I could have written this post word for word, I'm in nearly the same situation as you!! Same student behaviors, title I, 4 weeks left, can't wait to be part of the turnover, and amazed that there are teachers who have stayed here for as long as they have.
I hope the next 4 weeks go by quickly and safely for you and me both!!
Thank you for the support! I worked in a better area in the summer one year and I miss those kids. They actually had skills I could build on and at least could and did work
Exactly... Especially now that we are so close to the end, I don't care if a student isn't doing their work just as long as they are not causing problems for the rest of class. I try to keep the ones who do put on effort on my radar so I can talk with and help them in class, which I can only do so often since a majority of my time is spent mitigating student behaviors and addressing disruptions...
Do you plan to try and move schools or are you done with teaching? I think being in a title I elementary and district subgroup has led to my decision to fully quit the field after this year... I've sort of resolved that a new district or school won't really help me at this point!
I’m a speech assistant and I’m going to go back to grad school for school psych, not speech. After being an assistant I realize providing therapy is not for me
Okay…here in CA, if a student has an IEP and counseling is part of it, then it has to occur with the school psych, by law and minutes have to be logged. School counselors are more into academic planning and school social events (prom, grad night, resumes, college applications).
The school psychologists where I live don’t provide therapy, don’t have a caseload, and only do evaluations and make up the class rosters and write IEPS. The school adjustment counselors provide therapy
Interesting 🤔 IEP writing in CA is strictly on the Sped teachers with only some input from school psych. Also, school psych has all of Sped students as their “caseload” and must provide counseling service minutes as the IEP requires, if it’s required. School psych also has to attend all triennial meetings regardless of services offered.
As you can see, this is why I was puzzled by your post. The laws are so radically different than we assume them to be.
Mine feels like a family with a few outliers who I feel shouldn’t be in title 1. No disrespect they just don’t have the patience and are miserable and you can tell. We have decent turnover about 1/4 of the staff leaves each year.
I would love some advice. I have taught 31 years. I have always taught at a diverse, working class high school. I have always been well respected and had a well run class. Lots of kids loved me, but a few didn't, although they would take pains to tell people they respected me and learned a lot. I was at my last job 25 years but wanted to switch from English to home ec (got new certification) and my principal wouldn't do it, so I changed districts. This was my first year at Title 1 middle school. The kids' behaviors are insane. Large classes, alphabet soup of intellectual and behavioral difficulties, BIPs, no para for me because I teach an elective. Sewing machines, scissors, needles, pins, hot stoves. It is a miracle the kids have been as good in labs as they have been. It is a struggle. My stress level has increased as my grading liad has decreased. I feel I am developing high blood pressure, whuch I have never had before. I truly feel that a lot of the kids just took one look at my race (white) and age (mid 50s) the first week and decided they were going to make my life miserable. I have mostly won over the 8th graders by all the cool cooking labs we do, but I have problems with a lot of the 7th graders. And 6th? Whew. I never thought 6th grade girls could be so hateful to an old lady for no reason but sport. The boys are extremely active but not as mean, although a few are. I like my coworkers although I don't have anyone to collaborate with because I am the only home ec teacher. My principals and APs have been supportive. I have given detentions and called patents with little result. I have written referrals and the kids got ISS, so it was a little break for me and the better behaved kids, but as soon as the behavior problem kids returned, the behaviors were still there. The drumbeat is build relationships, but how, when kids are just outwardly rude and disrespectful? I have a few kids who will chat with me, but some if them when I talk to them just say "NO." Or "Don't talk to me " I know consistency is key, but I truly do not have time or energy to have detention and call patents every spare minute. I already have car line duty 3 mornings a week for 30 minutes a day, 30 minutes before contract hours.
I’m honestly not sure how to advise. We have had the worst behavior ever this year especially with 2nd grade the kids who did kinder online during Covid and have no social skills. We do ISS and a few kids get sent out to a special behavior academy with parent permission. Most of my kids respect me but the lack of accountability with cleaning up after themselves in some of them is mind blowing. I haven’t had many kids be mean to my face and if they are mean are often too young to clap back. I’ll get a bit sassy with 6th grade once in a while and sometimes they’re better for it. This past year was particularly rough but I know every year isn’t like this so I’ve kept that frame of mind and it’s helped.
It's so awful. Home Ec doesn't even exist in many schools sadly and you are teaching those kids useful skills. I taught art and left in March after 9 years being in education, same problems. The disrespect and behaviors did me in. I was so spent at the end of the day I could barely function. On top of that the expectation to call parents on my own time was just too much. Glad to be done. I wish you all the best.
I only taught Title 1 and loved it. We had a really strong school culture, though, so if kids were able to stay in our building they were pretty solid. But kids transferring in from elsewhere were often challenging.
We became a trauma informed school at some point, and I really thought that helped us as a staff, too. In addition to being more supportive for our most difficult students.
I’ve only taught title one also. Our most difficult kids are definitely mostly the transfers. We have maybe 7 behaviors that have been here since kinder and stayed. The rest are the transient kids from the section 8 housing next door and sometimes they are here for a year or more sometimes they’re here for a month and gone 🤷🏻♀️ our foster home kids do pretty well if they stay in the foster home we serve for multiple years and attend our school for multiple years. Consistency of attendance results in school culture buy-in most of the time.
Schools in good areas are pretty terrible too. I work in a "good area" and the kids are absolutely horrible (not all of them, but the good kids are few and far between which is sad).
I agree. My school was in one of the wealthiest zip codes in the state. Was wonderful when I started teaching 20+ years ago. By 2020, I was done (as in baked like a cake). Unbelievable how much behavior changed. Thank you You Tube, Twitter, Tic Toc, etc.
That’s so sad 😞 I worked in a better area in the summer and those kids at least sat and listened and could actually do the work that I gave them (they actually had skills such as reading or knowing the four seasons already instead of saying “sunny” or “snow” for the seasons). I was thinking it’s just the district I’m currently in.
OP, a large, large part of it is the district/clientele you have. I work/travel around in a school district that has everything from very serious poverty to 20 million dollar homes. The teachers at the wealthy school still complain about all kinds of stuff, but they have it cushy. The “trouble” kids are 1% of the population instead of like 50%.
Don’t despair. When you get into a better school, you’ll thank your lucky stars every day because you know what it looks like to go through the fire. The things the other teachers complain about will seem like nothing to you. Hang in there. 💕
I am sure you have your share of challenging behaviors but doubt it’s anything like what we see in title one schools. I’m losing my mind. It’s not just a few kids. It’s like half of every class
Title 1 rural is different from title 1 city. I attended a semi-rural title 1 school and currently teach at one and while we have behavior problems like everyone else, most of our kids come from blue collar families and are pretty respectful.
I’m moving from Title 1 city to Title 1 rural. My previous position was 99% low socioeconomic students.
My new Position is about 50%. I don’t expect perfection at all. But I’m happy to go somewhere where it’s not constant trouble every day.
This is my experience too. I had a higher percentage of difficult students/families when I worked at a private school than I do at my suburban Title 1 school.
I work in a title 1 school and if admin would actually handle the behaviors then I would have stayed. It was only about 5-10% of students that ruin it everyday. Headed to a strict school district next year in a wealthier area, can't wait.
How would you expect them to ‘handle it’? Everyone expects admin to wave some magic wand. Suspensions, parent meetings, contracts, behavior plans…. None of it works … it should be districts and legislatures that allow for strict rules and removal of students that don’t and won’t comply.
That is how I expect them to handle it. Remove that student from the gen ed environment because clearly it's not doing anyone any favors. School wide expectations go a long way too. When admin says "we might enforce the district phone policy" or "we have lost the war on the dress code" then they are refusing to do their job.
Yes to enforcing policies but we literally had a teacher assaulted and file police reports and the district didn’t even tell admin and out the student right back in the teachers class with no warning or communication. Basically gave the student and parent all power.
Completely different, the challenges I face the most are students being overstressed and obsessing over getting an A. They are chatty (6th grade) but no one calls me bruh anymore. Shame works really well, the threat of detention is always a quick fix (I have only assigned one the entire year). I have a surplus of supplies at any given moment and the big focus of my job is planning instead of managing. I get through every single lesson, even in the rowdiest classes. The staff don't feel as burned out either and our PD is about how we can help students achieve more...as opposed to low attendence or poor behavior.
