Teachers: Ever had a poor day teaching?

Question

I did today. It really sucked. I just want to hear your experience I do not want advice, just your experiences teaching. Thanks

Answer 1

I definitely had many bad teaching days. Days when I'm tired, days when the kids are just acting like animals and I don't even CARE anymore.

Answer 2

Oh my god ya. It was my first day when I took over mid year for a person described by the students as "the worlds best teacher" and highly loved by those he taught. When I came in I was compared to him and therefor everyone hated me. I tried having donut days and being nice-- but nothing worked. It went on for months.

Answer 3

We all have days like that.  (Notice I said DAYS...plural)

It is important to start each day fresh. Whatever happened yesterday is gone and done.  It is time to move on.  Don't bring it up.  This may sound harsh, but if whatever happened was your fault, do not apologize to the class.  Finally, don't hold grudges.

If the kids see that you are moving on, then they will also, for the most part.  

Keep up the good work!  Ever forward!!!

Answer 4

Yes. All the time. Sometimes it seems like I have just as many poor days as I have good days.

Answer 5

I agree with the answer before, but not with the "don't apologize" part.  Students need to see and realize that teachers are people too.  We make mistakes and we, just like them, need to apologize if something was our fault.

I just completed my first year teaching middle school (taught preschool for a year) and I had some days that were just plain poor on my part.   Lack of planning and lack of enthusiasm were to blame.  It is hard to be on your game 180 days a year.

That being said, just realize that at the end of the day, you love yourself and you love the kids you work with.  Tomorrow is a brand new day, a fresh start, and that is the beauty of teaching.  We get so many chances to affect the lives of hundreds of children.

Answer 6

Every teacher has a bad day. I taught band and we just weren't on the same page. After about 30 minutes, I called it. I gave a brief lecture and they put up their instruments. The next day did go better though

Answer 7

One of my colleagues, who has been teaching for over 30 years, said that in her first year of teaching she used to cry every single day. I know exactly how she must have felt, being new to teaching myself. I just try to keep a sense of humour about it all - hey, at least my autistic student didn't lock me in my classroom this week!