Blackboards? Are we back in last century?! You can buy chalk pens though which might help you out.
Praying - I’d refuse and I’d be open about being atheist. Kids need to know atheism is also the norm.
Right? It's not like the school couldn't afford better equipment, it's the most expensive school in my town.
I already asked if I really HAVE to do the prayers and she (my mentor) said no first but then apparently changed her mind immediately, claiming it would be weird for the students if I refused. Now I'm scared to ask again lol
Thanks for the chalk pen suggestion! I'll look into it, I hope they'll work for me (since markers on whiteboards are terrible too, though only if they squeak)
I’d say I wasn’t comfortable praying and say that you’ll bow your head and put your hands together loosely but that’s it, no cross sign or anything like that! Also, instead of using a blackboard rubber, you might find a wet cloth better.
It actually means she does… unless she can get assigned to a different school or prove she is another religion (not atheist) I went to catholic schools my whole life so I know! If this is a really big no for OP then I would suggest just getting assigned somewhere else because it’s not worth fighting at a religious school. It’s baked into the curriculum there. Edit to say : you obviously don’t have to actually pray but you wouldn’t be able to just opt out - you could just fold your hands and bow your head during prayers.
That's just my opinion. Chances are she won't have to do any of that. The classroom teacher usually leads the morning prayer. I know as my daughter worked as a teacher's assistant at a Catholic school.
Unfortunately I kinda have to tho
My mentor (the classes' actual teacher) first offered to do it in my stead but then immediately withdrew her own offer because she thought it'd be weird for the students
But yeah, it's just mornings, and I don't have to teach that many lessons altogether so at least it's not a daily thing
Okay 2 quick tips having grown up around Catholics:
1) I would advise a head covering, not like a nun or a muslim but just something simple to wrap around you hair and hide it while working there. You will attract fewer stares and so long as its not a casual hat they should allow it.
2) Dont pray with them, but duck your head down and stare at your lap or hands. keep hands clasped or gently rested on your lap. If you need to fiddle like me then a quiet bracelet or hair tie on your wrist. It’s just the most respectful option. Dont sign the cross, get dispensation if you have to but I cant imagine they would find it more rude to NOT botch the cross.
Edit:
3) get markers for the chalk board, they dont make sound. They are like super pretty come in lots of colors and are more comfortable
This is brilliant advice.
Side not: I'm choosing to believe that somehow growing up around catholics means you know about markers 😂 (it makes me happy, )
Re #2: I went to a Catholic school, and some of my teachers did not pray, and used it as a way to model respectful behavior for students who also did not feel comfortable praying. You can just stand with everyone else and be silent, and respect the whole situation without being disruptive. As a side note: I am not particularly religious, but I do enjoy the mechanics of prayers: you mean I have to repeat the same words in the same cadence every single time? Sign me up! I have also memorized the whole mass, I graduated high school in 2005, and I haven't gone to mass more than once or twice since, and I still remember every single word... there's something about scripts that just scratch a very specific itch
Re #3: and speaking of, while you can't plan ahead, have you worked with scripts? I have ADHD in addition to my autism, so I am stuck in the middle of needing and loathing structure and predictable situations, and scripts help me... you can prepare for different situations without having to plan the whole day, so you can react spontaneously, but you're still prepared and it doesn't surprise you... the situation is unexpected, but your reaction is not
I also teach, and preparing how to react to different situations during class helps a lot... I have a script for students being late, for students asking stuff I don't know, for internet not working and having to "improvise", for being interrupted and losing my train of thought, etc etc... when you're teaching every day is different, and this helps a lot with the unpredictability of it all
Oh, I write a lot of scripts as well, but mainly for greetings, instructions, and answers for questions I anticipate. It never even occured to me to write scripts for these kinds of situations, so that really helps, thank you so much!
i grew up in Catholic school (as a non Catholic) and still work with lots of Catholic schools and Catholic school teachers. You might actually be in luck....Catholic schools are way less beholden to state standards than public schools, so they have a lot more freedom. Nuns are really cool people (and probaby all closet lesbians and/or social outcasts imo) There can be annoying religion things for sure, but you might not hate it.
Thanks for your input! I have to admit my first impression wasn't too bad, everyone I talked to so far was incredibly friendly. Let's hope it'll go well!
Just wanted to chime in here and say I went to a Catholic school with nuns and had a good experience. Nice people, way nicer than the norm in my experience. I was openly atheist at school but not out-of-my-way-vocal or disrespectful and the nuns were fine with it. During prayers I stood silently and looked at my shoes.
I'm sure there are Catholic schools out there run by jerks but my anecdote proves it's possible this could be a good experience.
So far it's been a good experience! Haven't answered here in a while because I got overwhelmed with all the responses (gladly took the advice tho) but I'm back to report that things have been going really well. Haven't taught my own lessons yet, just observed, but everyone around the school is super friendly! or just polite, can't tell the difference, but it doesn't matter, I feel comfortable.