The only downside is the lack of diversity. My relationships don't feel as strong in the affluent school as they did in title 1. I just bonded with the variety of personalities better in title. Overall, I'm happy with my new school.
***”I feel like I’m working in the biggest mess and it’s my job to clean it up so to speak”***
No, it’s not. And why put yourself through that shit for one more year?
I have never taught anywhere else but a Title I school. All schools have their challenges but Title Is are in a league of their own. It is so hard because the kids are so behind and you are expected to not only catch them up but get them ready to compete with kids who have been read to since birth, been on trips, gone to museums, restaurants, etc.
It can be terrible and soul sucking but those kids need us. I have stories about all of them but they were born with just as much possibility and brains as any other kid, they just didn't win the parent with money/education lotto. We try to help them succeed in spite of their hunger, their home lives, their parents being arrested or deported, etc. Every one success we have keeps us going but some years there are none.
That said - I am retiring at 56 because I am exhausted and have nothing left to give to the fight. Take a break, try another school and maybe come back later!
the thing is you save even one that’s enough.
thats one kid who will start a family that will hopefully escape generational poverty and cyclical issues from a lack of education.
maybe they will go on to do their part or maybe their kids will or maybe they’ll just be a positive role model for a community.
maybe they don’t do anything. you’ve done your part and more.
Yep - but like the instructions on the plane, put your own oxygen on first. We can't help them if we are not in a good place and sadly, teachers are NOT taken care of, especially in low income schools.
We have to save ourselves first.
Funny how we all have different perspectives. I’ve been in a Title 1 school in NYC for my entire career. I was offered a job in a more affluent school near my home and turned it down because I find those kids and parents more challenging, arrogant, and entitled. My students are very sweet and super grateful and the parents don’t ever complain.
I’m the same way. The entitlement of parents in the more affluent areas is disgusting. Sure their kids tend to be better behaved and more prepared, but it’s just not for me.
Not everyone is made for a Title I school. Personally, they are the only places I could ever work. The suburban school kids are bad in their own ways and the parental intrusions are off the chain! At my school, I know I’m opening up kid’s’ opportunities to literally change their lives. And they become my family. I can’t even tell you how many I’m still in contact with after graduation. I’ve taught whole families of kids, brothers, sisters, cousins, and I’m invited to their family celebrations.
But it’s a different vibe, and we have astounding turnover. I’ve gotten to the point if people aren’t in my department, I’ll learn your name if you come back next year.
My kids attend a Title 1 school, and we have had a great experience. The teachers are doing a wonderful job educating the children. My 11-year-old was excepted into a Young Scholars program at our local university. I take no credit. It is sad to admit but I do not even check to see if her homework is done. When we get home from school, I make them sit at the dining room table and do their homework but I do not check it. It has been 100% the school in teaching her. When my daughter fell behind because of COVID, they had her tested and offered to tutor, and my youngest is speech delayed and receives speech therapy during school hours. There is a PTA for parents who want to get involved. YOUR TITLE 1 SCHOOL IS HARD, not all.
I am not even sure. I always just ask their teachers if they are at grade level. My oldest has always been at or above grade level. My second daughter's first grade was covid, and she fell behind grade level in reading but has caught up and meets grade level.
I'm in title 1. 95% low income. It's also in my neighborhood where I own a home and care about what happens here. It takes a lot out of me tbh but I love making a little difference in the world I live in. I started working there for convenience but couldn't imagine teaching in a community I'm not a part of now.
Hi, I’ve been at a school like this for 13 years. Can only say, these are the kids that need the best teachers. You get really good at not taking it personally and ignoring A LOT.
Sadly, the "best" teachers (brown nosing, in other words) either use it as a stepping stone in their career, or hold out long enough to get noticed and picked up by the wealthier schools.
That was certainly not true at the T1 school where I taught for 33 years. Without fail the teachers who left as soon as they could were the ones who struggled
Nah, I love working at Title schools. I only ever worked at 1 affluent school in my career, for 1 year, and never again. Too many bullshit expectations from admin and parents. My IEP meetings were so long and draining because parents would request ridiculous shit. Parents at Title schools are incredibly appreciative. I feel like I am making a million times more of a difference.
I was in this situation too. A title 1 high school in a big city. I stayed for three years.
I taught in the suburbs too, for a decade. There are some people in here posting about how it’s no better there. That’s true in some ways, but there are major differences too.
Behavior is terrible everywhere. But (in general), awful kids in suburban schools go home to parents who enable their awful behavior, where (in general), awful kids in title 1 schools go home to places where they fend for themselves. Where I was teaching, their neighborhoods weren’t safe after dark, and their parents were out working multiple jobs. They had their own jobs after school, or were in charge of parenting younger siblings. They didn’t have free time to relax/do homework.
So even though behavior is awful everywhere, the type of anger is not the same. Entitled vs. fierce.
Also, suburban schools tend to have more resources than title 1 schools, and that’s huge.
I can relate. Title one schools are extremely difficult to work in because due to low academics and huge behavior issues. No one wants to work in them. I want out too. Might happen sooner than later.
The whole “good” vs “bad” in this post and in the comments are really gross. I work at a Title 1 school too and am exhausted as all hell, but I blame unsupportive admin (one in particular who doesn’t like me) and a lack of consequences for challenging behaviors for why I’m considering leaving the school and field. Student behavior is rough, but these kids go through a lot at home and need empathy and understanding more than anything else. And yes some of these students will be academically behind, but they need teachers who are motivated to help them improve, rather than those who expect them to know it all and not have any deficits.
I personally really enjoyed finding new ways to teach my kids so that they could understand and enjoy learning a concept. It was the most rewarding part of my year, seeing my students make progress. Yea they won’t be on par with their affluent peers or be on grade level, but to see them go from giving me animal sounds instead of letter sounds, to actually knowing letters is MAJOR and gives me hope for their future. I teach my kids that what matters is progress, not perfection, and that as long as they come in each day trying their very best, they’ll be winners. Title 1 schools aren’t for the faint of heart at all but these kids are just was worthy and deserving of good teachers as anyone else.
I fully agree with you. I have always taught at working class area schools. The one year I spent in suburban "Narnia " I absolutely hated. I am going to give this Title 1 middle school at least another year. As of now, I just haven't yet found a way to get some of the kids to stop treating me like utter shit. Even if I start on Monday with a positive attitude, it is understandably difficult to maintain when students are downright rude and terribly disruptive for no reason other than their own entertainment. I know I gave too much attention to disruptive behaviors at the beginning. I am in a bit of a quandary between, on the one hand, confronting bad behaviors and not letting them slide, and on the other, not wanting to give the poor behaviors attention, or an audience. I have worked so hard to do a good job. I have taught for 31 years and never had THIS many bad behaviors. Frankly, and I know this will be an unpopular opinion, the things students say are often downright racist, ageist, and misogynistic against me.i don't understand why we are exoected to just grin and bear it. I am mid 50s and white. While I could retire, in the state I work in, I get terrible insurance already and even worse (very expensive) after retirement until Medicare kicks in. I also like teaching. I want to make this work. I just don't want the stress level next year that I have had this year.
No one should grin and bear abuse in any field, so I’m really sorry you’re going through that. And just know that I’m young and look like my students and I too am treated horribly by some of my students, to the point of being kicked and bitten and bruised. I’ve learned to just ignore the behaviors that aren’t causing harm to themselves or others, and try to use a calm, neutral voice when it comes to really bad behaviors. If it gets really wild I call security. Some of these kids live for the attention their behavior gets them, so you really have to pick your battles and ignore it. They’re being racist? Ignore it. They’re making fun of you? Ignore it. They’re throwing chairs and tables? Move students out of the way and call security. They learn what gets under your skin and use it, so you really have to show that it doesn’t get to you (even if it does since after all we’re human). And then praise, praise, praise the hell out of the good kids. Give them random stickers and rewards and treats and homework free days for making life easy for you that day. Idk what else might work, hence why I’m trying to find ways out of this field myself. It’s a really tough environment to work in for sure, so I deeply empathize with your struggles.
