Being moved from K to 4/5
This was my third year teaching, and overall, I truly feel like it was my best year yet. All of my students performed at or above grade level, but unfortunately my observations did not go well because I get extremely nervous being watched. As a result, I received a very poor final evaluation and will most likely be placed on an action plan next year.
On top of that, I’m being moved from kindergarten to teaching 4th and 5th grade ELA. I’ve only ever taught kindergarten, and working with little ones has always been my passion. I honestly can’t picture what life looks like in upper elementary, especially since if I had to move up in grades, I’d much rather teach math or science.
I’ve already started applying for other positions, but I know my evaluation has already cost me at least one opportunity. Right now, I feel completely stuck and unsure of what to do. Is there actually hope for me moving forward? How do I get principals to look beyond one evaluation? Should I even be considering careers outside of education?
If I stay where I am, I’ll be teaching two grade levels I’m not passionate about while also likely taking on additional requirements from an action plan. At the moment, it honestly feels like my teaching career has been handed a death sentence.
What should I do?