Daily Vlog | I Was Not Okay

[@RobDawnFenwick]

We all thought that Covid would change parents to appreciate teachers more. Wishful thinking! Stay true to yourself.

[@charlangethompson1982]

I hope you start feeling better. Teachers are not appreciated enough. Keep being you. You are an amazing teacher.

[@ToyshiaHughesJohnson]

Yes bullying and micro-aggressions from parents never ok…I experienced this in my previous district and began having anxiety attacks I left that place 3 years ago and today I have a great position in a new district…

[@marie-louisedekort9360]

I feel you. Here in Curaçao where I work, I experience the same thing. Parents feel so entitled. And I have been working for 23 years. So I know what I’m doing. You just can’t please everyone. Just keep on being you, that’s all we can do.

[@johnlopez3996]

Things just end up becoming crazy in the middle of October with all of the academic demands and extra or unnecessary activities that you are expected to deal with in such a short amount of time. There are those special parents out there who will never be satisfied with what teachers do for their students. They will approach you and begin with, "We don't want to tell you how to run your class, but....". Before I started teaching back in 1992, I wrote a letter to my third grade teacher, and he told me to focus on what went well during the day and the enjoyment that you receive from the job. I hope that you will feel better. I am sending you a hug. Take care.

[@lataneyawilliams6156]

Yes! I've been there! Just keep yourself in a good space with no negativity and drama. Turn on music and read, pray, exercise find good movies or TV shows, and just enjoy your calm pace. Those habits are my favorite to do for my mental health.

[@joytimmerman6185]

You are a wonderful teacher. I can relate to you so much. The thing I always try to remember is Progress not Perfection. I can be so hard on myself. Prayers for a better week ahead.❤

[@teachjackie9667]

It’s just stress. A few parents ganged up against me and unfortunately, I left that school because the harassment didn’t stopped. That non-supportive principal was put out of that school too. She just got another principal position this year after at least three years. I just kept teaching elsewhere.

[@FocusOnWhatYouLove-t6c]

Very sorry to hear that happened to you. Hugs 💜💜💜

[@madelinehstn]

Please remember that teaching is simply a job and that classroom will still run if you are there are not. Please remember that you are a human first and take care of yourself. Life is simply just too short. ❤

[@janeb2958]

Gentle virtual hugs. I can relate to so much of what you're talking about... it helps to know others are on the same journey!

[@gailsherman2853]

Sending well wishes!!! You really are a remarkable human and teacher! Don’t ever forget that.

[@ronnier98]

Oh, I know that group of parents very well! They can make the daily routine of teaching challenging because they want to in control! They finally quietly went away after I scheduled weekly meetings at 11:45 pm on Thursday or Friday (lunch break for them), gave them grade level tasks like field trips, and having their scholars call them for things I would normally not be bothered with during class like no pencil, no paper, not returning something, etc. They finally got tired an went somewhere and sat their little busy bodies and mouths down somewhere.

[@amberenglish7651]

I say this all the time, parents are the hardest part of teaching. Kids will be kids, and honestly are the most enjoyable part of the the profession. We were having a discussion about his recently and I shared with my coworkers that the first time, in my whole life, that I truly felt bullied was once I became a teacher - which in some way makes it harder because I’ll never understand why adults choose to act this way. Thinking of you during the hard season, and praying you get to the other side of it sooner rather than later!

[@kathysiddons6469]

Hey girl. I'm in a nearby district, and I feel it, too! I agree that remaining true to your teacher self and providing boundaries will definitely help your mental health. ❤ Thinking of you.

[@jenniferrichardson550]

Absolutely can relate and those parents can have several seats 😒. You are the expert and the quality of work you prepare for your students is vetted and well planned . Give yourself some Grace and self care is always priority. They would have had someone in your place sub plans or not. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾

[@nappyashley]

The way I wouldve "gril, please" that parent lmao. You are so patient. I think my students have rubbed off on me LOL

[@mellisaleonard418]

I agree that teachers need to be trusted more and families should not go above teachers to admin. as the first conversation about a question or concern! It’s often miscommunication that could be addressed in one conversation with the classroom teacher.

[@MargaretSmith-i1t]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS. YOUR A GREAT PERSON AND I WISH I COULD HAVE HAD YOU FOR A TEACHER. YOU ARE AMAZING

[@deborayoung1315]

Your authenticity is encouraging, and a model of professionalism, and you absolutely know alot about what many students are like, because you've known so many. You are a guiding light, thank you ❤🎉

[@sherrifry521]

You're not being dramatic, La Tawnya! Honestly you are so dedicated, confident, and creative! I've learned so much from you. You've been knocked down. You are strong and you will rise above the craziness. You always do!

[@trinaj.2427]

Hope you feel better soon. Rest well. ❤ This school year as far as schedule for not looking at work 24-7. 😂 I decided that Friday once I leave school. I do not look at anything school related until Sunday afternoon. It’s been working so far but it’s still a challenge. I teach 7th grade so definitely can relate☺️

[@SmartieStylelr]

There is just always something to do roaming around in my head.

[@LaurieReynoldsReed]

You appear to be an amazing and intentional Teacher. Make yourself a PRIORITY and invest in yourself even more than you already are. I hope you feel better...try some chicken noodle soup or any comfort food. It helps !

[@nataliewilliamson3343]

Sorry you are going through some things. For what it’s worth you are one of my favorite educators to learn from and I wish my own children could have you as a teacher. Keep on keepin on. ❤

[@SmartieStylelr]

Thank you!

[@allysonmariemusic]

“We all need to be a little bit better.” 👏🏼 Sending all the well wishes!

