New Teacher
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New Teacher Posted on Sep 4 2007 at 10:52am by Ms. Groves really touched me. I am 43 years old and became a high school teacher last year. My first year of teaching was really rough. The school where I taught in Maywood, IL is thought to be worse than most Chicago Public Schools. Not only was there no support from parents and fellow teachers, there was no support from the administration. I felt as if I had been thrown in at the deep end of a pool left to sink or swim completely on my own. As a matter of fact, 8 new teachers left after the 1st semester. I'm not surprised that I did see a lot of the same behavioral issues, even though my age group was different. One big difference was the swearing. My kids swore in my face from day 1 all the way up to the very end. What hurt me most was being called a racist. I'm glad that Ms. Groves had the support and was encouraged along the way. I can see why so many 1st year teachers run for their lives in June. I am currently a teacher with no school, but I will keep looking. My first experience has not jaded me, in fact, it was probably the best learning experience of my life. Ms. Groves, you are an inspiration! 
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RE: New Teacher Posted on Sep 4 2007 at 12:13pm by Wasn't that well done? I was glued to all four episodes although I am not a teacher. I realize that until parenting happens ( like Stephen with his grandma) it doesnt matter whether there are smaller classes. Lately, there has been discussion of not re hashing ones past and feeding old wounds with regard to psychotherapy. So I was upset to see that in each episode there was mention of slavery. It was in a poem and in a paper. I do not doubt the offense of it, but wonder if it is a good idea to keep feeding that wound since it makes the children feel angry and with a chip on their shoulder (eg your being called racist) I dont think it helps. RE: New Teacher Posted on Sep 6 2007 at 11:33pm by I am also a teacher without a home right now. Twenty five years of experience but not anywhere to teach right now. I guess I wonder when someone will make a documentary about how schools were formed and why. John Taylor Gatto writes well on this as do a few others, such as D. Jensen. Until we look at what,how and why schools were formed, and disassemble those notions, we dont have a chance. This is why I left teaching. Thank goodness for this documentary. May there be many more to come!
RE: New Teacher Posted on Jun 25 2008 at 1:13am by I just saw the bit on dateline and was hooked within the first 15 seconds. It was absolutely phenomenal. I am a new teacher, learning the ropes so to speak. My first year was SO MUCH like Ms. Groves. It was as if someone was looking right into my classroom and seeing MY emotions, and MY frustrations, and MY challenges. I had to call my family and tell them to watch just so they could get a glimpse into the world of inner-city teachers. I'm still awe-struck!
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