 year old boy feels annoyed with a particular teacher, so pisses all over the teacher's car. He's caught in the act, and part of his punishment is to wash the car. The next day his parents storm into school, claiming that the school has violated his human rights by making him wash the car.

These aren't inner-city schools - these are schools in quiet countryside areas. Admittedly, the examples I've given you are some of the more extreme ones I've come across... in the past couple of months. But the problem is this - when teachers are told that little Johnny has ADHD, or dyspraxia, or complex emotional problems, they're expected to cut him some slack. When other, normal children see little Johnny getting away with stuff like that, they think - "Why don't I have a go, too?" And that's where the system falls down.

I get told to fuck off on almost a weekly basis, and I've been told that next year's intake are going to be even worse. I'm talking about 10 year old kids who are already calling their teachers "fucking bitches" to their faces.

So what weapons are at a teacher's disposal to fight constantly disruptive and disrespectful behaviour? Very few. Detention, a letter home, and maybe a meeting between the parents and school. But that's pretty much it. It seems like we've turned children into demi-Gods. They can't be named, they can't be photographed, they can't be physically restrained, they can't be insulted... and at the heart of it all they can't be controlled.

The result? The absolute crap that's going on in schools all around the country. It's one thing to give children rights, but it's reached the point where many of them feel equal to adults without having any of the responsibilities.

I'm a good teacher. I have a masters degree and I'm qualified to teach two other languages as well as English lang and lit. But I wouldn't say that I've taught properly in a long time, though. Instead, I just deal with bad behaviour, issue detentions and wade through the oceans of paperwork and red tape that are swamping the profession.

I could offer a lot, but I don't want to anymore. The government says that all children have a right to be taught Shakespeare at the age of 14. Try doing that with kids who are reaching secondary school without knowing how to read or write.

I'm going to be blunt - why are we trying to turn kids with limited mental resources into academics? Wouldn't it be a lot nicer for everyone if they were taken out of the school environment as soon as they started being a pain in the arse, and taught something like bricklaying, how to milk cows, or how to throw garbage bags onto the refuse lorry?

So there it goes. I've had enough and I'm fucking off out of the profession as soon as I'm able to. I don't care about the pay-cut, or the loss of the long holidays (which are usually spent either recouperating from illness or preparing lessons) - I'm quite happy to go and work in a supermarket until I find something better. At least cans of beans don't answer back, or scream "WHY!" whenever they're told to do something.

I had hoped to be a teacher, but I wouldn't have tried secondary ed for the world. Perhaps you can find a job at a university? wqhere the students at least theoretically want to be there and lesarn?

 

[ABSTRUSE]

You need to do what's best for you and this sounds like a chance for a new start. I wish you all the best.

 

[TheEarl]

Oh, I'm so sorry Scheh. Both my parents have taught and are head teachers and I know second-hand how appalling some children and parents can be.

You have all my sympathy and my awe for being able to do it in the first place. I hope you find a job where you're appreciated.

The Earl

 

[gauchecritic]

Two words: Thatcher's grandkids.

 

[Alex756]

My mom had some of the same problems ... the solution she found, drop through the grades until you find one that works.

She ended up teaching special Ed in Kindergarten & 1st. She found it more fulfilling than HS English (I know and my spelling is still this bad)

Kids get turned bad, they aren't born that way.

COnsider the option, you already have so much invested in teaching.

But most of all, do what is good for you, a paycheck is just a paycheck if it isn't something you feel passionately about.

~Alex

 

[matriarch]

You know how much I sympathise with you, Scheh, we've talked about this at length.

I work in local government, for a small Local Education Authority, for a Senior Education Officer responsible for Access and Inclusion. I know from the other side of the wall what you are talking about. I am constanly being harangued by aggressive and arrogant parents who think that Little Johnny has been excluded (we aren't allowed to use the word 'expelled') for no reason.

That little Josephine is an absolute angel, despite the bullying, spitting, abusive language and behaviour, physical abuse against fellow pupils and staff....I've heard them all.

I have to say, the majority of kids are absolutely fine....its the 10 to 15% who are completely out of control, and have been told time and time again by their parents, that the teachers aren't right, that they have no right to chastise or require you to do anything you don't want to. I am constantly appalled at the things I here, not only from the children, but from the parents.

I long ago gave up any idea of becoming a teacher. I wouldn't have stood it. Or I'd have killed one or two by now.

I told you ages ago, you had to get out for your own sanity.
Now, thank god, you can concentrate on your other skill, your writing.

Get that damn book finished, and published. I expect to be at your first official signing.