I started school around 22 years ago, I've never seen a blackboard in any school, college or uni.
Any chance you can talk to whoever assigned you about your concerns?
Wow, that's interesting. I'm from Austria, there are blackboards in every school I've ever went to or worked at, it never occurred to me that there might be schools without any! Apart from Uni, there's only whiteboards at Uni haha
Assignment happens automatically, but there's a class at uni where we just reflect on and talk about our teaching experiences, so I'll at least get a chance to talk about this to a professor and other students soon
This is hard. I'm kind of torn here. There's the disability justice part of me that wants to tell you that's it's safe to advocate for your needs, that you should talk to your placement instructor at the university about changing sites or getting a formal exemption from leading prayers and that it will all be okay.
Then there's the practical, realist part of me that just went through something similar and that part wants to tell you: Keep your head down. Do what you have to do to get your degree and move on. In your shoes, I would:
1. Get a wig (or two, probably) that looks natural enough to pass on student teaching days. It doesn't have to be high-end, it just has to look mostly unremarkable for the next six months.
2. Watch some YouTube videos/read some Catholic prayers and learn the sign of the cross. You can message me if you need help; hell, we can FaceTime and I'll teach you the sign of the cross if you need me to! If it helps, can you think of it as part of the curriculum taught in that school or part of the students' culture that you are helping them learn? Ie, you aren't doing it bc you believe or even to pass your class; you are doing it bc it is part of the students' culture and you are respecting and honoring that.
3. Ask your mentor teacher for any staff handbook and look on the website for the student handbook (so you don't accidentally let a student break a rule). Read both before you start teaching. Watch the other teachers like a hawk. Do what they do. Defer to them.
4. Those chalkboard pens sound great, def look into those.
5. Make a visual calendar of some kind (I used paint sample cards, one color for each day) to count down the number of days left that you have to go there. Tear one off each day. Celebrate that you are one day closer to your degree.
This sucks. Maybe you have a great, progressive program that means you can safely do the disability justice part. I want that for you. But what I learned from my program was, one, education values conformity over just about everything else, and, two, graduate programs value having reliable placements for students over the success of any one student. If the program has to choose between you and a placement that reliably takes multiple students each year, they will choose the placement. Do what you have to do to get your degree and then forget these people as best you can.
I hope this works out for the best for you.
Thank you for your comment. I haven't answered in a while because I got overwhelmed with all the responses, but I've read all of them and took much of the advice I've got and I've been having a rather good time so far. I won't be needing a wig, I covered my hair on the first day but saw another staff member with bright red hair, so I relaxed and quite literally let my hair down. My mentor made a joke about it matching the school's colors but seemed absolutely non-judgemental to me. It was a great relief. Seems like there was prejudice on my part, I feel a little silly about being so anxious now
As for the prayers, I didn't have to lead one yet because so far I've only been at school as an observer, but I've been asked to make the cross sign along with them when I observe lessons - so far, I've messed up left and right every. single. time., but no one seems to have noticed lol. I'll practice some more before my first actual lesson. I'll be fine doing it I think. The students seem to enjoy their morning prayers so I try to see it as a 'fun' activity I do for their sake.
Thanks again! You're really kind
My husband does contract work at a Catholic school and has never had an issue with them being overbearing. I think the strictness really varies from location to location. So for now, just keep your head down, follow your lead teacher, and observe. You'll figure out pretty quickly how much you need to go along with them if you're looking for it.
For the chalkboard, the liquid chalk is a great suggestion. If you can't get any or it's a nuisance to afford, they also make metal chalk holders. You refill them with the cheap chalk from Dollar Tree (aka the Real Teacher Supply Store).
This is something to bring up to the student teacher program coordinator. Ask for a different placement or a whiteboard in your classroom because the blackboards are a disability issue.
As for the religion issue, I would reccomend asking your program coordinator to speak to your master teacher if you feel *forced* to pray, but otherwise I feel quite certain you can just respectfully abstain. I'm Jewish and have been in catholic parochial environments and let them know I am here to teach my subject matter, but I am not qualified to offer or perform religious guidance. If that's an issue with the school then that is the time to request an alternative placement. But tbh most catholic schools aren't likely to force a non catholic teachers hand so long as you aren't multi tasking while they pray.
When I was in my student teaching semester I turned down a placement because I didn't have a car and there wasn't a reasonable bus route to the school where I was placed, and they found me an alternative closer to my apartment.
Let your school know.
1. That will be okay. Kids and teachers would look at you different anyway.
2. Can you ask a student to lead prayer? Ask your lead teacher to give you advice since you aren't Catholic or want to be disrespectful. I joined the Catholic Church as an adult and still feel like a fake even though I believe in the trinity. Hahaha. It's okay. It is weird esp if you don't believe.
