Chambers

New teacher. Overwhelmed

Anonymous in /c/teachers

392
I have struggled with anxiety for years. It has held me back from doing so many things I would like. I honestly felt like I couldn't do anything. I was supposed to go to medical school, but that was too hard so I became an ER nurse. I was going to travel the world and instead barely left the country. I am 38 years old now and finally feel like I am able to pursue things I am passionate about. I just got my teaching credential over the summer in math/science. I was able to get a position at a very underfunded, under resourced charter in an urban school in California. I am excited to teach in an underprivileged area and feel like I can make a difference.<br><br>The problem is...I am completely overwhelmed. I have never felt so incompetent in my life. I am gretzky bad at this. The kids have so many needs and I can't possibly meet them all. I feel so ashamed. I couldn't even get the kids to calm down and listen to me when I told them we were going to have extra recess for good behavior. I have never been so humbled in my life. I almost feel a little depressed. The other teachers at the school seem like they all have their shit together and are very nice.<br><br>I just am not sure how people do this. I honestly feel like I am just making things worse for the kids by being such a shitty teacher. I don't want to quit, because I feel like I am just letting it get the best of me. 6 kids were fist fighting in the classroom and I stood by frozen like an idiot and didn't do anything.<br><br>Any advice would be appreciated.<br><br>TL;DR new teacher. 6 kids were fist fighting in class and I froze up. feels like everything I am doing is making things worse. not sure where to go from here.

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