 

[impressive]

With the appropriate planning and administrative support -- which is typically in very short supply -- all children can learn and thrive in inclusive environments.

When attempts at inclusion have failed, in my experience, it is most often due to the lack of this planning, absence of a working knowledge (at the administrative level) of best/promising practices, and the administrative support for same.

 

[matriarch]

With the appropriate planning and administrative support -- which is typically in very short supply -- all children can learn and thrive in inclusive environments.

When attempts at inclusion have failed, in my experience, it is most often due to the lack of this planning, absence of a working knowledge (at the administrative level) of best/promising practices, and the administrative support for same.

Imp, I know this is a subject close and dear to your heart.

Our government has big ideas, wonderful ideas, but yes, you are right, they never think about adequate funding or resources to put the grand ideas into practice.

We don't have the money or the people to do more than act as almost prison officers. The consequences are a group of young people who are almost totally out of control, with no desire to do anything except what they want.

I have seen caring and dedicated staff bend over backwards to do everything and anything for these children within their power, only to have it spat back in their faces time and time again. I never cease to marvel at their continual optimism and belief that they can make a difference.

I'm never surprised when one of them breaks and walks away. It merely surprises me they have lasted that long.

 

[English Lady]

*hugs* scheh ,I always wanted to be a teacher, longed to be a teacher, didn't want to be anything else. I did one year of university heading towards primary teaching and hated it. I'm glad I didn't go down that route, I'd be a wreck by now.

You've had some good ideas passed your way here, go to younger kids or up to uni guys and gals, least you've got your teaching degree to go on.

the worlds your oyster baby, do something you want to do.

My heart goes out to good teachers everywhere, they deserve alot more respect than they get.

 

[WindDancerBlue]

Like most of the US philosophy, the victims of unacceptable behavior have fewer rights than those who practice it, whether or not it is criminal behavior. Our children with manners are being sacrificed to the system that can no longer punish those who will not conform to expected behavior.

As one comedian once said, "When I went to school, they used to bust my ass with a wooden paddle, but by God, I can read."

Just like our school classrooms are full of children who cannot be controlled, our jails are filling with adults who have no concept of anything but egocentric behaviors.

I wouldn't teach children if it had six months of holidays and eight times the pay.

Hats off to those who do.

blue

 

[jushorny]

My wife is a teacher here in the midwest. We have many of the same issues regarding inclusion. Some kids, no matter who says what, need to be separated from the main.

Education, at least around here can never find a middle ground. they find one way of doing something and go full force ahead, no modifications allowed.

Then throw in the "No Child Left Behind Act" and low teaching salaries, parents, hell, I am amazed we have anyone willing to teach at all. Somehow, my wife finds at least part of it fulfilling enough to continue.

Good luck with your new future

 

[impressive]

Our government has big ideas, wonderful ideas, but yes, you are right, they never think about adequate funding or resources to put the grand ideas into practice.

Same here ... and good teachers are bolting as a result.

 

[cymry]

I'm so very sorry...

Teaching is such a special vocation. The shaping of young minds and hearts. But what happens when doing that is no longer possible? Teachers such as yourself, who really care about what they're doing, are abused until they simply give up.
I can't say I blame you. That kind of behavior is inexcusable, no matter the child's challenges. Here in the U.S. it's called "No child left behind" and it's failing miserably. I see it every day in both of the schools my children attend.
The thing is they're not high risk schools...in fact my daughter's elementary has won countless educational awards. Last week one of the students actually struck her teacher with a book and broke her nose. What do you think happened? Nothing other than the girl was suspended from school for three days. How wrong is it that a teacher should fear physical violence from an elementary student? It boggles my mind.
I'm finding more often than not...it is the parents. The state and or government ties the teachers hands in how they're able to deal with delinquent students...and the parents just don't want to be bothered.
In all honesty it shouldn't BE the teachers disciplining a child, it should be the parents. But it doesn't happen. These kids are screaming out for guidance that they just aren't getting. The most troubling thing of all is that the kids who Want to learn, and who Do manage to behave themselves long enough to benefit from their education, get ignored in the shuffle.
I wish you the best of luck, and I am sorry for the things you had to suffer.

 

[impressive]

Some kids, no matter who says what, need to be separated from the main.

Exclusion (as the opposite if inclusion) prepares a child for nothing but more segregation as an adult.

Such segregation is not only a human rights issue, but also very costly. These costs typically fall to the government in terms of either social programs or prisons.

Investment of resources during the school years could enable most, if not all, individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities to live, work, and play in the communities of their choosing. It's not merely a matter of teaching the child with disabilities how to function, but also a matter of teaching everyone else how to appropriately interact with that child.

