[Marilyn]

Oh, Diana, I can sooooo relate. I've been teaching off and on, but most of the time since I was in college. I've taught pre-school thru junior high girls. Never really had a much of a problem until last fall. I was teaching 1st - 3rd grade, a class I'd been teaching for 4 years, and really enjoyed. It was like I'd found my niche. Anyway, three boys were promoted into the class. One, Parker, has emotional problems. They thought he was autistic when he was a baby, but he has improved immensly since then. He interacts well, but has a short attention span. You have to keep getting his attention or he'll drift off. He really liked me and we got along well. Another, Kirk, is a sweet little boy, but he likes everything to be in a pattern. You have to do the same things at the same time during the class, or he gets frustrated. If he doesn't have time to finish something, he'll cry if we don't stop the class and give him time to finish. Then there is Manny. Even though I know his mother is a strong disciplinarian, he acts like he has no discipline. If he doesn't want to do something, he'll turn into silly putty and slink to the floor. He says unkind things to Kirk and Parker when he doesn't like something they do or say. Overall, he's a very very disruptive factor in the classroom. You put the three together and it can be overwhelming. I tried having Rex in the classroom with me, and it didn't help much. I tired having Manny's mother in the classroom, and he is better when she is there, but she needs to be in her own class.

I taught this class for two quarters and finally had to tell the deacon over the youth education that I couldn't do it any longer. I've never had to give up on anything like this before, but they were reducing me to tears. I had to admit that I'm just not the person for the job. They found another lady who is like a drill sargent and she seems to like the class and is very firm with them. More power to her.

I'm now teaching 4 & 5 year olds. There are three girls in the class, and we are having a blast. One of the girls is Kirk's little sister, and I see some of the same traits in her, but they are a dream compared to the boys. Sometimes we just have to admit that we aren't the right one for the job and let someone else take the reigns. In my case, this all worked out for the best.

Diana, so hope that things work out for you. I do feel your pain and frustration. Hugs!!