HI,

I'm on a 6 week medical leave. I will be out of money within the 6 weeks.

Last year I filed a grievance against my boss through NEA: threatening me, inappropriate and possibly illegal stuff, I was her "target" all year. Sought counseling, MD also told me to find other work. Didn't follow NEA recommendation to hire lawyers against boss... just started looking for other jobs...

Small town, highly Hispanic, college in town supplying young teachers who are bilingual, have a Masters and other endorsements. I am 55, a single mom, have a B.A. and 93 credits. Well loved and desired by parents, volunteers, etc.

Barely made it last year. No job offers. Returned to get a "class from hell", with a SED kid who is there because he has family connections. HE is with me all day. Incredible stress, 3 other boys HDAD, one Autistic girl. 26 kids.

Was nearly hospitalized due to severe stress reaction and depression. On meds, can't sleep or eat: the 6 week leave and financial trouble have created even more stress.

Applying for other jobs. How can I go back to that boss and that classroom? I am empty and extremely depressed, no desire to work with kids, just so tired and lost.

Anyone had a nasty supervisor and then the worst class they've ever had in their life? Do you leave? How do you know if you can go back to the classroom? Right now I don't know if I can ever be the same teacher for those needy 2nd graders.

Help! PLEASE!

More and more speical needs students and larger class loads is more the norm in today's society. And you made a choice last year not to hire attorneys.

Perhaps you are burnt out of teaching and need to go into some other lines of work.

I think anyone who's ever taught has had at least one class from hell!! Luckily we don't all have to put up with a supervisor from hell too! I was a bit confused as to whether this new job was in the same school system as the "fun-loving" supervisor?? I would not go back into that situation after your contract is up. There are school environments out there that are pleasant to work in. But on the flipside, burn out happens and sometimes the best way to cure it is to take a break. Seek a job doing something else that does catch your interest. Do that job for a while and then if you want to go back into teaching again too.

Teaching is a VERY stressful job and kids have a way of pushing all the right buttons until they get you all flustered. Having administration that don't do their jobs properly just makes it worse. I used to go home stressed every single day because I took things personally. When I finally realized that I could decide what stressed me out things got better. What I mean by that is when a kids causes problems, deal with those problems in the classroom, but whatever you do: DO NOT BRING THOSE PROBLEMS HOME!! School stays at school and home stays at home. If a supervisor is giving you a hard time and you have to put up with it... take what they say with a grain of salt and move on. You are a professional. You went to school and worked hard to get where you are. Yes that person maybe your "boss" but they should treat you as a person and a colleague not an enemy or a student. If they can't do that then other than turning in necessary work or reporting to them when need be, don't give them the time of day. They don't deserve it.

YOU are the queen/king of your classroom... don't let them take your throne;)

I have a boss similar to yours and contacted NEA/VEA about him, along with several other people apparently. He is just not a good leader, he is a bully and bad tempered. I will not allow him to break me down. I have been at the school longer than him and in the community for over 30 years--he will NOT defeat me! Anyhow, I know he is a jerk and I also know I am tenured, but I also know he can make my life miserable. This is what I would suggest you do...

1. If you have it in you, stroke his/her ego--even if you don't need it, it may be a power thing. If this is not your personality (not mine), then avoid the them if at all possible. Be professional, but short, sweet and to the point--kill them with kindness, you cannot control them but you can control yourself. Never argue with an idiot, they will only drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

2. Learn the laws that can support what you need. If you have a lot of SPED kids, if you have more than 9 in a class, they are required to give you an aid (at least in Virginia). Learn the "Americans with Disabilities Act". Also, you need to look at FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act)--if your doctor is requesting additional time, by law they cannot release you from your job--you are guaranteed a job (maybe not your previous job, but one of equal pay). NEA and your regional/district/local chapter can also help with guidance on this. They were great in my case--gave me pointers on how to ask questions, answer them and so on.

3. Never talk to this person without somebody else in the room, if you have an assistant prinicpal that can sit in on any conversation that will keep things on the straight and narrow. (unless they are both bad! EKKKK).

Educate yourself, make sure you have your ducks in a row and be careful how you say things and what you say. Try to keep your emotions out of the equation.

Good luck!