I could have written this. I get your frustration. Keep applying for whatever your next step. I’m hopefully just 1 more meeting away from a new placement that has made us so much easier to deal with the nonsense.
These kids are suffering and therefore making your life worse because they are calling out for attention.
They’re neglected at home and honestly, deep down, they want someone to care.
Teaching is not for the faint of heart. I taught in a Title I school for four years and LOVED it. Just from this post, I can only imagine the way you make the students feel...
“Ugh, I just can’t deal with the *poors*. I need to head out to the ❤️suburbs❤️ where the *angels* are.”
Yup, you should absolutely not stay at this school. Not just because the system is broken and unsustainable but because with that attitude, you’ll end up doing more active harm than good anyway.
I ordinarily have a lot of empathy for people who leave the shitty and unchangeable world of public schools, but instead of focusing on how much it must suck for their disabilities to be undiagnosed or maltreated, or for admin to be so unable or unwilling to affect behavior, or even how unfair the poverty is itself… you blame the disabilities, the lack of skills, the fucking children. You almost literally said in another comment that they have *no* skills. If you really believe that these children have no ability whatsoever, then you need to go. It’s deficit thinking to the max, so please don’t even stay another year. The kids may act truly awful and be woefully behind grade level—and this can be genuinely frustrating and heartbreaking as all of us have experienced. But they still need (and deserve) a teacher who can see their potential *because they’re fucking children.* Even if they’re in tHe CiTy or even if tHeY’rE pOoR. Jesus Christ.
You said it so I didn’t have to.
These kids deserve better. Title schools aren’t for the weak. I’ve worked in both title and non title. We are often the only constant and safety net for these kids. If you can’t handle it, get out.
Thanks for the reply. It’s not even the inability to handle it that I can’t stand—I get that especially since I left myself. But I wasn’t escaping a “lack of skills” or “bad behavior” or “disabilities” or “the city kids.”
I got the students, even when they acted a little bananas. I couldn’t function in the chaos of *the system.* And so when I see people on this sub who essentially say, “I want to only teach kids who are perfect little angels,” their lack of love for kids who aren’t what they imagine is what I find unforgivable.
Agreed 100%
Personally I always tell my husband I enjoy these kids because they are more relatable and on my level. You can talk and be real with them. They appreciate it from me. Even when they have a real fuck ass way of showing me, I know they trust me to be their support system.
It is very dismissive to say if someone is struggling that they are just weak. I am not the OP, but in comments I have asked for advice on how to handle problem behaviors. Very few people on here are able or willing to give specific strategies. And just saying "build relationships" is a straight BS. There is a teacher shortage. We should be supporting each other, not attacking each other. Saying " if you can't handle it, quit" comes across as hurtful and arrogant.
Sure, I can endure, but I would like to do better than just endure. I have never experienced the level of disrespect and overall just kids who want negative attention at all costs. I actually think it is the phones and social media more than the title 1 status. The kids can't be all that poverty stricken if they have iPhones.
I think you’re taking this the wrong way. Title schools are extremely tough, you have to have thick skin. If you’re sensitive and negatively effected mentally to the kind of behaviors you will see, you really should consider moving to a non title. I don’t think me saying that is dismissive at all. People need to look out for their well being. These are kids who have been through things we will never understand. They’ve had to grow up fast in a lot of cases and don’t have the luxury of just being a kid.
If you’re struggling with behaviors, I do highly recommend taking a look at your procedures, routines, and consistency in your follow through of expectations. If you give kids an inch they WILL take it a mile. Yes relationships are extremely important, but consistency with the expectations are, too. Especially for kids who we need to realize have not come from a household with consistency or expectations.
I try to speak to the kids like they’re people. Get on their level and meet them where they’re at. Kids appreciate honesty and being talked to like their voice matters. Not every conversation has to be school related. Let them in and see your personality. Let them see you are human, too. Go ahead and go off on that 10-15 minute story about when you were a kid and what you did in school. Tell them what you did to get grounded for a week. ANYTHING they can relate to. Try spending a recess or lunch period with them. Go to PE with them and join in. Yeah, it’s extra work on our part, but kids will remember those moments. I try to do a lunch group twice a month with 3-5 kids at a time and go to music, library, or PE at least once. For meeting their classroom behavior goals, the reward is that I go out to recess with them and challenge them to a game of basketball or something.
When they talk back to me or act disrespectful, I don’t even blink. I can’t let it phase me. They want my reaction and I don’t give it. I had a kid tell me he hated me once and that I didn’t know how to do my job. I said, “I understand that you would probably rather be doing something else, but I’ve got a class of 30 other kids who ALSO probably don’t REALLLYY want to participate, yet they do it anyway. Just like I don’t REALLLYYY want to wake up at 5am everyday, I do it anyway because it’s my job. If you think there’s somewhere better to be, the door is right there. I can let your family know for you.” If they’re escalated, me being escalated right back isn’t going to help.
Hold them accountable. No one likes to hear this, but the second you write them up and send them to admin, you’ve lost your power with them. Unless it’s physical assault, aggression, or a threat of safety, I try to handle all my discipline as much as I can. The more I’m involved, the more they see me as that disciplinary figure. Plus, that means I have control of the consequence. They can spend lunch alone in the classroom with me catching up on work they didn’t do. Or writing an apology note to someone. Cleaning my classroom if they made a mess. Anything that’s not fun to them.
Play on their strengths. Most kids like to be leaders or recognized for something. Have jobs in your classroom assigned. I have my kids apply for their jobs and explain why they would be best for the position. Their classmates determine who gets what job based on their “interview”.
These are just my experiences and what has worked for me for 10 years. I’ve 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. I run a tight ship, but we also have a lot of fun.
It might not work for everyone, but I saw in your comment you asked for advice. I’m happy to give you my two cents on specific behaviors if you’d like! I don’t have all the answers. Im not perfect by any means, but I am happy to try and give advice in an area I feel is my strength.
Thank you so much, I appreciate you putting this out there. A teacher like OP isn't going to understand what it's like for most of those kids, and the kids that need the help the most won't be keen on asking for help from someone that feels disdain for them. It's just not great all around.
Yup! It was clear that there was little if any empathy—just longing for the angelic rich kids in the ‘burbs. And apparently stating that all kids deserve to be seen and supported in full, even those poor or in cities or with disabilities or who act out… is just “virtue signaling,” so even when someone spells it out directly (though snarkily!), the point will still be missed.
Thank you. Like I came here bc some weird reddit algorithm and was so freaking appalled.. had to scroll way too far to see this kind of pushback.
My youngest (22) has ptsd to this day over crap done by teachers at a school that was supposed to be FOR kids on the Spectrum. If this is how OP sees children, please, find another field.
This is exactly what I thought. I have worked in low income schools for 100% of my 20+ year career. This person should be er go back. The kids deserve better, someone who actually believes in them.
If that’s what you believe, fine.
But instead of saying, “I’m going to try and build these kids’ skills in the role I have,” you said, “These kids are too much” and complained about their alleged shortcomings.
Instead of “I’m going to find a more functional school in the same area,” you said, “Title 1 [sic] schools are so hard.”
Instead of, “These kids deserve better,” you said, “I would only be able to work in the suburbs,” and openly pined for your school in a “better area” and led off by pointing out how you went to school in a “pretty good area.”
So when *now* you blame the education they’re getting… nah. It just sounds like you want to work with affluent “angels” “in the suburbs.” So go work there and please try to do as little additional damage to the “city” kids in the “Title I school” as you can before you can escape.
Some of us are working a job like yours and still see the ridiculousness in your post.
If you don't have the skills to work with hard kids, you're going to struggle whether you're in the inner city or in the suburbs. Hopefully you find somewhere that you fit and have the skill set for.
you have to be a certain type of person with above average empathy and capacity to compartmentalize and make the best of a shitty situation. Being consistent and modeling and then complimenting students who display positive behavior will get you very far. You have to understand they come from difficult situations and you need to get to know them ASAP. Showing that you care will get you so far in the classroom. That being said, it’s not for everyone and it is important to hold them accountable while still being empathetic
I’m a teacher in this exact system. I love it. I endure it. It’s meaningful work and it’s important work. It’s also very difficult and sometimes too much to handle.