[@JoanieVan]

I hope you feel better in the morning ❤ The stress of dealing with those parents has worn down your immune system. It is disheartening to know how hard you are working and there are parents who think they know better than you. They do not realize how much training a teacher goes through to become a teacher. Like you said, you are an expert on dealing with the age group you teach. Many parents are just learning how to deal with their one child. Parenting is difficult, but teaching is equally as difficult, if not more so, because of all you have to deal with (student drama comes to mind)! You are very articulate and you teach exactly the way I did. I have so much respect for all you do. Be well, my friend😊

[@regisnyder]

I hope you’re feel well soon. The whole sub set-up situation was an eye opener for me. I’ve always taken my SPTO for granted. I wish I was that parent that volunteered in a teacher’s classroom so s/he could get a break but I don’t like kids that up close and personal 😄 And I’ve always been one to believe teaching is a calling and not just anyone should be given a license to teach. You are a thorough educator and I’m sure your students ❤ you! Some parents think they can parent the school staff!

[@iamcoachsteph]

Hope you feel better soon. Luv your videos 💝

[@shaynewillis3546]

I definitely understand where you’re coming from with parents. I am also a teacher I teach sixth grade ELA and previously I did teach elementary school and had a lot of issues every now and then with particular parents. Becoming a parent definitely made me look at things a little bit differently, but also from the teachers perspective, I’m sorry that happened to you and I know how frustrated it can be especially when you work as hard as we all do. Do not let it stop you from being a great teacher from doing different and unique things in your classroom from trying and exposing the kids to different books different activities it is important so don’t let one parent stop you from being you and from being the teacher that students in this day and age need.

[@Jni470]

Some people complain FOR THE “FUN” OF IT. 😏

[@JILLJILLY]

Amen!

[@ReignBeauxStar]

I'm so sorry you have to deal with that kind of foolishness. You know you are equipped and extremely experienced so don't even take all that to heart. Let your haters be your best motivators.

[@teresafavors9148]

Experiencing the same here. I’m taking 2 day’s off. Just because I can and I need to!❤

[@SmartieStylelr]

I see mental health days in my future.

[@FocusOnWhatYouLove-t6c]

Sending love to you , it is so sad you cant call off , like any other worker for the most part. Feel better soon.Also this So Cal weather has been all over the place, that might be why youre not feeling well too. 💜

[@curlykiki8]

hugs, latawnya!

[@kalliopelovesbooks1375]

Usually I like working with the kids, and when there's a problem I confront the kids. But it is those parents - the entitled ones, the ones who believe their child is superior - they make it hard to like working with the kids because sadly those moments I can't dissolve that easily for myself, even if the school handled "the problems" for me and the kids don't even make a fuss about it.

[@Heyu7her3]

Oh my goodness, I didn't know *Red Ribbon Week* STILL existed! Haven't heard that term in 20 years!

[@SmartieStylelr]

Yep, it's still around.

[@fdoctor79]

It's a shame that you can get falsely accused or potentially shamed just for being you. I have no problem with constructive criticism to improve a situation but anything outside of that makes me question the intent behind others' motives. I have learned that I am not for everyone and everyone is not for me. And that's okay. You may not like me, but you can still be respectful. Insecure people can be so SPECIAL! 😅 Tfs and keep your head up.

[@The_chosen_one15]

The comment/question about “do u have kids” to imply that a person doesn’t know sh!t about kids or shouldn’t have an opinion because they don’t have any themselves irritates my soul. I have taken care of, been around and helped raise quite a few children so I think that I would be able to have a small opinion about something child related generally speaking. Please be well!

[@charlotteforseth5226]

I had a past administrator put it perfectly: No one understands their kid like the parents. But no one understands teenagers like the teacher.

[@Mrs.Floyd1970]

❤❤❤❤

[@KissFromJay]

Small KZbinrs let’s gather here ❤

[@Andrea-sb3yx]

That issue with the parents last time wanting to control your book choices seems tied to politics, not so much personal. Specifically, the national push among a political group to control what America's kids read. There were heated school board meetings everywhere. Just saying be encouraged and try not to take it personally or like a dig at your efforts as a teacher. You seem like a great teacher.

[@Thatsdee]

I know you love your teaching career and I think you are a great teacher. Have you ever thought about transitioning your skills elsewhere. I know a few teachers that left the field to be trainers at corporations and they love it. Just something to think about.

[@Cleanbean]

I’m sorry you had to experience that with the entitled parents. Some particularly like to band together and gang up on teachers. This is where the admin should have stepped in and nipped it at the bud but admin are more inclined to appease and pacify parents in this generation. When parents ask me if I have children, I now say yes- I have 30 who are under my care 7 hours a day every day, counselling them, feeding them, wiping their tears, educating them, taking them on trips, listening to their dreams, fears…Some parents like to use that line “do you have kids” to establish superiority.

[@faithwoods4143]

Hope your days have been better since posting this! 🙏

[@TheRealwithRuthie]

🫶🏽🙏🏽🫶🏽🙏🏽

[@nappymodel]

FTP 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@ToyshiaHughesJohnson]

Please stop working on the weekends …Take care of yourself as teachers we tend to make sacrifices and place our needs on hold for the profession if you need a day off take it 🥰

[@portialewis1826]

Well, we know that Jesus walked this earth as a teacher. It is written in the Bible how he was treated. God and your family love you beyond school. I pray that you downsize the things you do that are not needed. With this nationwide teacher shortage, we find ourselves doing the work of three or more educators as the student population continues to increase. You need true rest.

[@SmartieStylelr]

I need rest for sure!

[@kiddanger11]

I thank you and appreciate the work you do to educate and inspire our future generations. Keep up the good work because I'm going to need my social security from these little people in the future 😂😂😂 In my prayers.

[@scottystimpson4745]

❤️🧡💛💚💙🩷💜