Some among us make comparisons. From the hallway, we can peer into our door to watch our students at work (or not at work). Then we pivot to look into the neighbor's door, and we can't help but make comparisons.
Both classes are so well behaved.
We're on the same track.
Or not. More than compare, we tend to make contrasts. We see the differences, and we make mental notes.
The parents of her kids are obviously in a higher economic class.
Why did she get all the good kids?
See a problem yet? I wonder why we do this. I didn't do the research, but I'm pretty sure it would look something like this:
Both classes are so well behaved.
We're on the same track.
Or not. More than compare, we tend to make contrasts. We see the differences, and we make mental notes.
The parents of her kids are obviously in a higher economic class.
Why did she get all the good kids?
See a problem yet? I wonder why we do this. I didn't do the research, but I'm pretty sure it would look something like this:
68% of teachers believe their classes are from a lower social class than other classes.
59% of teachers believe their classes perform with less success than other classes in the same building.
61% of teachers believe their classes are more disruptive than other classes in the same building.
65% of teachers believe students in their classes are more likely to be diagnosed with hyperactivity than other students.
I don't know why we tend to believe we have it harder than others. It's similar to the little competition we get into when discussing the weather.
"Sure is hot, isn't it?"
"'Could be worse: I remember when I lived in Phoenix. Whoo! One day the thermometer his 114!"
"Well, that's a dry heat. I took a trip to South Carolina one summer, and the humidity practically killed me. People were dropping like flies."
Is this human nature? Why do we compete to have the best - or worst - story?
Are some classes more challenging than others? Absolutely. Is it more difficult to inspire some groups than others? Yes. Can you do anything about it? Probably!
This is where we might be focused on the wrong things. Rather than see where they are, we need to envision where they are going. Take them to the next level. Get them through the next step. Help them see their successes by helping them see their improvements.
And stop worrying about where you stand in contrast to others. Even if you did somehow inherit the "Sweathog" group, do something about it. You think complaining will make things better? Think again. You think bragging about how bad you have it is going to reduce your stress? I guarantee it will not.
Remind yourself to do your best. Admit if you need some relief. Seek to improve with the help of the people around you.
"Sure is hot, isn't it?"
"'Could be worse: I remember when I lived in Phoenix. Whoo! One day the thermometer his 114!"
"Well, that's a dry heat. I took a trip to South Carolina one summer, and the humidity practically killed me. People were dropping like flies."
Is this human nature? Why do we compete to have the best - or worst - story?
Are some classes more challenging than others? Absolutely. Is it more difficult to inspire some groups than others? Yes. Can you do anything about it? Probably!
This is where we might be focused on the wrong things. Rather than see where they are, we need to envision where they are going. Take them to the next level. Get them through the next step. Help them see their successes by helping them see their improvements.
And stop worrying about where you stand in contrast to others. Even if you did somehow inherit the "Sweathog" group, do something about it. You think complaining will make things better? Think again. You think bragging about how bad you have it is going to reduce your stress? I guarantee it will not.
Remind yourself to do your best. Admit if you need some relief. Seek to improve with the help of the people around you.