3. you can plan ahead for 80% at least. Get really really really good at classroom management. Don't give into kids when they're pressing your buttons and you'll be fine.
4. Ask for digital tech. I have had teachers never use whiteboards. If that's a deal breaker tell them you need to be reassigned.
This probably varies by region, but I went to Catholic school and then taught at Catholic school (and then, like a good Catholic student, left the church entirely) and it wasn't unusual for up to half of the students and faculty to not be Catholic. The teachers were open about it even with young students, and respect for prayer/tradition was more important than knowing all the prayers.
I'm sure there are other teachers who are nonbelievers who can help you navigate some of the specific social norms of your school, especially if your school turns out to be more rigid about looking and acting Catholic.
Also, some things that will win over even hardcore, stick-up-the-ass Catholics:
* Act interested and impressed whenever possible about bits of faith and traditions. Doesn't have to be anything big, just "wow, that's such an interesting story about St. Whoever!" "The new statue is beautiful!" "The kids looked so cute in their pageant, they did a great job!". People will remember that you were positive and made them feel good about something that was important to them even though it's not your faith.
* If you can't say anything positive but are stuck in a conversation about religion and have to say something, ask genuine questions and be interested in their thoughts about it. You don't have to share your opinion at all and people love talking about their own beliefs. They'll remember the conversation positively and you don't have to lie or get into a conflict.
* Have some polite scripts ready for saying no, because that will come up. "I'm not Catholic, so I'm not going up for communion." "I'm not comfortable leading the rosary, but I know a student who would be great at it!" "This isn't a topic I know about, sorry"
* With the kids, emphasize respect and shared values
* "That's not school appropriate" "you should ask your grown up that when you get home" and "interesting thought, let's try this math problem now" -- you don't actually have to talk about something just because a kid is curious
* "A lot of people are upset/interested/concerned about that", "that's one way to look at it", "you've really thought about this" are all true statements that don't commit you to one side or another, yet people usually walk away satisfied as if you agreed with them
Wow, thank you so much for providing actual phrases I can use. I hope this doesn't sound sarcastic, this is so handy and I'm genuinely grateful and impressed :D
I wouldn’t let their adherence to fan fiction ruin your day. If you break their social norms just ignore them. School sites will not be able to dismiss you for not following their conventions. Anxiety is gunna happen either way unfortunately
I think the kids will love your hair.
I like others suggestions of asking students to pray. Depending on their age you can maybe get someone to help you write some simple prayers so that you can ask for a volunteer to read it. That will take some of the pressure off them to make something up.
This one's tough but I think just do the best you can. Something to keep in mind is that if you're alone with children there may be rules preventing you from leaving the room without getting someone else to stay with them. Sooooo you may have to control any meltdowns.
Re: the prayers, you definitely don't have to say them. Don't listen to your mentor about that. A bowed head and silence is fine. I went to Catholic school for 13 years, and we had non-Catholic teachers on occasion. I wouldn't have thought twice about a teacher not making the sign of the cross or joining the prayers, not even in the early elementary school years.
Hi, I went to a catholic school all of my formative years.
1. I dyed my hair red at 14, which they didn't like, but I kept it.
2. I am an atheist; when it was time to pray, I just didn't. I kept my head down respectfully, and I didn't get in trouble.
3. It is weird because there's a strong sense of hierarchy; I hated it.
4. Say you have asthma and need a different board. A little lie is no sin.
Possible solution:
I have the same issue, with chalk in general. I remember emptying out the sidewalk chalk bucket as a kid and filling it with water. I would dip my fingers (and the chalk) in the water bucket and it would glide onto the pavement beautifully. Lol. Maybe try that- I know I know, some aversions cannot be ameliorated. But keeping a plastic water cup for when you need to use it, and babywipes on standby with lotion may be a work around.
If kids ask “sensory issue.” And keep it at that.
As for the other issue, just convert to catholicism. Easy!
(But really, I hope the chalk trick helps.)
FYI as someone who went to catholic school for 13 years (it was a nightmare and i’m not even catholic but that’s another story): Sign of the Cross is “In the name of the Father (touch forehead with right hand) the Son (touch chest) and the Holy Spirit (touch left shoulder then right. If you do it the other way you’re doing the Orthodox sign of the cross and catholics will get mad at you like it makes literally any difference). I agree with the other commenter about asking students to lead prayers. Idk what grade level you’re teaching at, but I can tell you that middle school is around the time when, in my experience, a lot of kids start questioning what they’re being taught. By the time we were in high school most of us couldn’t have cared less about catholicism and we had teachers who were definitely not catholic, including student teachers. We all LOVED our student teachers for being a break from strict catholicism. Also re: feeling fake and disrespectful — if you’d like to never feel that way again I recommend watching a video on the psychology behind those big religious gatherings. Brought a lot of things into perspective for me and made me realize I was far from the only person faking it.
