I tried, I changed, but still am getting divorced!

[awest1217]

NM - I hear you!!!!!! By high school all the the students (excluding severe disabilities) are all put in the same class. Because I teach the lowest level physical science, which the state demands all kids take one physical science, I get them all. I get kids with major emotional problems. Kids with extreme ADHD, and the worst part is they are all 15-19 years old so sometimes I just can't stop them. One year I had a junior throw a desk in my room. Last year I had a class of 6 gang member (all in the same gang) who have been all in and out of jail with their ring leader in my class. The ring leader was a senior who was not going to graduate and so he just created problems. NO one learned anything in that class because all I could do is discipline.

I completely understand! In this country right now, teachers are to blame for not teaching their children, but how can you teach all the kids when there are ones that won't even stop for a second so you can focus on another student. It is so hard, but it will get better! With the disruptive child, document everything and keep close contact with your principal because maybe the student can be moved to a special classroom or you can have an paraprofessional work with this student. (if your school has the money for that...ours lost money so all of my paras who helped with my students who are new language learners are gone so those students are struggling).

With the parents, just get them on your side...and I hate parents who are like that. It is best if they only come if they are taking their child (especially at that age) because the child gets thrown off by a different routine. It is the parents who miss the child and the child needs to learn to be away from the parents if public school will work, and if they expect their child to grow and move out one day.

Definitely hear you and I hope it all gets better very quickly.