help! My students are always in the counselor’s office and now they are behind

Dear, we are teachers.

I have an eighth grade student who has seen more and more counselor offices in my class over the past month or so. Sometimes she asked to leave during class, sometimes she would return from the counselor’s pass, and sometimes I would receive an email from the counselor to let me know she was in the office. Obviously, my support is any support this student needs, but she has failed since class. I’ve talked to the students about her lack of homework, to no avail. I know the next step is to contact my parents, but I don’t want to submit it to them in case they don’t know (or why) she’s been seeing the counselor. what would you do?

– Between Nursing and Courses

Dear tbcac,

We hear you. This situation is frustrating.

First, it is not wrong to note that the student’s absence has had an impact on her academic performance. You are also wise and cautious in handling your parents’ situation. It is not uncommon for students to consult with what is happening at home. Digging out what is confidential is not our role.

This is the way forward to respect boundaries, but is still advocating your students to learn:

1. Loop directly in the counselor. You might say, “I want to make sure we are consistent in how best to support it [student] Academic, she also needs to fulfill her emotional needs. Would you be willing to work together to develop plans to help her catch up? “This gives counselors the opportunity to share any environment they can (or cannot) and to use the issue as a teamwork rather than a complaint, and also gives you an idea of whether and how to reach parents.
2. Provides flexibility – but not invisibility. If the student’s well-being affects her ability to engage in regular classroom work, perhaps she can make a modified version of the assignment or meet during the consultation/learning hall.
3. Cautious documentation. Not in a “cover your butt” way (although let’s be a reality – so too), but if a conversation with a parent or administrator comes up, you have a clear idea of what is going on. Stick to the facts: Missed assignments, absent dates, any communication attempts.

You are walking beautifully along the route – don’t let your heart convince you that you have done less than you have ever done.

Dear, we are teachers.

I’m very upset. I’ve just been told that my contract has not been renewed next year and although no one has said it completely, it’s obvious that the reason is that my absence is mine. I have cancer diagnosis and have recovered for several months. I have always been a dedicated first-grade teacher and once I was cleared I came back, but when I returned, my tone changed. I didn’t attend the planning meeting, I didn’t make a decision, and now it’s. I tried to stay professional, but it felt like I was punished for an uncontrollable health crisis. What can I do, or do I just have to keep moving forward?

-Based on Biology

Dear BBB,

This hurts, it should. What happened was wrong.

Assume your administrator has nothing: We are glad you are here. Surviving cancer is not a small matter. After this trauma, return to the classroom, physically, mentally, emotionally – hard. And welcomed by rejection and silence? Not only is this unfriendly, it can be discriminatory.

So let’s break it down:

1. Understand your rights. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Sick Leave Act (FMLA), you have the right to provide certain protections with sick leave and return to work. I would definitely recommend consulting with your union representative or employment rights. Even if you decide not to pursue anything, knowledge is power, you should know if your rights have been violated.
2. Recognize that it has nothing to do with your value. It may feel personal (how is it possible?), but unfortunately many regions prioritize “coverage” and consider reliability to loyalty and life experience. This does not reflect your value as an educator, but rather a system that often sees teachers as interchangeable parts.
3. Start planning for the next chapter. Whether in another area, new roles in education, or even outside the classroom, have regained some power for the rest of the year. You didn’t choose this setback, but you can choose what will happen next.

And, please let yourself be sad. Sad work you will miss the feeling of students, betrayal. But don’t let it put out the part you choose this profession first.

Dear, we are teachers.

I am teaching fifth grade science for the second year. We just got state test results and honestly, I was overwhelmed. A large part of my class hasn’t been through and while I know some students are struggling, I think we’re doing better than that. I tried to distinguish, had a comment meeting, stayed in touch with my family, but the scores didn’t reflect that. Now, I’m preparing for data meetings and shameful conversations with administrators. I couldn’t help but feel that I had failed. How do I prevent myself from eating confidently and how can I bounce back from this blow?
– Put it in the shame of standardization

Dear Sith,

Hold my hand. Looking into my eyes. Repeat after me: You did not fail. You teach a lot of systems over the year and still catch up. Tests cannot be measured.

It’s frustrating to pour your heart into your work and then use a single data point for you. This is not only frustrating, but also misleading. The data should be a guide rod, not a final prosecution.

Here’s how to take root:

1. enlarge. Standardized testing is a snapshot. They did not show it to children who eventually learned how to ask questions in the classroom. They did not show students second-year students, but they were still growing. They do not show the security, structure or spark you bring to the room. You know what’s going on. It’s not just a spreadsheet.
2. Actively use the data you have. You sound like the kind of person who might be better at meeting your government, talking about the patterns you’re noticing, areas of focus next year and professional development requests in related growth areas. The shared data is not displayed either. Your administrator will thank you for taking the initiative and you will be able to enjoy the rest of the summer without having to wait for the first week of the big horror meeting.
3. Check with your instructor or trusted colleague. Ask them if they have such a year and how to manage it. Spoiler: They may have. Have I had a year of gasping and putting my hands in my heart (like a sleepy Victorian woman) to see how many students I have failed to perform standardized tests? Yes. Yes, I have. Actually, what feels like a permanent mark on your record is a pretty common part of the teaching journey.
4. Better than the system. A rough test season doesn’t define your career. do what? Your ability to reflect, learn and adjust. You are already doing this, and that’s what makes you a great teacher.

you are not alone. Many amazing educators feel your feelings. It’s important that you can recover, not prove they are wrong, but because those budding fifth-grade scientists still need you.

Do you have a burning problem? Send us an email at AskWeareTeachers@weareteachers.com.

Dear, we are teachers.
This summer, I participated in an interview with our team’s vacancy. After studying each candidate online, I found that my principal’s best choice is Tiktok’s teacher Tiktok’s influencer with over 10k followers. She features student faces, promotes sponsored content in the classroom and appears to have hundreds of dance videos, even with students! I immediately informed my principal, but she just shrugged. I feel very uncomfortable with the privacy of my students at risk. Should I contact this teacher before the school year begins to make her influencer business outside campus or wait until she works with her?
– Not here