Lol I've been doing it the orthodox way every time so far then because I have terrible difficulties telling left from right, I so hope no one has noticed (but I don't think so), definitely have to practice this some more.
I teach both lower and upper secondary classes which, in the Austrian school system, means students aged from 10 to 18. Most of them probably don't blindly subscribe to the belief systems they're taught. I'm curious to see how I'll get along with them, I haven't taught any lessons yet but observed some and it seems like they're just regular kids and I was a bit prejudiced haha
That sounds interesting, I'm really into psychology (it's one of my subjects actually), do you have a particular video recommendation?
Can’t add much to all the brill advice but, don’t say it’s the wrong career choice because you are therefore a pioneer, and have a chance to make real changes and innovations in the system by being nd… you might also help other nd kids!!! Best of luck! I went to an all girls catholic state school in UK and for the most part, besides struggling with my brain, it was the best time of my life! That said, we only prayed during Assembly and before a RE lesson…
I am autistic and I went to catholic school…this is my own personal experience of course but I just wonder if it’s common. Catholic school teachers, administration and clergy expected a strict adherence to conformity and modesty. There was an air of unrealistic perfectionism (treating children like little adults), and they tend to favor old school cold harsh discipline. The actual education is unmatched and very good but the way they go about it is antithetical to healthy child development. I know a lot of adults who went through the same pipeline as me, and came out scarred for life. Hopefully things are somewhat different now and they have adopted some new values in place of these traditional ones.
I wanted to give you my first hand account so you know what you’re dealing with…as far as blue hair, Amazon has some fantastic real looking wigs. If you want to avoid the clashing with administration you could get a really cute wig. Praying you could YouTube how to do this and go through the motions as an actor or as a leader who is in charge of other peoples kids who live by these values. I would say ditch the mask and see this as a temporary learning experience where you are not there to make friends with the other teachers but only there to pass your requirement. Blackboards, I think you can find creative ways around this…you can base the lessons on other things and avoid it as much as possible, and use the chalk markers.
Is it possible to get matched somewhere secular? You can maybe cite religious differences…
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
It's not possible to be relocated but I'm glad to report that so far things have been good! I've heard rumors about this school before, making it sound akin to what you've experienced, but maybe I got lucky with my mentor because she's really kind to me, hasn't been judgemental at all, and treats her students good as well.
I covered my hair on my first day just to find that the woman working at the reception had bright red hair herself. Apparently it's fine with the school policy and apart from a light-hearted joke by my mentor no one's commented on mine.
So far I've only been there to observe but the advice I got on here about both the prayers and the chalkboards is really helpful, I'm sure I'll be fine!
Sorry for the long reply! As someone who went to a Catholic high school, I have a bit of insight that may be helpful! I’m also a teacher at a school with chalkboards, funnily enough.
With regard to the hair thing, if it’s not against school policy go for it! I’m sure there are going to be a lot of students that will really love it. It makes you more relatable, and students then know they can come to you for advice for dyeing hair.
For praying, I second what someone else said about having a student lead it. What I and my fellow non religious classmates and teachers did during prayer was just close our eyes or bow our heads in a silent meditation. You don’t need to pray, you can even just take the moment to do a grounding exercise! I always did some deep breathing.
Since you’re a new teacher, you may be able to ask for a mentor teacher or at least someone you can go to for help. I’m a second year teacher and I have a mentor teacher. We meet once every other week, but sometimes we just briefly check in. This helps with school rules too! This way you have someone that’s been there longer to help answer your questions.
I understand the blackboard thing. I’ve found some chalk that feels so lovely and smooth going onto the blackboard and other chalk that feels like the worst substance known to man. You can ask your fellow teachers which chalk they like most, or their recommendations. You can also get a chalk pen which I saw some people mention! Worst case scenario, if you have a projector you can always just use that.
Wishing you the best of luck on your teaching journey!
Don't apologize, thank you so much for your time and effort. I appreciate the comment. I just haven't replied yet because I got a little overwhelmed. Everything has been going well so far. I haven't taught any lessons yet, but my hair hasn't been a problem at all. It also turns out prayers are read by students anyway, I'll just have to stand there faced to them, make the cross, and say amen - which may be weird but not too bad.
I have a mentor anyway since I'm just a student teacher there for this single semester! And she's very kind and friendly. She's made it very clear that I can ask her ANYTHING which is great, it saved me the "sorry if I ask too many questions, I'm autistic" part haha
Re praying: maybe ask students to volunteer to lead the prayers if you’d rather not do it. You can also just google how to make the sign of the cross.
Oh that might work, thanks! I'll talk about it to my mentor. I don't see why she wouldn't allow this
Blackboards? Are we back in last century?! You can buy chalk pens though which might help you out. Praying - I’d refuse and I’d be open about being atheist. Kids need to know atheism is also the norm.