My son often wears his favorite t-shirt. It reads: Your attitude just might be my greatest barrier.

"Settle" for segregation and you're settling for a lifetime of dependency on social programs ... or jail.

 

[hugo_sam]

Sorry for the situation S,

Teachers should not be expected to teach behavior and manners to children.
Those concepts plus discipline begin in the home. If the parents were doing their 'job' the teachers job could return to teaching instead of wardens for the next group of convicts in training.

Had part of this conversation with someone yesterday, discipline does not mean beating but it does mean limits. Setting limits does not mean 'not loving' in fact is generally more indicative of greater love so that the child can learn at home how to conduct themselves with the acceptable norms or limits of their society.

My 2 cents... take or leave it as you wish.

It's sad you were put in the situation S.

Best of luck for your future.

Hugo

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Exclusion (as the opposite if inclusion) prepares a child for nothing but more segregation as an adult.

Such segregation is not only a human rights issue, but also very costly. These costs typically fall to the government in terms of either social programs or prisons.

Investment of resources during the school years could enable most, if not all, individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities to live, work, and play in the communities of their choosing. It's not merely a matter of teaching the child with disabilities how to function, but also a matter of teaching everyone else how to appropriately interact with that child.

My son often wears his favorite t-shirt. It reads: Your attitude just might be my greatest barrier.

"Settle" for segregation and you're settling for a lifetime of dependency on social programs ... or jail.

It would seem, you are pushing them harder towards jail, if they are learning in school that actions have few if any consequence and they can get away with what ever they want, with no disciplinary action allowed.

When they get into the real world and just take something they want and find themselves in jail, with aprosecutor who wants their head and no comforting set of rules to keep them from being punished, it's too late to learn.

When schools stop educationg and start socializing, then all suffer. It's one reason private schools over here in the states are going up all over. And it's one reason why the masses have become more ignoratn and easily lead. They aren't being taught to think critically anymore. It's a damned shame, but it's the reality.

 

[scheherazade_79]

Wow... I'm overwhelmed Thanks, guys. I already feel a lot better. As my mum put it - what I need to focus on now is just getting through the next nine weeks in one piece, and screw everything else.

I'll be taking the next couple of days off, and whenever my stress levels get too high I'll take more time off. I've never really suffered from bad dreams, but recently I've been having nightmares - total out of control dreams, where I'm in plane crashes, concentration camps and even watching close family members die.

I could slink away into the shadows over this, but I'm not going to. While I'm recouperating away from the little bastards I'm going to be busy writing a report to present to my boss as soon as I'm back. I'm not making any excuses over this - I quit because the kids are out of control, and I'm going to supply several examples.

And once that's done, I think I'm going to write a letter to the Education Minister and pop the little bubble that she's been living in.

I'm even tempted to try a freelance article on the subject.

Thank you for all the words of support and encouragement. I'm not sure I can be depressed about this for much longer, because quitting's the best thing I could ever do.

My sympathy goes out to all the nice kids out there, who are having their chances of a decent education wrecked by individuals who'd be better off in a high security mental hospital.

 

[impressive]

It would seem, you are pushing them harder towards jail, if they are learning in school that actions have few if any consequence and they can get away with what ever they want, with no disciplinary action allowed.

When they get into the real world and just take something they want and find themselves in jail, with aprosecutor who wants their head and no comforting set of rules to keep them from being punished, it's too late to learn.

When schools stop educationg and start socializing, then all suffer. It's one reason private schools over here in the states are going up all over. And it's one reason why the masses have become more ignoratn and easily lead. They aren't being taught to think critically anymore. It's a damned shame, but it's the reality.

Of course I'm not pushing them harder towards jail. I am recognizing, as few school administrations seem to do, that the standard methods of punitive discipline are ineffective for children with certain behavioral disabilities. Conversely, the tools used in the special education field -- positive behavior support, etc. -- have been proven effective for all children (with or without disabilities). I advocate for school-wide application of known best practices in the field of behavior support ... not just for the "fucked up" kids, but for all kids.

It is true that many behavior disorders are over-diagnosed ... as a means to (a) draw more federal funds; or (b) get the troublesome kid foisted off on someone else. It is true that some parents push for such in order to "protect" their children from suspension/expulsion. In any system, you'll find people who know how to manipulate it (on both sides of the fence) -- and "special" education is no different.

 

[amicus]

Sheherazade....

Thank you for sharing your plight and your dilemma in such a heartfelt and honest way. I wish you the absolute best in finding a way to continue in the profession you love so much, truly, I do.

