How can I flip the switch?

Teacher Support &/or Advice

This is my 9th year teaching, 1st at new small high school campus. One thing that I’ve struggled with all year is respect. At other high schools I’ve taught at the respect level was always about the same. Not here. Students leave the classroom without permission, sometimes ignore direct instructions, all things that in previous years I would not let slide.

But this year is different. This school is different. There have been multiple times where a student has told me we’re having a fire drill that period, admin is thinking about you teaching on-ramps classes next year, things they have no business knowing. It seems like the campus just accepts this, among other blatant issues, as normal.

That is a big part of why I’m struggling this year. Another much bigger portion is pain. I’ve had chronic pain in my lower back and lower extremities since 2022. Since then my pain has gotten worse. I have ADA paperwork that covers flare ups and doctor’s appointments, but lately it hasn’t been enough.

,

What should I do? How can I earn their respect when I honestly don’t give a shit.

Posted Feb 26, 2026, 3:19 AM UTC

22
Loading comments…