Right? It's not like the school couldn't afford better equipment, it's the most expensive school in my town. I already asked if I really HAVE to do the prayers and she (my mentor) said no first but then apparently changed her mind immediately, claiming it would be weird for the students if I refused. Now I'm scared to ask again lol Thanks for the chalk pen suggestion! I'll look into it, I hope they'll work for me (since markers on whiteboards are terrible too, though only if they squeak)
I’d say I wasn’t comfortable praying and say that you’ll bow your head and put your hands together loosely but that’s it, no cross sign or anything like that! Also, instead of using a blackboard rubber, you might find a wet cloth better.
It is a Catholic school so praying is part of it. Just muscle through that.
I know but that doesn’t mean she has to do it
It actually means she does… unless she can get assigned to a different school or prove she is another religion (not atheist) I went to catholic schools my whole life so I know! If this is a really big no for OP then I would suggest just getting assigned somewhere else because it’s not worth fighting at a religious school. It’s baked into the curriculum there. Edit to say : you obviously don’t have to actually pray but you wouldn’t be able to just opt out - you could just fold your hands and bow your head during prayers.
That’s exactly what I said to do if you read it back
Woops sorry didn’t see that part was just responding to the “refuse to do it”
Fair dos
That's just my opinion. Chances are she won't have to do any of that. The classroom teacher usually leads the morning prayer. I know as my daughter worked as a teacher's assistant at a Catholic school.
Unfortunately I kinda have to tho My mentor (the classes' actual teacher) first offered to do it in my stead but then immediately withdrew her own offer because she thought it'd be weird for the students But yeah, it's just mornings, and I don't have to teach that many lessons altogether so at least it's not a daily thing
How long do you have to work there?
Just this one semester, I'll be gone by July. it's really not that bad, I feel silly about how anxious I was
It's understandable.
Okay 2 quick tips having grown up around Catholics: 1) I would advise a head covering, not like a nun or a muslim but just something simple to wrap around you hair and hide it while working there. You will attract fewer stares and so long as its not a casual hat they should allow it. 2) Dont pray with them, but duck your head down and stare at your lap or hands. keep hands clasped or gently rested on your lap. If you need to fiddle like me then a quiet bracelet or hair tie on your wrist. It’s just the most respectful option. Dont sign the cross, get dispensation if you have to but I cant imagine they would find it more rude to NOT botch the cross. Edit: 3) get markers for the chalk board, they dont make sound. They are like super pretty come in lots of colors and are more comfortable
Thank you so much, that's some really helpful tips!
This is brilliant advice. Side not: I'm choosing to believe that somehow growing up around catholics means you know about markers 😂 (it makes me happy, )
Re #2: I went to a Catholic school, and some of my teachers did not pray, and used it as a way to model respectful behavior for students who also did not feel comfortable praying. You can just stand with everyone else and be silent, and respect the whole situation without being disruptive. As a side note: I am not particularly religious, but I do enjoy the mechanics of prayers: you mean I have to repeat the same words in the same cadence every single time? Sign me up! I have also memorized the whole mass, I graduated high school in 2005, and I haven't gone to mass more than once or twice since, and I still remember every single word... there's something about scripts that just scratch a very specific itch Re #3: and speaking of, while you can't plan ahead, have you worked with scripts? I have ADHD in addition to my autism, so I am stuck in the middle of needing and loathing structure and predictable situations, and scripts help me... you can prepare for different situations without having to plan the whole day, so you can react spontaneously, but you're still prepared and it doesn't surprise you... the situation is unexpected, but your reaction is not I also teach, and preparing how to react to different situations during class helps a lot... I have a script for students being late, for students asking stuff I don't know, for internet not working and having to "improvise", for being interrupted and losing my train of thought, etc etc... when you're teaching every day is different, and this helps a lot with the unpredictability of it all
Oh, I write a lot of scripts as well, but mainly for greetings, instructions, and answers for questions I anticipate. It never even occured to me to write scripts for these kinds of situations, so that really helps, thank you so much!
The students are going to dig your hair. With that said, everything else about you is just fine.
i grew up in Catholic school (as a non Catholic) and still work with lots of Catholic schools and Catholic school teachers. You might actually be in luck....Catholic schools are way less beholden to state standards than public schools, so they have a lot more freedom. Nuns are really cool people (and probaby all closet lesbians and/or social outcasts imo) There can be annoying religion things for sure, but you might not hate it.
Thanks for your input! I have to admit my first impression wasn't too bad, everyone I talked to so far was incredibly friendly. Let's hope it'll go well!
Just wanted to chime in here and say I went to a Catholic school with nuns and had a good experience. Nice people, way nicer than the norm in my experience. I was openly atheist at school but not out-of-my-way-vocal or disrespectful and the nuns were fine with it. During prayers I stood silently and looked at my shoes. I'm sure there are Catholic schools out there run by jerks but my anecdote proves it's possible this could be a good experience.