I do not wish to turn my comment into a political or even philosophical diatribe, however, you brought up the interesting point about some kids should maybe learn to milk cows or fix cars...et cetera.

Perhaps some people can find a way to defend the concept of forcing every child, by law, to attend formal schooling. It has become a litmus test for societies all over the world to claim a certain level of education for every citizen.

I coached little league baseball for several years; in my final year, due to an absence of coaches, I took on two teams. 10-12 year old boys and another with 14-15 year old boys. This was also in a rural area, not inner city kids, which I would never have attempted.

Of the 27 or 28 boys on both teams, 21 came from single parent families, no father hanging around, watching games or offering help.

To teach a child, even baseball, to me, is one of the most wonderful things in the world; to pass on knowledge and expertise and see that special light in a child's eyes when they learn or accomplish something. Truly a rewarding and needed profession.

It sounds like you have much support and empathy from those here and around you in a personal way. I trust you will buck up and work your way through this.

warm regards...amicus...

 

[Guest]

Then throw in the "No Child Left Behind Act" and low teaching salaries, parents, hell, I am amazed we have anyone willing to teach at all.

That is by design. The Right wants to eliminate public education.

from a blog the other day :

Reed Hundt writes that back when he
was chairman of the FCC he spent some time seeking
support for legislation that would pay for internet
access in all classrooms and libraries in the country.
He asked Bill Bennett if he'd be willing to help:

Since Mr. Bennett had been Secretary of Education
I asked him to support the bill in the crucial stage
when we needed Republican allies. He told me he would
not help, because he did not want public schools to
obtain new funding, new capability, new tools for
success. He wanted them, he said, to fail so that they
could be replaced with vouchers, charter schools,
religious schools, and other forms of private
education. Well, I thought, at least he's candid about
his true views.

 

[jushorny]

Exclusion (as the opposite if inclusion) prepares a child for nothing but more segregation as an adult.

Such segregation is not only a human rights issue, but also very costly. These costs typically fall to the government in terms of either social programs or prisons.

Investment of resources during the school years could enable most, if not all, individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities to live, work, and play in the communities of their choosing. It's not merely a matter of teaching the child with disabilities how to function, but also a matter of teaching everyone else how to appropriately interact with that child.

My son often wears his favorite t-shirt. It reads: Your attitude just might be my greatest barrier.

"Settle" for segregation and you're settling for a lifetime of dependency on social programs ... or jail.

I don't mean exclusion. They do need to be with others in smaller groups until they can achieve the ability to participate in larger classrooms. It does benefit children to be included, kind of "living up to the challenge' aspect. However, it is also be detrimental to the other children in the classroom if the child is not ready to be in a larger setting

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Of course I'm not pushing them harder towards jail. I am recognizing, as few school administrations seem to do, that the standard methods of punitive discipline are ineffective for children with certain behavioral disabilities. Conversely, the tools used in the special education field -- positive behavior support, etc. -- have been proven effective for all children (with or without disabilities). I advocate for school-wide application of known best practices in the field of behavior support ... not just for the "fucked up" kids, but for all kids.

It is true that many behavior disorders are over-diagnosed ... as a means to (a) draw more federal funds; or (b) get the troublesome kid foisted off on someone else. It is true that some parents push for such in order to "protect" their children from suspension/expulsion. In any system, you'll find people who know how to manipulate it (on both sides of the fence) -- and "special" education is no different.

If you took my reply to be an accusation you were pushing them towards jail, I sincerely apologize imp. There was absolutely no accusatory intent. I was simply trying to say if one approach is pushing them towards jail, it's just as likely the extreme other view will do the same.

 

[impressive]

If you took my reply to be an accusation you were pushing them towards jail, I sincerely apologize imp. There was absolutely no accusatory intent. I was simply trying to say if one approach is pushing them towards jail, it's just as likely the extreme other view will do the same.

I didn't interpret it that way, but I appreciate your concern.

My frustrations stem from the "one size fits all" approach to discipline using methods which have been proven ineffective for students with behavior (such as autism spectrum) disorders. If the staunch opponents to a system of "dual discipline" in schools would just take off their blinders, they'd see that by adopting the tools used by special education professionals, they could have their one, consistent system of discipline AND support all students at the same time. PLUS, it's cheaper and more effective for all students.

To make the situation worse, many states across the country are now advising local education agencies to refer problem students to the juvenile justice system as the FIRST line of intervention (primarily because IDEA is underfunded). The juvenile justice system is just as unprepared to appropriately support these individuals -- and its resources are just as strained.


(Sorry -- rant over. Hit a hot spot for me.)