New level/new subject/mid-year!

[Miss MA]

Thank you, all who have responded. I appreciate your input.

The board votes on my contract this week. I am sick of feeling sick and anxious, and seriously considering pulling out of the deal prior to the board's vote. We have two weeks until a week's vacation and then a new term begins. They could get someone else until the end of the year.

Except that money and benefits hang in the balance. Not sure if they really balance out how much I detest this job, though.

[Furthuron]

As for the talking/disruptions, I had my first teaching job in a similar situation (although at least it was in my subject matter), but the kids were undisciplied from their previous teacher, and they LOVED to talk. We were reading a novel, and instead of leading the discussion myself, I had the kids partner up and peer teach their chapter. The class was much more quiet for their peers than they were for me. It sounds like it will be a long semester, but you just have to do what you can while you can for these kids.

Good luck!