On the other hand, sometimes these programs just don’t work out and it has nothing to do with the teacher (In only 6 years experience I have seen several come and go. Talk to people who have been teaching for 20+).

I also lost a teaching job due to budget cuts once. You know what I did? I went out and got another one in a different district. There are also private schools and charter schools.

Focus on your students this year. Do not stress about what may or may not be in the future. I wish you all the luck in the world.

Are you on medication for your disability? I have a couple good friends with bipolar disorder and as long as they take their medication they are fine.

Teachers are so underpaid not only with a paycheck but some times do not get the appreciation from the parents. You are the ones that give our child the skills they need to be successful. Thank you for choosing to be a teacher and go in knowing you can do this and you just may surprise yourself.

But seriously, one poster said get books on teaching older kids, that’s a great idea. You should have a good grasp of how to learn from books (well, that’s what my whole college experience was), plus the two people you mentioned can be your mentors.

Finally being bipolar is not an excuse. Just go on meds and/or therapy and it should have hardly any impact on how you live your life.

quitting is not an option. Please think of it from a different perspective. Change your view from what you are scared of to what those kids need. These kids need a supportive and confident teacher. You have the ability to change lives. This job comes with huge responsibility. First and foremost, you need to be there for these kids.

and yes they are just kids. yes, they can be demanding, judgemental, scary to outsiders… but forgiving and caring once they decide you are there to help them.

So, here is the rub. I guarantee that you WILL feel like a failure after your first year with these kids. WHAT?!! (I know, you are looking for support)

here is my reasoning: I don’t know of any teacher who after there first year in middle school says that it all went perfectly. You will be frustrated, unsure of yourself and questioning your efficacy. This is completely normal. I can also guarantee that this is positive. This means that you will be looking to improve. Things that did not go well -will be improved for try two. (or three or four) No new teacher is perfect.

So get over yourself (said in the best positive thinking) and DO something for these kids who need you.

A wise master once said, “Do or do not. There is no try.” Ok… so that wise master was Yoda. Nonetheless, it’s good zen stuff.

I don’t know how much latitude you’ll have but the students will get hooked on reading if you make it relevant to their experiences and interests. There are tons of possibilities and ways to make it fun and meaningful.

Good luck !