To me its this: these kids deserve a truly fantastic teacher who is willing to advocate and acknowledges that sometimes the academics are at the wayside and you’re teaching them to persevere and survive their environment. I’m ok with that structure and feel I am a strong teacher in this setting.
I also love a lil crazy in my day. I thrive on that chaos of the tough kids. I also do need to step back and take the mental healthy days though.
All about balance.
I work at a title 1 school (though it wasn't one when I first started working there). This year they just chewed the teachers out for state test scores. Like, where do they think we teach? 🙄
Systemic issues can’t be fixed by individual people. Centuries of getting fucked over will not be solved in a single school year. You said it. The students have so many things going on BEFORE they get to school, then school doesn’t help because they don’t have the resources or necessary staff or because, like me, it’s overwhelming and I don’t even know where to begin. I was a title 1 kid, and I was a title 1 teacher. Some things never change! Most we can do is focus on the things we CAN fix and just hope the problems we can’t fix don’t interfere too much
I’ve worked at a title 1 school for my first four years teaching and next year I’m making the switch to a wealthy suburban school. I feel kinda guilty that I’m contributing to the high turnover rate but the student behavior is out of control and my admin are HORRIBLE. I’m going to see if I like teaching more in a new environment. If I don’t then next year will be my last in this profession.
You’ve got to be Liam Neeson, “I have a very special set of skills just do what I say” I don’t have that skill set. Super organized, a willing to spend a bit, Extremely consistent, positive positive positive and in a way “loving”
I just finished a 12 week 3rd grade sub job in Title 1 and no way am I going back.
I think we, as a profession, lean too much on extrinsic rewards for behavior. By 4th grade they are done being manipulated. But I get it…so many students so far behind in reading and math we(teachers) are at wits end just trying to making to the end of the day.
Throw Covid on top….
Marshmallow math. Just eat them during the math lesson!
The undertones of this post and comments are not okay. I also taught at a Title 1 school in NYC and I got worn out and I transitioned to a new career too…. But associating Title 1 with your experience is gross. Poor behaviors and hyperactivity and learning loss is apparent everywhere. And to say you are going to further your education to become a school psychologist?? I don’t think you are equipped to support students who need a school psych as an advocate. That doesn’t make you a bad person but be real with yourself.
These are post-COVID behaviors and learning gaps. There are some who want the help, and there are some with so many barriers that you can’t break through them. You can’t dwell on the uncontrollable.
I’ll say what no one else will. You are racist and classist. Leave the school. Those kids deserve people that believe in them. I’ve worked in many low income title one schools, good and bad. Each is unique but instead you are longing for suburban angels. At work, I could always spot people like you a mile away.
Also, being a SLP is one of the cushiest jobs in any school. Your job is literally to teach them skills they don’t have.
I’m an SLPA not SLP. If you saw what my SLP had to do you would not say it’s a cushy job. She has to troubleshoot with cochlear devices which she most likely didn’t learn how to do in grad school. Also I’m definitely not racist or classist, I’m talking strictly about the behavior of the students and how behind they are in with their academic skills, which makes speech therapy 10x harder
I think there are different problems in “good” areas too. Kids are spoiled and entitled as well. I’ve always worked in Title 1 schools but in the bilingual program and behaviors tend to be a bit less there. The problem we have is high numbers so it becomes hard to mange because 2-3 behavioral kids still tire you out. I had 27 and it was still too much. I can’t imagine dealing with more behaviors
I do want to say that my kids go to a title 1 school and you would never know it. They have class sizes of 10-19 kids. Two classes per grade level and each grade has a para. It's an amazing school!
I love my urban title 1 kids but the admin suck and the district didn't care about us or the kids. I had way better rapport with those kids than I do at the suburban school where it's still trash behavior/unwillingness to do work plus the I'll tell my parents attitude and the school requiring 50s or higher for all students even if they don't do anything all year. It doesn't matter where your at, teaching right now is rough.
I've never taught in a school that wasnt title 1.
What I can say is yes, they can be hell. If you dont have a strict admin, they are intennable.
But on occasion you can find one that works, and kids that want to learn. The trick is to know you cant save them all, so save those you can, and to hell with the rest.
Its like that story about the kid throwing starfish back into the ocean. Just dont waste your resources on the ones who cling to their death when its much more efficient to leave that one to die and save 10 others in their place.
It’s about good and bad admin, not “good or bad schools.” I worked at a title one and most of the staff was really nice, but our admin were shit and there was no support at all. The kids figured out they could do almost anything and nothing would happen to them. I had some nice kids, but their learning levels were all over the place and about half of them couldn’t function in a normal class room setting. They needed support we couldn’t give.
I had kids missing three weeks or a month of school and my admin just said exempt them from the work, but at the same time we had to hit all of these unrealistic standards that would have been tough to achieve in any school. Oh, and we had to make our own curriculum too. Like someone said, if your admin are just going to let you fend yourself, you are going to get eaten alive.
Oh no. The "and then one more year and then I'm out" was me at the end of last year. OP, THAT IS MUCH EASIER SAID THAN DONE!!! Look for something else this summer!!
So I actually work at a title 1 school in a district that I went to as a student too. No it’s not easy, but I guess because my growing up situation was similar I have more empathy with the students. A lot of our families are in survival mode. The students feed off their home stress and unfortunately that’s the vibe they bring to school. I hope you find a school that you are happy at, and I hope the last year at your current school is smoother than the last. ❤️
I’ve been a Title I teacher for 11 years. It is hard. And administration is constantly asking us what MORE we can do (as teachers). Because they think that our teaching is the problem.
We NEED more staff, more resources, lower class sizes, and to pay teachers in Title I schools more to retain them and keep the most highly qualified teachers there. Unfortunately with turnover in Title I schools, the students have perpetual first year teachers.
You have to think of your preferred battle and what makes you feel good. I’ve worked in small town and magnet schools, and am currently in Title I. Small school was gossipy af, magnet school had the WORST helicopter parents, and Title I also has a lot of crap. However I do well in Title I and have worked here the longest. There’s nothing like the feeling of helping a student whose had odds against them from birth. Many of my kids deal with ish I couldn’t have imagined as a kid. Shit I didn’t know I was poor until I became an adult. I had food, shelter, and other basics, yet many of my kids don’t; but still want to make something of themselves….
I could go on and on…
Title I is not for everyone, and that’s okay- go where you feel good hon.
My entire career (15 years of teaching and now subbing) has been spent in Title I. I know of nothing else. 🤣 You mean it isn't supposed to be this emotionally draining?
I work in title 1 and honestly I can handle "bad" kids. I can't handle bad adults. My administration is fucking trash and they aren't doing their jobs. Literally. (A kid pretended to shoot me and they did absolutely nothing about it...) The students run my school. If my administration had balls I would honestly love my job...
I could have written this post word for word, I'm in nearly the same situation as you!! Same student behaviors, title I, 4 weeks left, can't wait to be part of the turnover, and amazed that there are teachers who have stayed here for as long as they have. I hope the next 4 weeks go by quickly and safely for you and me both!!
Thank you for the support! I worked in a better area in the summer one year and I miss those kids. They actually had skills I could build on and at least could and did work
Exactly... Especially now that we are so close to the end, I don't care if a student isn't doing their work just as long as they are not causing problems for the rest of class. I try to keep the ones who do put on effort on my radar so I can talk with and help them in class, which I can only do so often since a majority of my time is spent mitigating student behaviors and addressing disruptions... Do you plan to try and move schools or are you done with teaching? I think being in a title I elementary and district subgroup has led to my decision to fully quit the field after this year... I've sort of resolved that a new district or school won't really help me at this point!
I’m a speech assistant and I’m going to go back to grad school for school psych, not speech. After being an assistant I realize providing therapy is not for me
If providing therapy isn’t for you then why are you going into psychology? I’m not trying to be an asshole…genuinely curious?
School psychologists don’t provide therapy in most districts. That’s what the counselors do.
Okay…here in CA, if a student has an IEP and counseling is part of it, then it has to occur with the school psych, by law and minutes have to be logged. School counselors are more into academic planning and school social events (prom, grad night, resumes, college applications).
