Hello. I am a teacher and this past year, I worked at a terrible school! I was paid very little and could barely survive (I didn't even have enough money for groceries). So, my co-worker told me about how she was making ends meet. I applied and was hired as an online part-time english teacher teaching children in China to read. I am so incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I make about an extra $1000 a month. This past year, it has paid for my groceries, my electric bill, and my phone. It has been a real blessing. Over the summer, I had no job and I was not getting paid from the school I was at last year. So, I've continued to work for this company through the summer. The only problem is that we only get paid once a month. Therefore, it's been a little bit of a struggle.
This coming school year, I got a job at a much better school! I don't have to worry about next summer, because I get paid. I've been able to purchase a small home and I just feel a lot better and more independent. However, this summer, I have found the job to be incredibly difficult. The classes are only 25 minutes long. However, I could barely concentrate. Sometimes, the children just don't pay attention. They are usually at home on their ipads, laying in bed. They don't focus. Many times, they scream really loud. I don't know why they do that. But, they do! Then, because there's the pressure to finish the class in 25 minutes, I just feel really frustrated.
I need to keep this job during the coming school year, because honestly, now that I have a mortgage, I need the extra income. But, during the school year, I don't book as many classes. I usually just do 2 classes early in the morning and I'm finished. But, this summer has been exceptionally brutal, since I do 4-5 classes in a row.
My question is:
- Why do you think that it is so difficult? I teach a class of 22 students on a daily basis. So, why is this 1-1 25 min. class so difficult? If I could discover the reason for this, than maybe I can try to figure out a solution to make it easier on me?
Dear My Side job,
It sounds to me like your life is changing. You have more bills now. Your schedule has changed and you are required to do more in a shorted period of time. This can be stressful until you get into a routine. This means you need to be more prepared for your classes and step up your game.
You may need to spend more time preparing for your classes to make the most of the shorter periods. Kids scream and act unruly because they are stressed out too. It is summer, and they want to be at home. They want to be there as much as you do. So try something different, entertaining and fun.
Research teaching methods that are fun for you and the kids. Maybe spend that 25 minutes entertaining them with knowledge and then give them a packet of work to do at home. I am not a teacher, but I have homeschooling experience and I find that making it entertaining and fun keeps my children focused and motivated.
Remember, you are there for them. This is not about you. I know that sounds harsh, but it is the reality of the situation. You chose to be a teacher for a reason. Maybe it is time evaluate your reasons and take a look at why you started teaching in the first place.
Teachers have one of the most stressful jobs. There is a lot put on you to get these kids educated. So step it up and make it happen. Get up earlier and spend more time preparing at home so you do not have to deal with it in class. That class time should be about motivating them to get their work done. They can do that work at home.
I hope that some of what I said helps motivate you to find better ways to deal with your situation. Remember to stay positive and show your students you care about them. Get creative.
Let me know how it goes. You can email me anytime. I wish you the best of luck.
Sincerely,
Gigglz
[view]
(Rating: 4)
Gigglz,
Thank you for your time in providing feedback on my question. However, I mentioned in the question that I usually teach these classes BEFORE school. Therefore, I can't get up any earlier than I already do. I wake up at 5am.
I also mentioned that these classes are online and that the kids are home when they are taking the classes. I am not talking about my full time teaching position. I am talking about my side job, where I work from home... online, teaching children in a different country... who are also online, at home.
The question was why do you believe that it is so difficult for me to teach one student online whereas teaching more children in person is so much easier. However, I really appreciate your time answering my question.
|
