My post
Find a Conversation
| Fri, 11-03-2006 - 1:40pm |
Some of you will remember that I was in school working on my teacher certification. Well, earlier in the week I decided I had to drop out. The music ed prof does not meet her responsibilities as a professor, and grades like the Marquis de Sade. As an example, a lesson plan which I considered some of my best work only got a 67. I know it's not me, because other profs AT THE SAME UNIVERSITY give me A's and B's. As far as her not meeting her responsibilities, she doesn't answer emails about 3/4 of the time, and can sometimes wait weeks to grade papers. I looked toward the future, and decided that I cannot trust her to be fair to me in student teaching- with her grading, I stand a good chance of not making it. And I can't afford to spend thousands on tuition for nothing.
Since I dropped out, I have been very depressed. I wondered if it was my incompetence as a student and not her that was the problem. Mostly, I have just been wondering what to do next- where to apply, etc. I have been crying a lot.
Please, I need help.
Express.
Beth "Petrouchka"

Beth,
I am sorry you are in this situation, and can certainly understand why you are so depressed. Was teaching where your heart is? If so, please consider picking it up again, either at another university, or go to someone at the old university about your concerns with this one professor. One bad prof should not stand in the way of your dreams! If you are truly ready to abandon teaching, then you need to find what your real passion is before you can clearly determine what to do next. Any thoughts?
I so understand how these circumstances can drag you down. I am in a somewhat similar situation (about to drop out, not with a bad prof, though). I think it is vital for people with depression/bipolar to keep busy, so as soon as you can, get back out there and pursue something.
Good luck! Sorry I couldn't be more help!
Cari
Thank you for answering so quickly.
I do believe that teaching is for me. I have a meeting planned with that prof's superior on Monday, we will see where that goes. I also have made inquiries at other schools. So, I guess I'm on the right track, but it is hard to say for sure. Regardless, I am depressed.
Express!
Beth "Petrouchka"
Beth, that sucks. I firmly believe that their are some bad teachers out there. From kindergarten on up and that if you have the unfortunate experience of getting one, there's only one thing to do - transfer. My 19 yo dd is a junior at UCF in Orlando and we are learning first hand just how expensive it is. Thank goodness she has a scholarship.
I do not blame you for wanting to spend your money wisely and with benefit!! It's a setback, but temporary until you can figure out a new plan. In the meantime, work the grief and depression out till you can regroup.
Many hugs, Kelli
Hi again!
Excellent that you are taking steps to move forward! A little unsolicited advice, hope you don't mind: when you meet with the superior, try to keep emotion out of it. It may be tempting to bash the prof to this person, but I would recommend bringing up your financial concerns as well as highlighting the extreme difference between your grades in this class and your grades with other profs. The more professional you can keep the talk, the more seriously they will take you. Most universities have to think about their finances, too, so I think beginning with something like "I don't want to leave your school for somewhere else, so I'd like to discuss ways to address my concerns with you" might get the superior motivated.
Above all, don't waste another second thinking that this is your 'incompetence'. Walk into that meeting with pride. You have the grades to back you up. We all meet these challenging personalities from time to time. They can be formidable obstacles, but they can be overcome!
You can do this! The world needs dedicated teachers, and you can be one of them.
Hope you feel better,
Cari