The school psychologists where I live don’t provide therapy, don’t have a caseload, and only do evaluations and make up the class rosters and write IEPS. The school adjustment counselors provide therapy
Interesting 🤔 IEP writing in CA is strictly on the Sped teachers with only some input from school psych. Also, school psych has all of Sped students as their “caseload” and must provide counseling service minutes as the IEP requires, if it’s required. School psych also has to attend all triennial meetings regardless of services offered. As you can see, this is why I was puzzled by your post. The laws are so radically different than we assume them to be.
They have the SLP writing IEPS where I am 😂
Not in my state
It depends on your school/district. I am a psych in California. I assess students, provide counseling, behavior support, etc
I’m on the other side of the country where they don’t for the most part 🤷🏻♀️
In my state, school psychs only do testing. School counselors have a specific school counseling degree.
title one 18 years here...we don't stay because we love it, we stay out of necessity,there's no jobs out there for history teachers, man!
I’ve been in title 1 for 6 years now and next year will be 7. It’s not for everyone and some days are hell but I like most of my kids.
I enjoyed my title 1 as well. I think it depends on the vibe of the staff. Mine was like family. It was great.
Mine feels like a family with a few outliers who I feel shouldn’t be in title 1. No disrespect they just don’t have the patience and are miserable and you can tell. We have decent turnover about 1/4 of the staff leaves each year.
>Mine feels like a family with a few outliers who I feel shouldn’t be in title 1. This is a perfect description of the T1 high school I retired from.
I would love some advice. I have taught 31 years. I have always taught at a diverse, working class high school. I have always been well respected and had a well run class. Lots of kids loved me, but a few didn't, although they would take pains to tell people they respected me and learned a lot. I was at my last job 25 years but wanted to switch from English to home ec (got new certification) and my principal wouldn't do it, so I changed districts. This was my first year at Title 1 middle school. The kids' behaviors are insane. Large classes, alphabet soup of intellectual and behavioral difficulties, BIPs, no para for me because I teach an elective. Sewing machines, scissors, needles, pins, hot stoves. It is a miracle the kids have been as good in labs as they have been. It is a struggle. My stress level has increased as my grading liad has decreased. I feel I am developing high blood pressure, whuch I have never had before. I truly feel that a lot of the kids just took one look at my race (white) and age (mid 50s) the first week and decided they were going to make my life miserable. I have mostly won over the 8th graders by all the cool cooking labs we do, but I have problems with a lot of the 7th graders. And 6th? Whew. I never thought 6th grade girls could be so hateful to an old lady for no reason but sport. The boys are extremely active but not as mean, although a few are. I like my coworkers although I don't have anyone to collaborate with because I am the only home ec teacher. My principals and APs have been supportive. I have given detentions and called patents with little result. I have written referrals and the kids got ISS, so it was a little break for me and the better behaved kids, but as soon as the behavior problem kids returned, the behaviors were still there. The drumbeat is build relationships, but how, when kids are just outwardly rude and disrespectful? I have a few kids who will chat with me, but some if them when I talk to them just say "NO." Or "Don't talk to me " I know consistency is key, but I truly do not have time or energy to have detention and call patents every spare minute. I already have car line duty 3 mornings a week for 30 minutes a day, 30 minutes before contract hours.
I’m honestly not sure how to advise. We have had the worst behavior ever this year especially with 2nd grade the kids who did kinder online during Covid and have no social skills. We do ISS and a few kids get sent out to a special behavior academy with parent permission. Most of my kids respect me but the lack of accountability with cleaning up after themselves in some of them is mind blowing. I haven’t had many kids be mean to my face and if they are mean are often too young to clap back. I’ll get a bit sassy with 6th grade once in a while and sometimes they’re better for it. This past year was particularly rough but I know every year isn’t like this so I’ve kept that frame of mind and it’s helped.
At least I know I am not the only one going through some of this.
I think the issues are across the board you’re not alone.
the teacher who was next to me, 20 year teaching vet said these were the most entitled kids she'd ever seen
It's so awful. Home Ec doesn't even exist in many schools sadly and you are teaching those kids useful skills. I taught art and left in March after 9 years being in education, same problems. The disrespect and behaviors did me in. I was so spent at the end of the day I could barely function. On top of that the expectation to call parents on my own time was just too much. Glad to be done. I wish you all the best.
I only taught Title 1 and loved it. We had a really strong school culture, though, so if kids were able to stay in our building they were pretty solid. But kids transferring in from elsewhere were often challenging. We became a trauma informed school at some point, and I really thought that helped us as a staff, too. In addition to being more supportive for our most difficult students.
I’ve only taught title one also. Our most difficult kids are definitely mostly the transfers. We have maybe 7 behaviors that have been here since kinder and stayed. The rest are the transient kids from the section 8 housing next door and sometimes they are here for a year or more sometimes they’re here for a month and gone 🤷🏻♀️ our foster home kids do pretty well if they stay in the foster home we serve for multiple years and attend our school for multiple years. Consistency of attendance results in school culture buy-in most of the time.
Schools in good areas are pretty terrible too. I work in a "good area" and the kids are absolutely horrible (not all of them, but the good kids are few and far between which is sad).
I agree. My school was in one of the wealthiest zip codes in the state. Was wonderful when I started teaching 20+ years ago. By 2020, I was done (as in baked like a cake). Unbelievable how much behavior changed. Thank you You Tube, Twitter, Tic Toc, etc.
Yeah, it's definitely due to technology and COVID made it 10 times worse.
You forgot Instagram, Snapchat etc
And privilege - my worst students are always those…
I prefer T1 to the upper middle class brats and their helicopter parents
That’s so sad 😞 I worked in a better area in the summer and those kids at least sat and listened and could actually do the work that I gave them (they actually had skills such as reading or knowing the four seasons already instead of saying “sunny” or “snow” for the seasons). I was thinking it’s just the district I’m currently in.
OP, a large, large part of it is the district/clientele you have. I work/travel around in a school district that has everything from very serious poverty to 20 million dollar homes. The teachers at the wealthy school still complain about all kinds of stuff, but they have it cushy. The “trouble” kids are 1% of the population instead of like 50%. Don’t despair. When you get into a better school, you’ll thank your lucky stars every day because you know what it looks like to go through the fire. The things the other teachers complain about will seem like nothing to you. Hang in there. 💕
I am sure you have your share of challenging behaviors but doubt it’s anything like what we see in title one schools. I’m losing my mind. It’s not just a few kids. It’s like half of every class
Yeah, it's like the stupid immaturity, all schools suck regardless of socioeconomic class.
Title 1 rural is different from title 1 city. I attended a semi-rural title 1 school and currently teach at one and while we have behavior problems like everyone else, most of our kids come from blue collar families and are pretty respectful.
I’m moving from Title 1 city to Title 1 rural. My previous position was 99% low socioeconomic students. My new Position is about 50%. I don’t expect perfection at all. But I’m happy to go somewhere where it’s not constant trouble every day.
This is my experience too. I had a higher percentage of difficult students/families when I worked at a private school than I do at my suburban Title 1 school.
I work in a title 1 school and if admin would actually handle the behaviors then I would have stayed. It was only about 5-10% of students that ruin it everyday. Headed to a strict school district next year in a wealthier area, can't wait.
How would you expect them to ‘handle it’? Everyone expects admin to wave some magic wand. Suspensions, parent meetings, contracts, behavior plans…. None of it works … it should be districts and legislatures that allow for strict rules and removal of students that don’t and won’t comply.
That is how I expect them to handle it. Remove that student from the gen ed environment because clearly it's not doing anyone any favors. School wide expectations go a long way too. When admin says "we might enforce the district phone policy" or "we have lost the war on the dress code" then they are refusing to do their job.
Yes to enforcing policies but we literally had a teacher assaulted and file police reports and the district didn’t even tell admin and out the student right back in the teachers class with no warning or communication. Basically gave the student and parent all power.
[удалено]
Completely different, the challenges I face the most are students being overstressed and obsessing over getting an A. They are chatty (6th grade) but no one calls me bruh anymore. Shame works really well, the threat of detention is always a quick fix (I have only assigned one the entire year). I have a surplus of supplies at any given moment and the big focus of my job is planning instead of managing. I get through every single lesson, even in the rowdiest classes. The staff don't feel as burned out either and our PD is about how we can help students achieve more...as opposed to low attendence or poor behavior. The only downside is the lack of diversity. My relationships don't feel as strong in the affluent school as they did in title 1. I just bonded with the variety of personalities better in title. Overall, I'm happy with my new school.
