Reflection Fest: Biggest Challenge of 2013

Reflection Fest Day 3: Biggest Challenge

Today, let's reflect on our challenges so far this year. What has kept you up at night, made you worry, or tested your resolve? This may be a single moment or an ongoing struggle.

My biggest struggle as a coach this year has been helping new teachers tackle what sometimes seems like an impossible job. When I go into classrooms filled with so many needs and so little resources, it's hard to feel like I can ever do enough to support the teachers I work with. This response from School Support Specialist Shelia Banks really hit home for me:

• "In a time of reform and transitions, some teachers are stressed and need a shoulder to cry on. In my role as a support specialist, I sometimes have to be the person who listens and understands, even if I have to wipe a few tears. Its hard to see teachers care so much about their students and feel like they aren't doing enough when they are trying so hard."

Reading responses from our Tch community, I'm reminded of what a challenging and essential job teachers have:

• "The hardest thing is seeing sweet kids come in tired, unbathed, and/or hungry." -- Katie Novak, K-12 Reading Coordinator, Chelmsford, MA
• "In September, a student at our school was killed in a horrific car accident. I was out of the state for a funeral at the time and found out about his death via Twitter. I didn't know the boy personally, but many of my students did, and to watch them grieve his loss and be unable to do anything to comfort them was heartbreaking. Over time the school community has done a great job of healing the emotional wounds left by the loss, but those first few days were incredibly hard on all of us." -- Maia Goodman, High School English Teacher, Sunnyvale, CA

Share your biggest challenge in the comments below.

More Reflection Fest 2013:

* Funniest Moment
* Most Inspiring Moment
* Favorite New Thing
* Your Goals for 2014

Lily Jones taught K/1 for seven years in Northern California. She has experience as a curriculum developer, instructional coach, teacher trainer, and is also a contributing writer for Teaching Channel.