How I Joined Teach for America—and Got Sued for $20 Million

[janet118]

30. Without support from administration, a new teacher is in a tough place

Teacher aides, the ability to send disruptive students "to the principal's office", mentoring and team teaching with more experienced teacher, and frequent classroom observation might be helpful. Personally, I think all new teachers should spend a year as an assistant to an experienced teacher before getting their own classroom.

TFA would be more effective if they provided stronger backup systems for their recruits. Mentors to call, objective observers to critique the new teachers, and resources to improve their teaching tactics and methods.

I taught first grade in a rural school district. The discipline problems may have been less intense there, but all teachers have to learn creative ways to deal with emotional, physical and mental challenges their students present. But it is also the responsibility of the school administration to work with the teachers and students to create a culture of respect and pride.