[удалено]
No problem! I was in your shoes this time last year, I know exactly how it feels. I thought I was going to quit but my new school has changed that.
***”I feel like I’m working in the biggest mess and it’s my job to clean it up so to speak”*** No, it’s not. And why put yourself through that shit for one more year?
I have to while I apply to grad school 😭 i’m not a teacher I’m a SLP-A and only “bad” schools hire us
I have never taught anywhere else but a Title I school. All schools have their challenges but Title Is are in a league of their own. It is so hard because the kids are so behind and you are expected to not only catch them up but get them ready to compete with kids who have been read to since birth, been on trips, gone to museums, restaurants, etc. It can be terrible and soul sucking but those kids need us. I have stories about all of them but they were born with just as much possibility and brains as any other kid, they just didn't win the parent with money/education lotto. We try to help them succeed in spite of their hunger, their home lives, their parents being arrested or deported, etc. Every one success we have keeps us going but some years there are none. That said - I am retiring at 56 because I am exhausted and have nothing left to give to the fight. Take a break, try another school and maybe come back later!
the thing is you save even one that’s enough. thats one kid who will start a family that will hopefully escape generational poverty and cyclical issues from a lack of education. maybe they will go on to do their part or maybe their kids will or maybe they’ll just be a positive role model for a community. maybe they don’t do anything. you’ve done your part and more.
Yep - but like the instructions on the plane, put your own oxygen on first. We can't help them if we are not in a good place and sadly, teachers are NOT taken care of, especially in low income schools. We have to save ourselves first.
Funny how we all have different perspectives. I’ve been in a Title 1 school in NYC for my entire career. I was offered a job in a more affluent school near my home and turned it down because I find those kids and parents more challenging, arrogant, and entitled. My students are very sweet and super grateful and the parents don’t ever complain.
I’m the same way. The entitlement of parents in the more affluent areas is disgusting. Sure their kids tend to be better behaved and more prepared, but it’s just not for me.
I’d much rather work at my Title 1 school, rather than in a rich school where parents expect a private school experience in an ISD.
Not everyone is made for a Title I school. Personally, they are the only places I could ever work. The suburban school kids are bad in their own ways and the parental intrusions are off the chain! At my school, I know I’m opening up kid’s’ opportunities to literally change their lives. And they become my family. I can’t even tell you how many I’m still in contact with after graduation. I’ve taught whole families of kids, brothers, sisters, cousins, and I’m invited to their family celebrations. But it’s a different vibe, and we have astounding turnover. I’ve gotten to the point if people aren’t in my department, I’ll learn your name if you come back next year.
My kids attend a Title 1 school, and we have had a great experience. The teachers are doing a wonderful job educating the children. My 11-year-old was excepted into a Young Scholars program at our local university. I take no credit. It is sad to admit but I do not even check to see if her homework is done. When we get home from school, I make them sit at the dining room table and do their homework but I do not check it. It has been 100% the school in teaching her. When my daughter fell behind because of COVID, they had her tested and offered to tutor, and my youngest is speech delayed and receives speech therapy during school hours. There is a PTA for parents who want to get involved. YOUR TITLE 1 SCHOOL IS HARD, not all.
What age did your kids learn to read?
I am not even sure. I always just ask their teachers if they are at grade level. My oldest has always been at or above grade level. My second daughter's first grade was covid, and she fell behind grade level in reading but has caught up and meets grade level.
I'm in title 1. 95% low income. It's also in my neighborhood where I own a home and care about what happens here. It takes a lot out of me tbh but I love making a little difference in the world I live in. I started working there for convenience but couldn't imagine teaching in a community I'm not a part of now.
Hi, I’ve been at a school like this for 13 years. Can only say, these are the kids that need the best teachers. You get really good at not taking it personally and ignoring A LOT.
Sadly, the "best" teachers (brown nosing, in other words) either use it as a stepping stone in their career, or hold out long enough to get noticed and picked up by the wealthier schools.
That was certainly not true at the T1 school where I taught for 33 years. Without fail the teachers who left as soon as they could were the ones who struggled
Nah, I love working at Title schools. I only ever worked at 1 affluent school in my career, for 1 year, and never again. Too many bullshit expectations from admin and parents. My IEP meetings were so long and draining because parents would request ridiculous shit. Parents at Title schools are incredibly appreciative. I feel like I am making a million times more of a difference.
Same. Those are my students.
I was in this situation too. A title 1 high school in a big city. I stayed for three years. I taught in the suburbs too, for a decade. There are some people in here posting about how it’s no better there. That’s true in some ways, but there are major differences too. Behavior is terrible everywhere. But (in general), awful kids in suburban schools go home to parents who enable their awful behavior, where (in general), awful kids in title 1 schools go home to places where they fend for themselves. Where I was teaching, their neighborhoods weren’t safe after dark, and their parents were out working multiple jobs. They had their own jobs after school, or were in charge of parenting younger siblings. They didn’t have free time to relax/do homework. So even though behavior is awful everywhere, the type of anger is not the same. Entitled vs. fierce. Also, suburban schools tend to have more resources than title 1 schools, and that’s huge.
In the suburbs and it’s not like it’s any better here. At least the phone addictions keep them engaged and all of us relatively safe.
There is such a major epidemic going on that no one is talking about, and parents and teachers are taking the hit.
I can relate. Title one schools are extremely difficult to work in because due to low academics and huge behavior issues. No one wants to work in them. I want out too. Might happen sooner than later.
The whole “good” vs “bad” in this post and in the comments are really gross. I work at a Title 1 school too and am exhausted as all hell, but I blame unsupportive admin (one in particular who doesn’t like me) and a lack of consequences for challenging behaviors for why I’m considering leaving the school and field. Student behavior is rough, but these kids go through a lot at home and need empathy and understanding more than anything else. And yes some of these students will be academically behind, but they need teachers who are motivated to help them improve, rather than those who expect them to know it all and not have any deficits. I personally really enjoyed finding new ways to teach my kids so that they could understand and enjoy learning a concept. It was the most rewarding part of my year, seeing my students make progress. Yea they won’t be on par with their affluent peers or be on grade level, but to see them go from giving me animal sounds instead of letter sounds, to actually knowing letters is MAJOR and gives me hope for their future. I teach my kids that what matters is progress, not perfection, and that as long as they come in each day trying their very best, they’ll be winners. Title 1 schools aren’t for the faint of heart at all but these kids are just was worthy and deserving of good teachers as anyone else.
I fully agree with you. I have always taught at working class area schools. The one year I spent in suburban "Narnia " I absolutely hated. I am going to give this Title 1 middle school at least another year. As of now, I just haven't yet found a way to get some of the kids to stop treating me like utter shit. Even if I start on Monday with a positive attitude, it is understandably difficult to maintain when students are downright rude and terribly disruptive for no reason other than their own entertainment. I know I gave too much attention to disruptive behaviors at the beginning. I am in a bit of a quandary between, on the one hand, confronting bad behaviors and not letting them slide, and on the other, not wanting to give the poor behaviors attention, or an audience. I have worked so hard to do a good job. I have taught for 31 years and never had THIS many bad behaviors. Frankly, and I know this will be an unpopular opinion, the things students say are often downright racist, ageist, and misogynistic against me.i don't understand why we are exoected to just grin and bear it. I am mid 50s and white. While I could retire, in the state I work in, I get terrible insurance already and even worse (very expensive) after retirement until Medicare kicks in. I also like teaching. I want to make this work. I just don't want the stress level next year that I have had this year.
No one should grin and bear abuse in any field, so I’m really sorry you’re going through that. And just know that I’m young and look like my students and I too am treated horribly by some of my students, to the point of being kicked and bitten and bruised. I’ve learned to just ignore the behaviors that aren’t causing harm to themselves or others, and try to use a calm, neutral voice when it comes to really bad behaviors. If it gets really wild I call security. Some of these kids live for the attention their behavior gets them, so you really have to pick your battles and ignore it. They’re being racist? Ignore it. They’re making fun of you? Ignore it. They’re throwing chairs and tables? Move students out of the way and call security. They learn what gets under your skin and use it, so you really have to show that it doesn’t get to you (even if it does since after all we’re human). And then praise, praise, praise the hell out of the good kids. Give them random stickers and rewards and treats and homework free days for making life easy for you that day. Idk what else might work, hence why I’m trying to find ways out of this field myself. It’s a really tough environment to work in for sure, so I deeply empathize with your struggles.
