Rapidly running out of @#%&$ to give

"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher) 02/14/2019 at 16:54 • Filed to: BLAH!

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I’m in a bit of a funk right now Oppo. I’m just going to vent a little.

Things aren’t going great at work. I have two students in my last class of the day, lets just call them Beavis and Butthead, who manage to ruin my day nearly every day. I’m stuck with them until the beginning of June. Building leadership has no stones to deal with them properly.

The district I work in made a bunch of changes to the structure of middle school this year. Changes that in my opinion are much worse for students, and they are also making it more difficult for teachers. I’m being intentionally vague here.

My teaching assignment is currently up in the air. I will have a job one way or another, I just don’t know what I’ll be teaching, where or when. We were supposed to find out last Monday. Then last Friday. Then today. Today they say we’ll know mid-March.

The thing is, I work in a unit district. There is a high school in my district with a shop opening. I taught high school for four years before moving to middle school. I liked it, but I really like teaching in middle school overall. But, I don’t want to get stuck here teaching a bunch of classes I’m not interested in. If I put in for the transfer, and don’t get it, I’m fairly certain that my current principal will take that personally, and make my life very difficult in the future. The deadline to put in for the transfer is the end of February, which means I have to decide before I know my full fate at the middle school. I’m really shooting blind here.

I honestly have no idea what to do.

Quick edit for clarification: I honestly have no idea what the best move is to make right now. My concern is my sanity and my family's well being. I'm just not sure where those are going to be best served.

Funny license plate for your time.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:00

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Do what you want to do?

Also great news, my son passed 7th grade shop with a D for done. It was actually robotics and his teacher is a total ass. He is happy to be done.

ttyymmnn > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:01

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Gotta look out for Number 1. Because if you don’t, all you’ll get is Number 2. 

smobgirl > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:04

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I really, really hate how so many districts treat their teachers. I have a friend who teaches music and her old school kept her at 3/5 pay f or years while spacing out her classes and non -classroom duties so she was stuck at the school all day anyway, then spontaneously decided one year to invalidate all continuing education credits and make everyone start over for the associated raises. It’s like none of the admin realize that the majority of their staff are trying to make a living. 

shop-teacher > smobgirl 02/14/2019 at 17:06

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They certainly don't care.

benjrblant > smobgirl 02/14/2019 at 17:06

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I take this as an indication of how little we now value education and educators. If education of our future generations was a high priority, we’d take care of those responsible for teaching them. Just my two cents.

shop-teacher > ttyymmnn 02/14/2019 at 17:07

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I totally agree. I'm honestly not sure what's best for #1 right now.

shop-teacher > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/14/2019 at 17:09

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I’m really not sure what I want to do. Hence the funk.

I’m really sorry to hear that. That should be the best, most engaging class of the day. Some teachers just suck, unfortunately.

MattHurting > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:10

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The teachers strike in Denver just ended today. Man, teachers sure do get shafted just about everywhere.

shop-teacher > benjrblant 02/14/2019 at 17:14

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We pay a lot of lip service to teachers in our society. People say very nice things to me face. Except when they either don't know, or forget, that I'm a teacher.

shop-teacher > MattHurting 02/14/2019 at 17:15

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We're easy targets.

ttyymmnn > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:16

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I wish I had better advice. Otherwise, make a list, with good and bad in opposite columns. See which side is longer.

Dogsatemypants > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:17

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You will probably get quite a few beavis and buttheads teaching hs shop. If I hadnt had shop class i probably would have dropped out

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:18

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Transfer or not, you’re stuck with Bunghole and Munghole for another 4 months, I’d see how all these changes play out during that time. There’s an opportunity to put in a request for transfer before Feb 2020, right?

benjrblant > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:20

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I make an effort to say nice things to you with my ballots, but sometimes that’s beyond my control.

EngineerWithTools > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:20

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Since I have no helpful advice, I’ll take the opportunity to say something about shop and those that teach it:

As a mechanical engineer, I’m grateful that there are few happy (or sorta happy) souls such as  yourself still teaching, and loving, shop. Every day I encounter engineers that don’t know which end of a screwdriver to use, and it worries me greatly.