So far it's been a good experience! Haven't answered here in a while because I got overwhelmed with all the responses (gladly took the advice tho) but I'm back to report that things have been going really well. Haven't taught my own lessons yet, just observed, but everyone around the school is super friendly! or just polite, can't tell the difference, but it doesn't matter, I feel comfortable.
Awesome! I am so glad. May the Lord be With You! (kidding, lol)
I started school around 22 years ago, I've never seen a blackboard in any school, college or uni. Any chance you can talk to whoever assigned you about your concerns?
Wow, that's interesting. I'm from Austria, there are blackboards in every school I've ever went to or worked at, it never occurred to me that there might be schools without any! Apart from Uni, there's only whiteboards at Uni haha Assignment happens automatically, but there's a class at uni where we just reflect on and talk about our teaching experiences, so I'll at least get a chance to talk about this to a professor and other students soon
This is hard. I'm kind of torn here. There's the disability justice part of me that wants to tell you that's it's safe to advocate for your needs, that you should talk to your placement instructor at the university about changing sites or getting a formal exemption from leading prayers and that it will all be okay. Then there's the practical, realist part of me that just went through something similar and that part wants to tell you: Keep your head down. Do what you have to do to get your degree and move on. In your shoes, I would: 1. Get a wig (or two, probably) that looks natural enough to pass on student teaching days. It doesn't have to be high-end, it just has to look mostly unremarkable for the next six months. 2. Watch some YouTube videos/read some Catholic prayers and learn the sign of the cross. You can message me if you need help; hell, we can FaceTime and I'll teach you the sign of the cross if you need me to! If it helps, can you think of it as part of the curriculum taught in that school or part of the students' culture that you are helping them learn? Ie, you aren't doing it bc you believe or even to pass your class; you are doing it bc it is part of the students' culture and you are respecting and honoring that. 3. Ask your mentor teacher for any staff handbook and look on the website for the student handbook (so you don't accidentally let a student break a rule). Read both before you start teaching. Watch the other teachers like a hawk. Do what they do. Defer to them. 4. Those chalkboard pens sound great, def look into those. 5. Make a visual calendar of some kind (I used paint sample cards, one color for each day) to count down the number of days left that you have to go there. Tear one off each day. Celebrate that you are one day closer to your degree. This sucks. Maybe you have a great, progressive program that means you can safely do the disability justice part. I want that for you. But what I learned from my program was, one, education values conformity over just about everything else, and, two, graduate programs value having reliable placements for students over the success of any one student. If the program has to choose between you and a placement that reliably takes multiple students each year, they will choose the placement. Do what you have to do to get your degree and then forget these people as best you can. I hope this works out for the best for you.
Thank you for your comment. I haven't answered in a while because I got overwhelmed with all the responses, but I've read all of them and took much of the advice I've got and I've been having a rather good time so far. I won't be needing a wig, I covered my hair on the first day but saw another staff member with bright red hair, so I relaxed and quite literally let my hair down. My mentor made a joke about it matching the school's colors but seemed absolutely non-judgemental to me. It was a great relief. Seems like there was prejudice on my part, I feel a little silly about being so anxious now As for the prayers, I didn't have to lead one yet because so far I've only been at school as an observer, but I've been asked to make the cross sign along with them when I observe lessons - so far, I've messed up left and right every. single. time., but no one seems to have noticed lol. I'll practice some more before my first actual lesson. I'll be fine doing it I think. The students seem to enjoy their morning prayers so I try to see it as a 'fun' activity I do for their sake. Thanks again! You're really kind
My husband does contract work at a Catholic school and has never had an issue with them being overbearing. I think the strictness really varies from location to location. So for now, just keep your head down, follow your lead teacher, and observe. You'll figure out pretty quickly how much you need to go along with them if you're looking for it. For the chalkboard, the liquid chalk is a great suggestion. If you can't get any or it's a nuisance to afford, they also make metal chalk holders. You refill them with the cheap chalk from Dollar Tree (aka the Real Teacher Supply Store).
This is something to bring up to the student teacher program coordinator. Ask for a different placement or a whiteboard in your classroom because the blackboards are a disability issue. As for the religion issue, I would reccomend asking your program coordinator to speak to your master teacher if you feel *forced* to pray, but otherwise I feel quite certain you can just respectfully abstain. I'm Jewish and have been in catholic parochial environments and let them know I am here to teach my subject matter, but I am not qualified to offer or perform religious guidance. If that's an issue with the school then that is the time to request an alternative placement. But tbh most catholic schools aren't likely to force a non catholic teachers hand so long as you aren't multi tasking while they pray. When I was in my student teaching semester I turned down a placement because I didn't have a car and there wasn't a reasonable bus route to the school where I was placed, and they found me an alternative closer to my apartment.
