I agree, Sam-- punch in the face! It's sad, tons of parents watch that show for advice on parenting their own children... and parents already tend to be not-too-good at dealing with trich. Ack. If only she'd just Googled it.

And things do suck for teachers in the US. You pretty much have to know the principal in order to get a job. Otherwise, you're outta luck. They're cutting teaching jobs left and right. Pay definitely isn't great, either. At least, these are my mom's experiences.

Yes, life for teachers in the US is pretty brutal. In high school there are fights nearly every day and in some of the tougher urban areas they have metal detectors that everyone has to walk through to get into the school to prohibit weapons. The pay is pretty low and then you have to deal with crazy parents who blame the teachers that their kid has to do homework or that they failed a test. Still, with all of that, I think about it as a future career sometimes. Before i started staying home I was a corporate trainer so I would train classes in communication, leadership, etc in a business setting. I always loved being in the classroom.

I'm sorry that the work situation has been so tough for you lately. Hoping it turns around soon.

That is fantastic that you started wearing your hair down at home!! Huge news! Is your husband a fair bit older than you? For some reason I always picture that.

Mrs K, about your previous post, I hate that Supernanny bitch too! When I was a bit younger my mom would watch her all the time and when she talked about kids misbehaving she would look at me and raise her eyebrows... She wanted to try out those stupid punishments on me but I never did anything, so when I spilled juice I'd end up on the naughty step. @#$*@#&)*(

Anyway, I have so much respect for teachers these days... I can definitely see how that would be a stressful life, on and off the job! But it looks like you're not letting it get to you- I saw pictures of your hair and you are doing FANTASTIC! You're gorgeous, lady- keep up the good work!

I think it's insane that there are metal detectors in schools in America.... I could just never imagine it here. American schools sound like this crazy made-up world that I see in movies, but surely it can't be real, right?

Yeah I couldn't believe it when these devastated parents were so upset about their daughter pulling out her lashes and she said "she is doing it to manipulate you...so what if she pulls out her eyelashes they will grow back ignore it" I mean fair enough the ignore it advice wasnt so bad really, but it was the way it was presented that peed me off.

I love teaching, I have spent the last two years in a tough school, it served a small estate in a deprived ex-mining community, but tbh although there were fights and drugs/drink and getting sworn at, and my classroom window shot through and balls kicked at me and my car vandalised - except for that I quite liked it and most of my kids were lovely - lots of tears when i left - but it also takes its toll. I trained in inner London, so there were issues with knives and there were police on the gates but actually rarely were there serious incidents. Since being on supply I have seen a few fights but I don't get involved - am not gonna risk myself. I am hoping to move to an "easier" school next time but because of government cuts much ofthe teaching in this country is done by unqualified cover staff - if I were a parent I'd be really worried about my kids education but even saying all that I love being in the classroom, I love talking to stroppy teens and I love the buzz of when they achieve something.

I am waiting for the call again today - if no work I will crack on with my MA work today and also get some sun as its great weather again. I am hoping to go camping here this weekend http://www.foxholes-castle.co.uk/

Kauxfire - yep my husband is 36 and I am 26!

Supernannys should stay at home, in their naughty chairs!
xoxoxo

Aaaargh crazy.

Foxholes looks nice!! I hope you get to go. Good luck with work today, you will achieve something!

Hehe Granit, I agree. Funny image.

grrrrrrr am really annoyed with one of the teaching agencies I work through - they have undercut my daily rate and are only paying me on unqualified rate. Yikes!

How can they do that when you're qualified?! Lame.

That campground looks beautiful! My husband and I are always debating whether camping with our 5-year old would be one long complaining session or if he'd like it. But I sure miss it!

Sam, Mrs. Kolo's description sounds like my experiences in US high school. It's not always totally crazy, but there's always a low level of "issues" going on. It depends too where you are. If you're in a nice, wealthy area, there aren't as many issues. If you're in a tougher area, many more issues. Apparently we breed aggression in the US. It's terribly embarrassing to be American sometimes.

What! Mrs Kolo that sucks. Tight-arses everywhere I tells ya. When will people realise that a better paid worker is a more happy and productive worker. I feel that way at least.

Kaux, it sucks that people in the spotlight in the US portray the 'typical American'. If only people could see the lovely people like you, and others on here. Those fame seeking peeps ruin it for everyone! (Not only in US).

Ah well tis the life I suppose - looking forward to camping tonight! Weather is looking nice.

Yes actually major issues in the classroom are actually not the major problem it is the low-level chatting, ignoring the teacher, throwing things, rudeness that gets to you. But - now I have left my last school I have quite a few kids have added me on facebook and are really sweet - nicer than some ex-colleugues!

Day 115 today - 4 months next thurs x

Have a great time camping, it'll be nice to get out and just don't think about work for a few days :) enjoy!

almost 4 months! holy crap! you're doing fantastic :D

right just uploaded 2 piccies - and need your opinions?

Excuse the very grim face!!

I commented! You can wear it out! How exciting!!!!

You look lovely, and I'm so glad you're camping out! I'm happy that the students have friended you, that's a huge sign of respect! I know what you mean about the classroom behavior.
I remember when (and I'm telling my age again) a stern look from the teacher was enough to silence the entire auditorium, because the look was the only warning you got before you were sent outside to stand or sit at a desk with a hall monitor standing right there.
Hope you enjoy camping!