Hey salseromario!

First off, bless you for being a teacher…it’s truly one of the most difficult and sadly thankless jobs out there. Some of the most influential people in my life were teachers, and some of my best friends are teachers, so I hold profession in high regard.

My friends who are teachers have all told me stories that are similar to yours…and it’s not just students who suffer from ADD. Kids talking, listening to music on their headphones that are so loud everyone can hear, playing games on their smartphones…in short just being rude and inconsiderate.

After talking to them about it, what really bothered them wasn’t the noise, distractions, or even the behavior, but the fact they felt helpless in doing anything about it and unsupported by parents/administrators.

So what I’m trying to say in my round about way (and Anita touched on this a bit) is maybe it isn’t the noise of the clicking pens, etc. but what they represent that’s making you lose your usual centeredness? Are you bitter that you can’t just ask the student to leave? Upset that you feel like you’re doing a poor job because you can’t concentrate? Do these kids remind you of someone you can’t stand? (You get the idea.)

In the meantime getting caught up on your rest is key. I know I snap at people when I’m hungry or tired! Take personal days if you have to.

I’d also check out resources for people that suffer from Misophonia – which is a medical condition of being super sensitive to noises. I have a relative that has the condition and he has been managing it for over two years now, but it did require a lot of life style changes. Don’t be afraid to discuss this with your doctor to see if you might have this.

Best of luck!