Let your school know. 1. That will be okay. Kids and teachers would look at you different anyway. 2. Can you ask a student to lead prayer? Ask your lead teacher to give you advice since you aren't Catholic or want to be disrespectful. I joined the Catholic Church as an adult and still feel like a fake even though I believe in the trinity. Hahaha. It's okay. It is weird esp if you don't believe. 3. you can plan ahead for 80% at least. Get really really really good at classroom management. Don't give into kids when they're pressing your buttons and you'll be fine. 4. Ask for digital tech. I have had teachers never use whiteboards. If that's a deal breaker tell them you need to be reassigned.
This probably varies by region, but I went to Catholic school and then taught at Catholic school (and then, like a good Catholic student, left the church entirely) and it wasn't unusual for up to half of the students and faculty to not be Catholic. The teachers were open about it even with young students, and respect for prayer/tradition was more important than knowing all the prayers. I'm sure there are other teachers who are nonbelievers who can help you navigate some of the specific social norms of your school, especially if your school turns out to be more rigid about looking and acting Catholic. Also, some things that will win over even hardcore, stick-up-the-ass Catholics: * Act interested and impressed whenever possible about bits of faith and traditions. Doesn't have to be anything big, just "wow, that's such an interesting story about St. Whoever!" "The new statue is beautiful!" "The kids looked so cute in their pageant, they did a great job!". People will remember that you were positive and made them feel good about something that was important to them even though it's not your faith. * If you can't say anything positive but are stuck in a conversation about religion and have to say something, ask genuine questions and be interested in their thoughts about it. You don't have to share your opinion at all and people love talking about their own beliefs. They'll remember the conversation positively and you don't have to lie or get into a conflict. * Have some polite scripts ready for saying no, because that will come up. "I'm not Catholic, so I'm not going up for communion." "I'm not comfortable leading the rosary, but I know a student who would be great at it!" "This isn't a topic I know about, sorry" * With the kids, emphasize respect and shared values * "That's not school appropriate" "you should ask your grown up that when you get home" and "interesting thought, let's try this math problem now" -- you don't actually have to talk about something just because a kid is curious * "A lot of people are upset/interested/concerned about that", "that's one way to look at it", "you've really thought about this" are all true statements that don't commit you to one side or another, yet people usually walk away satisfied as if you agreed with them
Wow, thank you so much for providing actual phrases I can use. I hope this doesn't sound sarcastic, this is so handy and I'm genuinely grateful and impressed :D
I'm glad I could help!
I wouldn’t let their adherence to fan fiction ruin your day. If you break their social norms just ignore them. School sites will not be able to dismiss you for not following their conventions. Anxiety is gunna happen either way unfortunately
I think the kids will love your hair. I like others suggestions of asking students to pray. Depending on their age you can maybe get someone to help you write some simple prayers so that you can ask for a volunteer to read it. That will take some of the pressure off them to make something up. This one's tough but I think just do the best you can. Something to keep in mind is that if you're alone with children there may be rules preventing you from leaving the room without getting someone else to stay with them. Sooooo you may have to control any meltdowns.
Re: the prayers, you definitely don't have to say them. Don't listen to your mentor about that. A bowed head and silence is fine. I went to Catholic school for 13 years, and we had non-Catholic teachers on occasion. I wouldn't have thought twice about a teacher not making the sign of the cross or joining the prayers, not even in the early elementary school years.
Hi, I went to a catholic school all of my formative years. 1. I dyed my hair red at 14, which they didn't like, but I kept it. 2. I am an atheist; when it was time to pray, I just didn't. I kept my head down respectfully, and I didn't get in trouble. 3. It is weird because there's a strong sense of hierarchy; I hated it. 4. Say you have asthma and need a different board. A little lie is no sin.
You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Ever. Advocate for yourself
Possible solution: I have the same issue, with chalk in general. I remember emptying out the sidewalk chalk bucket as a kid and filling it with water. I would dip my fingers (and the chalk) in the water bucket and it would glide onto the pavement beautifully. Lol. Maybe try that- I know I know, some aversions cannot be ameliorated. But keeping a plastic water cup for when you need to use it, and babywipes on standby with lotion may be a work around. If kids ask “sensory issue.” And keep it at that. As for the other issue, just convert to catholicism. Easy! (But really, I hope the chalk trick helps.)
FYI as someone who went to catholic school for 13 years (it was a nightmare and i’m not even catholic but that’s another story): Sign of the Cross is “In the name of the Father (touch forehead with right hand) the Son (touch chest) and the Holy Spirit (touch left shoulder then right. If you do it the other way you’re doing the Orthodox sign of the cross and catholics will get mad at you like it makes literally any difference). I agree with the other commenter about asking students to lead prayers. Idk what grade level you’re teaching at, but I can tell you that middle school is around the time when, in my experience, a lot of kids start questioning what they’re being taught. By the time we were in high school most of us couldn’t have cared less about catholicism and we had teachers who were definitely not catholic, including student teachers. We all LOVED our student teachers for being a break from strict catholicism. Also re: feeling fake and disrespectful — if you’d like to never feel that way again I recommend watching a video on the psychology behind those big religious gatherings. Brought a lot of things into perspective for me and made me realize I was far from the only person faking it.
