What do I do when my brain is telling me to quit

[rowyourboat]

I was so excited to enter the teaching world. I was assigned with a highly effective co-teacher in a school where everyone works hard and is dedicated to their students. But working with my co- after now 3 months, I feel like I have regressed as a teacher and as a person. She runs the classroom and has an effective routine, while I have fallen too quiet and unsure of what I should do to help my struggling students. I feel too dependent on her and on others to make decisions and have been doubting myself nonstop. I fall back and forth between anxieties of having so much to do and depression of not getting things done. I can't remember how to balance everything, or how to work productively, or how to be the energetic and positive person that I once was. Every day my brain tells me to just quit, but by thinking that way I'm keeping myself from actually making progress and getting better. I'm scared that in my next observation, my principal will see that I am not being effective and then my family will know that I have ruined my future. I just don't know how to make things better besides giving it up

[Dolphin14]

Don't give up. Get into a routine where you can keep yourself organized.

Is this a student teacher situation you are in?

Observe the other teacher and decide what traits of hers you would like to add to your own teaching style.

Have a talk with her if that's possible. Ask for suggestions.

Sounds like she has more experience? You will find your way. Don't give up.

[rowyourboat in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you so so much, I know you are right. This is my first year as a teacher. It feels like I've spent so much time being the quieter one and in relying on her that I'm worried I've forgotten how to be confident and manage everything in and outside of the classroom. it feels like I still haven't figured out exactly what I need to do to help, and I've been letting myself get too caught up in the negative and defeatedness. She has a lot of experience and is extremely energetic and effective, and all I feel is like I'm stuck in her shadow. Thank you for telling me that I will find a way

[Dolphin14 in reply to rowyourboat]

You will find a way. Have faith in yourself.

When we are new at something we do look at the experienced in awe of their comfort at what they are doing.

Takes time to build your confidence. Then one day you realize " ok I got this"

I can do this and I can do this well.

I think everyone in every job has a " style" that's what makes us all unique.

Kids need good teachers. It's such an important job. You can do this

[sweetiepye]

Talk to your co-teacher and let her know how you feel.. If she has been carrying the burden of the classroom she will probably be glad to know you want to be an equal partner. Have you divided up the instruction time equally and the classroom management chores. Most of teaching is learned on the job. Observe other teachers, the more successful ones and emulate them. I get the impression you need to develop a more take charge attitude. It is too soon to have a teaching style. Education is always changing and teachers have to change along with it. You will always be learning something new. Teaching is not a job where you can show up, do your work and go home. It is a commitment to your students that you will do your best for them. You will have the opportunity to change lives. It is not a career for a passive person. Pam

[Chancalot]

I use to be a teacher so I feel what you are saying. Because you two co-teacher you can adopt the strategies that work well in the classroom. It works best when teachers work together and don't have two distinct styles.

[Hidden]

Your mind can tell you everything it wants to but your heart tells you where you need to be

[2resistant]

Question it. Why is it telling you to quit? Find the underlying reason (always is one) and challenge it. With the help of a therapist if needed.