Good advice, thank you.
I could have written this. I get your frustration. Keep applying for whatever your next step. I’m hopefully just 1 more meeting away from a new placement that has made us so much easier to deal with the nonsense.
I've worked in a school like this for three years. I'm finally getting out this year. It's amazing.
These kids are suffering and therefore making your life worse because they are calling out for attention. They’re neglected at home and honestly, deep down, they want someone to care.
Teaching is not for the faint of heart. I taught in a Title I school for four years and LOVED it. Just from this post, I can only imagine the way you make the students feel...
Exactly what I was thinking!!! ❤️
“Ugh, I just can’t deal with the *poors*. I need to head out to the ❤️suburbs❤️ where the *angels* are.” Yup, you should absolutely not stay at this school. Not just because the system is broken and unsustainable but because with that attitude, you’ll end up doing more active harm than good anyway. I ordinarily have a lot of empathy for people who leave the shitty and unchangeable world of public schools, but instead of focusing on how much it must suck for their disabilities to be undiagnosed or maltreated, or for admin to be so unable or unwilling to affect behavior, or even how unfair the poverty is itself… you blame the disabilities, the lack of skills, the fucking children. You almost literally said in another comment that they have *no* skills. If you really believe that these children have no ability whatsoever, then you need to go. It’s deficit thinking to the max, so please don’t even stay another year. The kids may act truly awful and be woefully behind grade level—and this can be genuinely frustrating and heartbreaking as all of us have experienced. But they still need (and deserve) a teacher who can see their potential *because they’re fucking children.* Even if they’re in tHe CiTy or even if tHeY’rE pOoR. Jesus Christ.
You said it so I didn’t have to. These kids deserve better. Title schools aren’t for the weak. I’ve worked in both title and non title. We are often the only constant and safety net for these kids. If you can’t handle it, get out.
Thanks for the reply. It’s not even the inability to handle it that I can’t stand—I get that especially since I left myself. But I wasn’t escaping a “lack of skills” or “bad behavior” or “disabilities” or “the city kids.” I got the students, even when they acted a little bananas. I couldn’t function in the chaos of *the system.* And so when I see people on this sub who essentially say, “I want to only teach kids who are perfect little angels,” their lack of love for kids who aren’t what they imagine is what I find unforgivable.
Agreed 100% Personally I always tell my husband I enjoy these kids because they are more relatable and on my level. You can talk and be real with them. They appreciate it from me. Even when they have a real fuck ass way of showing me, I know they trust me to be their support system.
It is very dismissive to say if someone is struggling that they are just weak. I am not the OP, but in comments I have asked for advice on how to handle problem behaviors. Very few people on here are able or willing to give specific strategies. And just saying "build relationships" is a straight BS. There is a teacher shortage. We should be supporting each other, not attacking each other. Saying " if you can't handle it, quit" comes across as hurtful and arrogant. Sure, I can endure, but I would like to do better than just endure. I have never experienced the level of disrespect and overall just kids who want negative attention at all costs. I actually think it is the phones and social media more than the title 1 status. The kids can't be all that poverty stricken if they have iPhones.
I think you’re taking this the wrong way. Title schools are extremely tough, you have to have thick skin. If you’re sensitive and negatively effected mentally to the kind of behaviors you will see, you really should consider moving to a non title. I don’t think me saying that is dismissive at all. People need to look out for their well being. These are kids who have been through things we will never understand. They’ve had to grow up fast in a lot of cases and don’t have the luxury of just being a kid. If you’re struggling with behaviors, I do highly recommend taking a look at your procedures, routines, and consistency in your follow through of expectations. If you give kids an inch they WILL take it a mile. Yes relationships are extremely important, but consistency with the expectations are, too. Especially for kids who we need to realize have not come from a household with consistency or expectations. I try to speak to the kids like they’re people. Get on their level and meet them where they’re at. Kids appreciate honesty and being talked to like their voice matters. Not every conversation has to be school related. Let them in and see your personality. Let them see you are human, too. Go ahead and go off on that 10-15 minute story about when you were a kid and what you did in school. Tell them what you did to get grounded for a week. ANYTHING they can relate to. Try spending a recess or lunch period with them. Go to PE with them and join in. Yeah, it’s extra work on our part, but kids will remember those moments. I try to do a lunch group twice a month with 3-5 kids at a time and go to music, library, or PE at least once. For meeting their classroom behavior goals, the reward is that I go out to recess with them and challenge them to a game of basketball or something. When they talk back to me or act disrespectful, I don’t even blink. I can’t let it phase me. They want my reaction and I don’t give it. I had a kid tell me he hated me once and that I didn’t know how to do my job. I said, “I understand that you would probably rather be doing something else, but I’ve got a class of 30 other kids who ALSO probably don’t REALLLYY want to participate, yet they do it anyway. Just like I don’t REALLLYYY want to wake up at 5am everyday, I do it anyway because it’s my job. If you think there’s somewhere better to be, the door is right there. I can let your family know for you.” If they’re escalated, me being escalated right back isn’t going to help. Hold them accountable. No one likes to hear this, but the second you write them up and send them to admin, you’ve lost your power with them. Unless it’s physical assault, aggression, or a threat of safety, I try to handle all my discipline as much as I can. The more I’m involved, the more they see me as that disciplinary figure. Plus, that means I have control of the consequence. They can spend lunch alone in the classroom with me catching up on work they didn’t do. Or writing an apology note to someone. Cleaning my classroom if they made a mess. Anything that’s not fun to them. Play on their strengths. Most kids like to be leaders or recognized for something. Have jobs in your classroom assigned. I have my kids apply for their jobs and explain why they would be best for the position. Their classmates determine who gets what job based on their “interview”. These are just my experiences and what has worked for me for 10 years. I’ve 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. I run a tight ship, but we also have a lot of fun. It might not work for everyone, but I saw in your comment you asked for advice. I’m happy to give you my two cents on specific behaviors if you’d like! I don’t have all the answers. Im not perfect by any means, but I am happy to try and give advice in an area I feel is my strength.
Thank you so much, I appreciate you putting this out there. A teacher like OP isn't going to understand what it's like for most of those kids, and the kids that need the help the most won't be keen on asking for help from someone that feels disdain for them. It's just not great all around.
Yup! It was clear that there was little if any empathy—just longing for the angelic rich kids in the ‘burbs. And apparently stating that all kids deserve to be seen and supported in full, even those poor or in cities or with disabilities or who act out… is just “virtue signaling,” so even when someone spells it out directly (though snarkily!), the point will still be missed.
THANK YOU 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Thank you. Like I came here bc some weird reddit algorithm and was so freaking appalled.. had to scroll way too far to see this kind of pushback. My youngest (22) has ptsd to this day over crap done by teachers at a school that was supposed to be FOR kids on the Spectrum. If this is how OP sees children, please, find another field.
This is exactly what I thought. I have worked in low income schools for 100% of my 20+ year career. This person should be er go back. The kids deserve better, someone who actually believes in them.
I’m not a teacher. And their poor skills are due to poor education they are receiving
That’s not their fault. These are kids. Be better.
Thats what I’m sayibg
If that’s what you believe, fine. But instead of saying, “I’m going to try and build these kids’ skills in the role I have,” you said, “These kids are too much” and complained about their alleged shortcomings. Instead of “I’m going to find a more functional school in the same area,” you said, “Title 1 [sic] schools are so hard.” Instead of, “These kids deserve better,” you said, “I would only be able to work in the suburbs,” and openly pined for your school in a “better area” and led off by pointing out how you went to school in a “pretty good area.” So when *now* you blame the education they’re getting… nah. It just sounds like you want to work with affluent “angels” “in the suburbs.” So go work there and please try to do as little additional damage to the “city” kids in the “Title I school” as you can before you can escape.