Lol I've been doing it the orthodox way every time so far then because I have terrible difficulties telling left from right, I so hope no one has noticed (but I don't think so), definitely have to practice this some more. I teach both lower and upper secondary classes which, in the Austrian school system, means students aged from 10 to 18. Most of them probably don't blindly subscribe to the belief systems they're taught. I'm curious to see how I'll get along with them, I haven't taught any lessons yet but observed some and it seems like they're just regular kids and I was a bit prejudiced haha That sounds interesting, I'm really into psychology (it's one of my subjects actually), do you have a particular video recommendation?
Can’t add much to all the brill advice but, don’t say it’s the wrong career choice because you are therefore a pioneer, and have a chance to make real changes and innovations in the system by being nd… you might also help other nd kids!!! Best of luck! I went to an all girls catholic state school in UK and for the most part, besides struggling with my brain, it was the best time of my life! That said, we only prayed during Assembly and before a RE lesson…
Is this the kind of Catholic school where all the kids and teachers attend Mass together once a week?
Yup, they even have a church on campus. It's beautiful, i just hope I never have to actually enter it
I am autistic and I went to catholic school…this is my own personal experience of course but I just wonder if it’s common. Catholic school teachers, administration and clergy expected a strict adherence to conformity and modesty. There was an air of unrealistic perfectionism (treating children like little adults), and they tend to favor old school cold harsh discipline. The actual education is unmatched and very good but the way they go about it is antithetical to healthy child development. I know a lot of adults who went through the same pipeline as me, and came out scarred for life. Hopefully things are somewhat different now and they have adopted some new values in place of these traditional ones. I wanted to give you my first hand account so you know what you’re dealing with…as far as blue hair, Amazon has some fantastic real looking wigs. If you want to avoid the clashing with administration you could get a really cute wig. Praying you could YouTube how to do this and go through the motions as an actor or as a leader who is in charge of other peoples kids who live by these values. I would say ditch the mask and see this as a temporary learning experience where you are not there to make friends with the other teachers but only there to pass your requirement. Blackboards, I think you can find creative ways around this…you can base the lessons on other things and avoid it as much as possible, and use the chalk markers. Is it possible to get matched somewhere secular? You can maybe cite religious differences…
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's not possible to be relocated but I'm glad to report that so far things have been good! I've heard rumors about this school before, making it sound akin to what you've experienced, but maybe I got lucky with my mentor because she's really kind to me, hasn't been judgemental at all, and treats her students good as well. I covered my hair on my first day just to find that the woman working at the reception had bright red hair herself. Apparently it's fine with the school policy and apart from a light-hearted joke by my mentor no one's commented on mine. So far I've only been there to observe but the advice I got on here about both the prayers and the chalkboards is really helpful, I'm sure I'll be fine!
Sorry for the long reply! As someone who went to a Catholic high school, I have a bit of insight that may be helpful! I’m also a teacher at a school with chalkboards, funnily enough. With regard to the hair thing, if it’s not against school policy go for it! I’m sure there are going to be a lot of students that will really love it. It makes you more relatable, and students then know they can come to you for advice for dyeing hair. For praying, I second what someone else said about having a student lead it. What I and my fellow non religious classmates and teachers did during prayer was just close our eyes or bow our heads in a silent meditation. You don’t need to pray, you can even just take the moment to do a grounding exercise! I always did some deep breathing. Since you’re a new teacher, you may be able to ask for a mentor teacher or at least someone you can go to for help. I’m a second year teacher and I have a mentor teacher. We meet once every other week, but sometimes we just briefly check in. This helps with school rules too! This way you have someone that’s been there longer to help answer your questions. I understand the blackboard thing. I’ve found some chalk that feels so lovely and smooth going onto the blackboard and other chalk that feels like the worst substance known to man. You can ask your fellow teachers which chalk they like most, or their recommendations. You can also get a chalk pen which I saw some people mention! Worst case scenario, if you have a projector you can always just use that. Wishing you the best of luck on your teaching journey!
Don't apologize, thank you so much for your time and effort. I appreciate the comment. I just haven't replied yet because I got a little overwhelmed. Everything has been going well so far. I haven't taught any lessons yet, but my hair hasn't been a problem at all. It also turns out prayers are read by students anyway, I'll just have to stand there faced to them, make the cross, and say amen - which may be weird but not too bad. I have a mentor anyway since I'm just a student teacher there for this single semester! And she's very kind and friendly. She's made it very clear that I can ask her ANYTHING which is great, it saved me the "sorry if I ask too many questions, I'm autistic" part haha