I am a first year teacher that is juggling a new alternative ed/credit recovery program (pretty much on my own and with very little training) in the school as well as teaching a regular English class. I must say that I feel absolutely overwhelmed, but it's not necessarily with work load, but worry.

I will have several students (one extreme case) which I must guide to recover their credit and pass a standardized test in a matter of two months in subjects that I am absolutely non-proficient in. It is totally wigging me out, for lack of a better phrase. They are all seniors, so if these students do not pass these standardized tests, they will not graduate this spring. Some are students that I am shocked no one has flagged for testing so they can get necessary lesson/testing modifications, and I keep thinking that if veteran teachers proficient in the subject who have a whole year cannot get these students to pass the standardized test, how am I going to?

I feel like the system has totally failed these students, and with the large number of other students who may not be in such extreme circumstances, but still need help, I am worried that I will just not have enough ME to give to these kids. My success at this could have VERY real world implications for these students, more so than I am used to in the classroom, and it is not possible for me to emotionally disconnect from that. It hurts me as a person and makes me feel so sorry that no one else has cared enough, and now that these kids are at the end of the line, they've been thrown in with very unprepared, under resourced, overtaxed me. I am very worried that I am not going to be able to give them enough, but also worried that I won't be able to find a line where I have to tell myself that I can't give anymore.

If any teachers out there have any advice on how to deal with these feelings, please share. Even those of you who are not teachers but can give some advice, I would love it. I think some of the problem is that there's been a long period between when I went through the records and found these students to when they're coming into my classroom. It has given me too much time to think about all the things that could go wrong.

I don't know if this will help but it reflects my experience working with kids who have hit rock bottom.
Talk, talk, talk and gain a personal relationship with the kids. Find out what their goals are - some of them may be unrealistic or fantastic, but it gives you something to hang their education success on.
Don't let the Admin push you around. Like you said years went into forming this student (and home circumstances) so if they want you to perform miracles they'd better step up some support.
You can not save everyone. You can give your best (and teachers usually give more) but you have to guard yourself.

I'm starting my second year of teaching. Offering you a right now and I'm going to offer some better advice later when I'm on a computer (I'm on a phone right now) but just know you're in my thoughts right now!

I'm not a teacher, but I have a son who NEVER passes standardized tests, although he has A's and B's in his classes. I think it's a bit ridiculous that kids who have a good GPA can't graduate because of a standardized test.

If it helps, please know that I do not blame it on the teacher. I think some kids, as well as adults, will never be good standardized test takers. I think it's a good idea though to make it absolutely clear to the students and their parents that their graduation is on the line so that they can take it seriously. Maybe the kids need additional help outside the school at this point as well.

You can only do your best, which is what it sounds like you're prepared to do. You can't make up for 12 years they've had, but you might be able to instill enough confidence and just enough knowledge for them to get through it.

Are there any teacher groups or mentors you can find to help you get through this, if not now, then in the future?