Job Discussion Forums

khmerhit · Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 8:43 pm Post subject:

the CELTA was rather anxiety inducing

but not as bad as learning to drive with my dad, an impatient teacher

or having a beautiful but mad girlfriend Laughing

or my first class in

C A M B O D I A
try it and see Cool

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

What about situations where, with no warning, you just feel an anxiety attack coming on? I knew a teacher who never had anxiety problems before, but one day he just freaked before going into his class. I think he went in eventually, but he had to really force himself. What would you do in that situation?

johnslat · Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 9:25 pm Post subject:

Dear Teacher in Rome,

See a shrink ASAP.

Regards,
John

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 9:46 pm Post subject:

And/or a doctor. Sometimes the symptoms of a panic attack are relatively similar to, and can be a sign of, other health problems.

I had a friend who had a truly unexpected panic attack, saw a doctor, and discovered that his sudden "nerves" were caused by a previously undiagnosed heart condition.

Best,
Justin

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

I always get nervous with a new class/new school etc. The last two summers I have worked in summer school, and get a new group every 11 teaching days. So I get that anxious feeling quite often.

Im actually on a two week break now...and I will be nervous monday when I return to class, even though the majority of students will be the same! Its not so bad that it worries me though...I think its kinda natural. It normally passes when the bell rings and I begin. The anxiety is normally on the way to class, rather than actually in it.

Its important to remember the students often feel the same way. Their nerves may even last all the way through the class too! They may worry about 101 things, making mistakes, speaking aloud...etc etc. Being nervous before class helps me understand my students a bit better sometimes I think. As nervous as I may be before each of my summer school groups, I do think its a lot worse for them! They dont know me, the other students, and they dont know what to expect either.

As far as the other posts...I actually find teaching the easiest job I have done. Maybe I've been lucky with my employment etc...but I definately find it easier than my previous employment. Im not the greatest, and I have lots still to learn and practice, but I enjoy it. I enjoy it a lot...perhaps thats why I find it less challenging. Doing something you love is a lot easier than doing something you hate I guess!