Dear CEWL Coach,

Help! I'm a first-year high school English teacher with three preps, and I've run into a bit of a grading nightmare. One of my student's parents expects me to grade every assignment within 24 hours and upload the grade to the class portal for them to see. I barely have time to sleep, let alone meet this unrealistic demand when I teach 137 students. What should I do?

Sincerely,
Exhausted Educator

Dear Exhausted Educator,
First, take a deep breath. We remember those days, and you're not alone in facing challenges like this. Balancing teaching responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially in your first year. Here are a few suggestions to handle the situation:

Reach out to the parent and express your commitment to providing timely feedback to their student. Share that while you are dedicated to giving thoughtful and constructive feedback, grading every assignment within 24 hours is not feasible. You may want to share a more practical timeline for the receipt of grades…perhaps within a week for major assignments and a few days for smaller ones. Assure the parent that you prioritize the quality of feedback over speed. Encourage them to check in periodically for important updates or contact you if they have specific concerns or questions about their student's performance.

If the issue persists, consider discussing it with your school's administrators. They may be able to provide guidance or offer support in managing parental expectations, ensuring that everyone involved understands the challenges and time constraints associated with teaching.

Sincerely,
Your CEWL Coach

 

Dear CEWL Coach,

I’m an early career middle school math teacher and I have new and innovative ideas that I believe would benefit our students. Whenever I share my ideas with my team of veteran teachers, they frequently dismiss them due to my youth. How can I get them to listen to me and trust in my abilities?

Sincerely,
First Year Teacher Left Behind


Dear First Year Teacher Left Behind,

First of all, kudos to you for being willing to share new and innovative ideas with your team! It's disheartening to feel dismissed, but navigating challenges such as this is crucial to establishing a collaborative and supportive team.

Here are a few CEWL strategies to help you along the way:

Have open-minded conversations. When engaging with your colleagues, approach discussions with an open mind. Actively listen to their perspectives, seek to understand their teaching philosophies, and express appreciation for the valuable contributions they bring to the table. Hopefully, doing so will cultivate an environment of reciprocity and mutual understanding.

Introduce ideas gradually. When sharing a new idea, start small. Sharing one or two concepts at a time allows for a more digestible introduction to your methods, making it easier for others to comprehend and embrace your innovative approach.

Encourage inclusivity. Invite everyone to share their thoughts and suggestions. Encourage them to contribute to your ideas or incorporate elements of their successful practices into your innovative approaches. Not only will this collaborative spirit bridge generational gaps, but it can also create a sense of unity within the team.

Remember, change can be challenging for anyone, and it often takes time to shift established practices. Be patient, stay true to your passion, and continue fostering positive relationships within your team. You have valuable contributions to make, and with time, your colleagues may come to appreciate and embrace your innovative ideas—and your students’ higher test scores.

Best of luck on your teaching journey!

Sincerely,
Your CEWL Coach