How do I stop taking things so personally?

Hi all.

I’m a teacher of history. In my region, history is not a compulsory subject in the last two years of schooling for secondary students. Therefore, it is truly the work of history teachers to show students how interesting and rewarding history can be in their final years of high school.

Recently, 5/10 students in my year 11 class have said they aren’t going to pursue history in year 12 because it’s their lowest scoring subject. I was shocked at hearing this, but after going home and reflecting on it, I am so devastated. There is also a feeling of betrayal as I thought they were enjoying the subject. I have such a passion for this subject, but the policies and nature of final year schoolers is tough as it’s based on a ranking system. I have been open and honest to my Year 11 students that year 12 is very hard, exam marking is external and very strict. It may have been my toughness that drove them away. But I can’t help but now question my effectiveness as a history teacher. I will admit this year has been overwhelming with taking leadership duties and creating junior units of history, that I have not put in as much effort for my year 11s as I could have. I have known some history teachers in the past to cause loss of interest in the subject because of how little commitment they had and low quality of teaching. This situation makes me wonder… have I become like them? Have I become one of those teachers who kills interest in the subject? It makes me so disappointed in myself and makes me feel like a fraud.

Trying to rationalise and put this situation in perspective but it is so difficult. I would love some advice on how not to take things that happen in my workplace, so personally.

@lowselfesteem92 I am sorry to hear you are in a tough position as a teacher. Nowadays that is one of the hardest jobs to do.

It sounds like the tests are done by an external testing organization. That makes your job even harder.

I found in the workplace I had to have an avocation. I did creative things like music and writing and exericising to allow myself to cope. It was not easy. I think the key for me was to lessen putting my identity in the workplace and my job and to find activities that really gave me a sense of fulfilllment. That may be difficult for you because I heard teachers work long hours to do everything needed.

Non reaction is a skill I am trying to develop. Mindfulness has helped me a lot. Both the free app Healthy Minds and the free resources at Palouse Mindfulness helped me develop new perspectives.

CANDC

[If you want me to see your reply to this post please include @CANDC in your message - not in requoting my message]

@CANDC
Hi CANDC
Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy issue.

Your words are empowering and uplifting. I will try the mindfulness apps. I also agree with “non reaction” and to “lessen” my identity and instead take on a more rational approach. I believe this will be the right way to go. It won’t be an overnight success. I think it will take a long time to practice and perfect. I am willing to persist. Being a teacher is a hard, complicated job at times especially when one is so heavily vested emotionally. But I am optimistic in working towards a more rational frame of thinking.
Thank you so much ❤️

I am not, nor have I ever been a teacher, so take this for what it's worth.

In a nutshell, you will not have students whose hearts aren't really into the subject. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to really teach at a deeper level. There's a lot to be said about that. There will be less distractions from students not really invested, and possibly opportunities to branch out teaching styles, such as using AI etc. History books often teach on a limited spectrum or perspective of a subject. You could delve into or discuss how it was for those on the other end of that spectrum or discuss it from a different angle. Opens kids up to expand their thinking and realize there is more to a subject than what is in a book.

I have been out of school for many years, so you may already do some or all of the above. I also realize you may be restricted due to the teaching program and the external marking system you mentioned.

If you find the positive in what is happening (and there is one), the kids will get the benefit of it.

@lowselfesteem92

Quote:

Hi CANDC Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy issue. e of thinking. Thank you so much ❤️

You are welcome. You are right this is not an overnight fix but in my case I think of 5 year plans.

Quote:

The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

CANDC

@RockyRoad007
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about my situation. You are absolutely right. And as a history teacher, I do incorporate those innovative ways of teaching. But I could do more of that with my class and future classes.

Thank you once again.

My dad was a teacher and from everything he’s said, it sounds like teaching is a lot like juggling while walking a tightrope— you have to balance a lot of factors while meeting the demands from multiple parties. I think being a tough teacher is a good thing so long as you are fair. I also think that, while you can do your utmost to make the subject as engrossing as possible, there will still always be some students who do not have the interest. In that case, you’ve done all you can. It sounds like the cards are stacked against you as well since you said that your subject is not mandatory. I personally think that’s disgraceful, as history can teach us many things not just about the past, but how to handle situations in the present, as well as what our future can be if we ignore the lessons of the past. I think being a great teacher is one of the hardest things one can accomplish, next to stabdup comedy and being a great single mom. That’s just me though lol.

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How tough is your grading, compared to that of your colleagues?

I'm wondering what you mean by external exam marking. Does that mean that you don't make up or grade the final test? If so, that does put you in a tough situation.

In grades 11 and 12, I had little interest in history. I didn't even watch the news to follow current affairs. Now I mostly watch news commentary programs, and I read some world history every day. Getting teenagers interested in history can be quite a challenge. I think you are too hard on yourself, in thinking that you should have made it more interesting to them. Those "external" requirements kind of dictate what you must teach, if I understand the reference.

I see a silver lining in this situation. The 5 students who return for year 12 history will be the more motivated ones, who also likely to have more interest in history. That means you can teach at a higher level to them. You might be able to make a small class like that really some fun. You can give each student more attention. Each of them will have more time to participate in class discussions. You can make believe you're working in an elite prep school, where student to teacher ratios are intentionally kept low.