Shop has long since disappeared from my high school (in Lake County IL), so, as I said, I’m greatful for you and your colleagues. Thanks.

deekster_caddy > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:30

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It depends on your principal - can you talk to him casually? If you are able I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having an honest chat with him - something like “I obviously have to look out for my own future and as you know we haven ’t quite figured out what’s going on here, but I’d really like to bump my career up a notch and like the looks of that shop opening at the high school, I’ve been thinking about applying for the transfer but wanted your thoughts before I go through with it.” then apply anyway, no matter how he responds... but at least he knows you are being upfront about it.

someassemblyrequired > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:32

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Apply for the principal’s job? :D

I’d bail, anytime I hear somebody say “we have some exciting new changes for this year, ”  I’m asking for the check and getting out of there.  Shop/tech are generally hard positions to fill as well, I’m sure other high schools will also be looking too.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > MattHurting 02/14/2019 at 17:38

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Discouraging people from wanting to teach is an easy way to dumb down the masses. 

vicali > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:39

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How is your current principal now? Can you talk to them about your concerns?

( inlaws are teachers is small towns - it’s t ough but most of their moves have been 100% better with principals support).

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 17:45

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I come from an area with exceptionally strong teachers unions who make damn sure the teachers get paid top dollar and don’t have any of these shenanigans. I really wish that the whole country was like that.

High school might be a better choice for you; you’d likely be working with kids that want to be there and are interested, as opposed to the middle school “hey everyone gets a shot” special area programs. Think about if the schedule would be more favorable to you (block scheduling should be the law, dammit) or if the HS job would give you more opportunities to move on, if that’s what you’d want to do. I can’t imagine a principle would have issue with you wanting a transfer if the job is more suited to your skill set, but administrators are vindictive assholes, so .

I jump around in my organization at least every few years because I can’t stand to stagnate; my recommendation is always to move especially if your situation isn’t what you want it to be. Although I’m sure there’s always other schools, too. 

shop-teacher > benjrblant 02/14/2019 at 17:51

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I appreciate that :)

shop-teacher > ttyymmnn 02/14/2019 at 17:52

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Good idea.

shop-teacher > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 02/14/2019 at 17:52

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Yep.

shop-teacher > EngineerWithTools 02/14/2019 at 17:57

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Thank you fo r the kind words. I generally like my job very much, and I do think it’s important.

I grew up in the same county. Deerfield specifically. The shop program was a shell of it's former self, but there was one teacher left, and he was amazing. I would not be where I am today without him.

shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 02/14/2019 at 18:04

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Nope. There happens to be an opening this year, that's the only reason a transfer is possible this time around. It's likely now or never.

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 18:12

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Damn that sucks, I was getting burned out from kids/admin so I changed scenery and am super glad I did. Do you have an local site admin that will support you if you go “exploring” I know the district I used to work for always handled transfers before new hires. So that intent for was staying at my current placement, seeking a different placement, leaving the district, or retiring.

Additional thought how well do you know/get along with the central office types that oversee your “subject” they could be a helpful resource if they exist or are useful.

shop-teacher > vicali 02/14/2019 at 18:13

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Ehhhh ... That conversation could go badly

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 18:17

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Oh. Then..... NOW NOW NOW

shop-teacher > Dogsatemypants 02/14/2019 at 18:20

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This is my 14th year. I've had many Beavis and Buttheads over the years, but these two are particularly bad.

f86sabre > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 18:25

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Going to second EngineerWithTools’ note. I had an amazing middle school shop teacher. Vietnam War C-130 Pilot. A few of us would get to class early just to hear him tell War stories. He showed us how to build things and he got me into drafting. Pivotal kind of stuff. So, don’t focus on the f-ups. There are kids there that will build off your teachings. Lean into them.

As far as the transfer goes, if you think there is a high probability of finding yourself doing things that you don’t have a passion for then make the move. 

shop-teacher > someassemblyrequired 02/14/2019 at 18:28

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I'd rather slam my head in a car door, than be a principal!

vicali > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 18:33

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Bummer, tough spot. If you like middle school more than high school I would suggest you stay, even if it means teaching something not awesome for a few years.

The other route involves burning bridges and moving away from your favourite thing ..

someassemblyrequired > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 18:36

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If you haven’t watched this show, you should:

shop-teacher > f86sabre 02/14/2019 at 18:44

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I do my best to not focus on the f-ups, but my hands are kind of tied right now.