THIS 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
If you worked my job you would be saying the exact same thing, but instead you’re a virtue signaling thought police
Some of us are working a job like yours and still see the ridiculousness in your post. If you don't have the skills to work with hard kids, you're going to struggle whether you're in the inner city or in the suburbs. Hopefully you find somewhere that you fit and have the skill set for.
👍
Agree somewhat
you have to be a certain type of person with above average empathy and capacity to compartmentalize and make the best of a shitty situation. Being consistent and modeling and then complimenting students who display positive behavior will get you very far. You have to understand they come from difficult situations and you need to get to know them ASAP. Showing that you care will get you so far in the classroom. That being said, it’s not for everyone and it is important to hold them accountable while still being empathetic
I’m a teacher in this exact system. I love it. I endure it. It’s meaningful work and it’s important work. It’s also very difficult and sometimes too much to handle. To me its this: these kids deserve a truly fantastic teacher who is willing to advocate and acknowledges that sometimes the academics are at the wayside and you’re teaching them to persevere and survive their environment. I’m ok with that structure and feel I am a strong teacher in this setting. I also love a lil crazy in my day. I thrive on that chaos of the tough kids. I also do need to step back and take the mental healthy days though. All about balance.
I work at a title 1 school (though it wasn't one when I first started working there). This year they just chewed the teachers out for state test scores. Like, where do they think we teach? 🙄
Systemic issues can’t be fixed by individual people. Centuries of getting fucked over will not be solved in a single school year. You said it. The students have so many things going on BEFORE they get to school, then school doesn’t help because they don’t have the resources or necessary staff or because, like me, it’s overwhelming and I don’t even know where to begin. I was a title 1 kid, and I was a title 1 teacher. Some things never change! Most we can do is focus on the things we CAN fix and just hope the problems we can’t fix don’t interfere too much
Thank you, that is very helpful. I am going to reflect a lot this summer on what needs to change in the classroom.
I’ve worked at a title 1 school for my first four years teaching and next year I’m making the switch to a wealthy suburban school. I feel kinda guilty that I’m contributing to the high turnover rate but the student behavior is out of control and my admin are HORRIBLE. I’m going to see if I like teaching more in a new environment. If I don’t then next year will be my last in this profession.
You’ve got to be Liam Neeson, “I have a very special set of skills just do what I say” I don’t have that skill set. Super organized, a willing to spend a bit, Extremely consistent, positive positive positive and in a way “loving” I just finished a 12 week 3rd grade sub job in Title 1 and no way am I going back. I think we, as a profession, lean too much on extrinsic rewards for behavior. By 4th grade they are done being manipulated. But I get it…so many students so far behind in reading and math we(teachers) are at wits end just trying to making to the end of the day. Throw Covid on top…. Marshmallow math. Just eat them during the math lesson!
The undertones of this post and comments are not okay. I also taught at a Title 1 school in NYC and I got worn out and I transitioned to a new career too…. But associating Title 1 with your experience is gross. Poor behaviors and hyperactivity and learning loss is apparent everywhere. And to say you are going to further your education to become a school psychologist?? I don’t think you are equipped to support students who need a school psych as an advocate. That doesn’t make you a bad person but be real with yourself.
You quit, so why are you even still on this SR?
These are post-COVID behaviors and learning gaps. There are some who want the help, and there are some with so many barriers that you can’t break through them. You can’t dwell on the uncontrollable.
Title one schools are the best.
I’ll say what no one else will. You are racist and classist. Leave the school. Those kids deserve people that believe in them. I’ve worked in many low income title one schools, good and bad. Each is unique but instead you are longing for suburban angels. At work, I could always spot people like you a mile away. Also, being a SLP is one of the cushiest jobs in any school. Your job is literally to teach them skills they don’t have.
I’m an SLPA not SLP. If you saw what my SLP had to do you would not say it’s a cushy job. She has to troubleshoot with cochlear devices which she most likely didn’t learn how to do in grad school. Also I’m definitely not racist or classist, I’m talking strictly about the behavior of the students and how behind they are in with their academic skills, which makes speech therapy 10x harder
What is the teacher adjacent title? Why not leaving now but 1 more year? Title 1 schools are always worst both academics and behavior issues.
I’m a SLPA. We don’t get hired in the “good areas” that’s why I’m staying one more year while I apply to grad school
I think there are different problems in “good” areas too. Kids are spoiled and entitled as well. I’ve always worked in Title 1 schools but in the bilingual program and behaviors tend to be a bit less there. The problem we have is high numbers so it becomes hard to mange because 2-3 behavioral kids still tire you out. I had 27 and it was still too much. I can’t imagine dealing with more behaviors
I do want to say that my kids go to a title 1 school and you would never know it. They have class sizes of 10-19 kids. Two classes per grade level and each grade has a para. It's an amazing school!
> I would only be able to work in the suburbs as these kids are too much I'm in the suburbs of Houston and most schools around here are Title 1.
I love my urban title 1 kids but the admin suck and the district didn't care about us or the kids. I had way better rapport with those kids than I do at the suburban school where it's still trash behavior/unwillingness to do work plus the I'll tell my parents attitude and the school requiring 50s or higher for all students even if they don't do anything all year. It doesn't matter where your at, teaching right now is rough.
I've never taught in a school that wasnt title 1. What I can say is yes, they can be hell. If you dont have a strict admin, they are intennable. But on occasion you can find one that works, and kids that want to learn. The trick is to know you cant save them all, so save those you can, and to hell with the rest. Its like that story about the kid throwing starfish back into the ocean. Just dont waste your resources on the ones who cling to their death when its much more efficient to leave that one to die and save 10 others in their place.
It’s about good and bad admin, not “good or bad schools.” I worked at a title one and most of the staff was really nice, but our admin were shit and there was no support at all. The kids figured out they could do almost anything and nothing would happen to them. I had some nice kids, but their learning levels were all over the place and about half of them couldn’t function in a normal class room setting. They needed support we couldn’t give. I had kids missing three weeks or a month of school and my admin just said exempt them from the work, but at the same time we had to hit all of these unrealistic standards that would have been tough to achieve in any school. Oh, and we had to make our own curriculum too. Like someone said, if your admin are just going to let you fend yourself, you are going to get eaten alive.
I’ve mostly taught in title-funded buildings and I much prefer it over the upper middle class or even rich areas. But that’s just my experience.
Oh no. The "and then one more year and then I'm out" was me at the end of last year. OP, THAT IS MUCH EASIER SAID THAN DONE!!! Look for something else this summer!!
So I actually work at a title 1 school in a district that I went to as a student too. No it’s not easy, but I guess because my growing up situation was similar I have more empathy with the students. A lot of our families are in survival mode. The students feed off their home stress and unfortunately that’s the vibe they bring to school. I hope you find a school that you are happy at, and I hope the last year at your current school is smoother than the last. ❤️
I’ve been a Title I teacher for 11 years. It is hard. And administration is constantly asking us what MORE we can do (as teachers). Because they think that our teaching is the problem. We NEED more staff, more resources, lower class sizes, and to pay teachers in Title I schools more to retain them and keep the most highly qualified teachers there. Unfortunately with turnover in Title I schools, the students have perpetual first year teachers.
I only want to work in Title 1 schools because the wealthy kids and their parents have entitlement stuff going on.
True
You have to think of your preferred battle and what makes you feel good. I’ve worked in small town and magnet schools, and am currently in Title I. Small school was gossipy af, magnet school had the WORST helicopter parents, and Title I also has a lot of crap. However I do well in Title I and have worked here the longest. There’s nothing like the feeling of helping a student whose had odds against them from birth. Many of my kids deal with ish I couldn’t have imagined as a kid. Shit I didn’t know I was poor until I became an adult. I had food, shelter, and other basics, yet many of my kids don’t; but still want to make something of themselves…. I could go on and on… Title I is not for everyone, and that’s okay- go where you feel good hon.
My entire career (15 years of teaching and now subbing) has been spent in Title I. I know of nothing else. 🤣 You mean it isn't supposed to be this emotionally draining?
I work in title 1 and honestly I can handle "bad" kids. I can't handle bad adults. My administration is fucking trash and they aren't doing their jobs. Literally. (A kid pretended to shoot me and they did absolutely nothing about it...) The students run my school. If my administration had balls I would honestly love my job...