Teacher Uncensored Evelyn Henry

In this week's episode of Teacher Uncensored, we dive into the struggles of virtual learning. This might be a venting session, but who cares. I've got a surprise for you all at the end...

I wish I could sit here and say that your first year teaching is a walk in the park. Although it may be a walk through Jurassic Park, it is one of the most challenging years of your career. In this week's episode, I get to reminisce on three monumental mistakes that were made my first year teaching. I also get to chat about some memorable moments while teaching in my second and third years.

My advice is simple: mistakes will happen, but you won't be judged by your mistakes. You will be judge by how you handle those mistakes.

Especially in teaching, it seems like everyone is watching you. Administrators, parents, mentors, fellow teachers, and even students. Don't be the teacher who casts the blame onto someone else. Be the teacher who isn't afraid to say "yes, I messed up" and grow on from it.

To the members of the School Board,

We are writing to you as staff, parents, and concerned community stakeholders to express concerns about the reopening plan for Fall of 2020. We have created this petition to ensure our voices and concerns are heard. This is a hard time for us all, and many of us have questions. We thank the board and district leadership for working hard to try to provide for staff and student safety. We cannot imagine the position you are in as you struggle to work out the complexities of a school reopening plan. We hope that you consider our concerns in the following questions as our XXX family begins to consider their long-term decisions about the upcoming school year:

We respectfully ask that the School Board not to take a vote on reopening plans in XXX County Public Schools until staff voices and concerns are heard and met in a full, equitable public plan outlining all details and concerns.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Parents, Caregivers, Faculty, Staff, and other members of the Community

Although this week’s episode is short and sweet, I hope it packs a punch. There’s a lot of unknowns and teachers are not getting the rest and relaxation that they deserve this summer. Decisions are being made without teacher’s voices and it’s time to stop. Use my mom‘s letter to the school board as inspiration and speak up. Use your voice! Your fellow teachers and students need you.

Part 2 of advice for new teachers has everything you need to start your first year of teaching on the right foot. Today we are talking about teacher mental health, grading, buying things for your classroom, building relationships, teacher friends, reflecting, parents,  principals, resources, behavior management, and so much more! 

We are traveling away from the path originally planned to discuss a certain comment that popped up while doing research. Be prepared to learn how and when to use a filter and earmuffs. No more negative Nancy’s. Cut it out.