Judging that probability is proving to be tricky.

shop-teacher > someassemblyrequired 02/14/2019 at 18:45

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I have heard of that one, and it’s on my list :)

shop-teacher > vicali 02/14/2019 at 18:45

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Those are good points.

shop-teacher > deekster_caddy 02/14/2019 at 18:46

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My principal would like me to believe I could have that conversation with her, but my experience with her suggests otherwise.

shop-teacher > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 02/14/2019 at 18:48

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My transfer ring would create problems for the powers that be.  As tough at is is to find shop teachers, finding middle school shop teachers is even harder.

shop-teacher > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 02/14/2019 at 18:51

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Pay is decent here. There is better in the area, but there’s also a lot worse

I actually had less trouble when our program required everybody to take everything, believe it or not.

My transferring would create a huge problem for the principal, as she’d have to try and find a replacement for me.  As hard as it is to find shop teachers, finding ones that can teach middle school is even harder.  I don’t think she will support me.

EngineerWithTools > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 18:59

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Grayslake here, way back we’ll before it was two schools, when dinosaurs roamed t he earth.

We had metals, wood and small engine. Small engine was just a store room off the metal shop, but metals and woods were something to behold. Serious fab equipment, including a Bridgeport in metals and a proper paint booth in woods .

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 19:00

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All the stars for that comment, I also have ZERO desire to leave the classroom and do their job.

deekster_caddy > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 20:46

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argh that sucks. M aybe reach out to someone above her position. If you apply anyway, mention to HR about being really uncomfortable with your principal finding out. Hopefully they are understanding about such things.

Another option - go talk to the principal at the high school and explain the situation. Maybe they can ‘recruit’ you internally.

shop-teacher > Phyrxes once again has a wagon! 02/14/2019 at 21:38

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Yeah, nope. All the nope.

shop-teacher > deekster_caddy 02/14/2019 at 21:39

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I’m going to start by talking to a couple people I know at the HS, off the record.

WilliamsSW > shop-teacher 02/14/2019 at 22:40

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That all sucks. One thing I noted is that it’s hard to find middle school shop teachers, and you seem to like that the best, I think?

Hopefully that need on their part will keep then from messing with you too much for next year. Or taking it out on you if you apply for HS and don’t get it.

That said, if these changes coming to middle school are too much, I hope you don’t let the fear of retribution keep you from trying to transfer.

Good luck! Hopefully your school gets its shit together. 

shop-teacher > WilliamsSW 02/15/2019 at 07:07

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Thanks. I have some soul searching to do over the next few weeks.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > shop-teacher 02/15/2019 at 12:36

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Sorry to hear it. Hoping the best for you and your family.

“ Beavis and Butthead”

Can’t you just put them out in the hallway as soon as one or both disturb class? I assume administration is getting sick of seeing them in the office, but they’re unwilling to do anything to fix it. 

shop-teacher > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/15/2019 at 12:39

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Thanks.

And you would not believe how disruptive somebody can be, even out in the hallway.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > shop-teacher 02/15/2019 at 12:42

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I can believe it. I was a sub for middle school. Once.

Chariotoflove > shop-teacher 02/18/2019 at 00:15

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I feel for you. I have been in a similar situation on one respect. That is, I’ve been called on to teach lots of things I n ever trained for because someone retired and the topic needed to be covered. Also, professional schools also have their versions of Beavis and Butthead, which should surprise you when you think about how much they (or their parents) are paying for tuition.  You’d think the would want their money’s worth, but there you go.

shop-teacher > Chariotoflove 02/18/2019 at 15:24

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I can't say I'm surprised by that. I went to architecture school with a lot of Beavis and Butthead impersonators.

Chariotoflove > shop-teacher 02/18/2019 at 16:12

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You slogged through architecture school and ended up teaching middle school shop? That must be an interesting story.

I’ve been thinking a lot these last couple of years about how the currents of life take us to shores we never even imagined.  I’m still not sure where mine is going.

shop-teacher > Chariotoflove 02/18/2019 at 16:36

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Well, the short version is I started teaching by teaching fellow architecture students how to use Auto Cad, which I had learned in high school. A chance meeting with my high school CAD/shop teacher during winter break of my Jr. year, and that's when I found out there was a shortage of tech teachers. Then and there I decided to become a teacher. It made more sense to finish the architecture degree and go to grad school to be a teacher, than to transfer to another undergrad program, so that's what I did. 

Chariotoflove > shop-teacher 02/18/2019 at 18:13

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And now you’re rich and famous.  So it worked out.

shop-teacher > Chariotoflove 02/18/2019 at 19:13

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Yes ... Rich ... Very rich :)