I have to write about this because I know that I will want to remember this a long time from now and I know it will make me smile when I am feeling down.
I got hit on by a student today. Actually, I was asked to have a bottle of wine with him... moscato to be exact. This was after he asked me if I had ever dated an African American man and he said he'd never dated a white girl. Ummmmm excuse me sir, not only are you 6 years younger than me and I am your teacher but I am MARRIED for goodness sakes!
That being said, I've needed some laughs like this recently because I have been feeling pretty stressed out. There are just a lot of different hands to juggle in this job and it's taking awhile to get the swing of things.
Also, if you could pray for a few things I would appreciate it.
1. My computers that I use on a daily basis have not run properly since I started. This really messes up my daily work.
2. I have one particular class that is just crazy. They don't listen, they don't quiet down, they don't work, they don't care. I'm a little stumped on what to do.
Thanks,
Teach
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Scars Have a Story
I have been learning more and more about my students individually and their culture as a whole. It's crazy how many of these kids grew up literally "in the hood". This week we are focusing on writing - one of my favorite things to teach. The curriculum I am required to teach provides writing prompts and today's prompt had to do with emergencies. For some of the students it was hard to think up stories so I began asking them if they had any scars and how they got them. I really started to think about how each scar has a story including the scars on the inside. Some of my students had the craziest stories. Three of them showed me their scars from bullet wounds and one of them began telling me about the scar on his neck from when he was in prison and was stabbed in the neck with a sharpened spoon. Um.... OH MY! I'm a white, English teacher in her mid-twenties - not at all from this background. It sure is opening my eyes to the way that others live and how they grew up. It is pretty sad they had to go through all that and only makes my heart open up more to them. i just want to give them love.
xo,
teach
xo,
teach
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sparkly purple shirt and rapping during breakfast?
I've been meaning to write for awhile but things have been extremely busy with trying to learn a new job. It's been very stressful unfortunately and it seems like every day there is another thing to learn or task to do. I am hoping things will settle down a bit in the next few months.
Last week I attendedf a new student breakfast that they do the morning after new students arrive. This happens on a weekly basis as new students come every Tuesday. It sure makes for never a dull moment. Each new student was supposed to introduce themselves and answer a few questions. Almost all the students had gone and this tall, African American dude wearing a shiny purple button down shirt was up. I mean this guys shirt was like bathing suit material. It looked a little like one of my old gymnastics leotards. Did I mention it was purple - bright purple! Anyway, he stands up and starts talking about himself and he busts into this unbelievable rap. This guy is just rapping for about 2 or 3 minutes. His rap was all about time and how we don't have a lot of it and we should take advantage of it. I literally think my mouth was hanging open. It was nothing like I'd seen in any school before.
So much has been happening lately. I am really learning a lot about dealing with this population of students. I worked in a very impoverished school last year but all of my students were caucasian where the students in this school are 90% African American. There are some similarities but I am learning about their culture and way of life. Last year was such a good preparation for my current job - it is evident why God placed me there now.
I have quite a few English Language Learners in my classes. If you don't know what that means it's that English isn't their first language. One student barely speaks any English - others are much better speakers. I have been learning about teaching these students even though I don't have my ELL certification. One of my ELL students is from Sudan. His parents died when he was young and he came to the US by himself when he was 13. He's been pretty guarded about his past but I'm sure his story is amazing.
Well, today was a positive day - my students got VERY into learning about synonyms. I hope that this continues.
xoxo
Teach
Last week I attendedf a new student breakfast that they do the morning after new students arrive. This happens on a weekly basis as new students come every Tuesday. It sure makes for never a dull moment. Each new student was supposed to introduce themselves and answer a few questions. Almost all the students had gone and this tall, African American dude wearing a shiny purple button down shirt was up. I mean this guys shirt was like bathing suit material. It looked a little like one of my old gymnastics leotards. Did I mention it was purple - bright purple! Anyway, he stands up and starts talking about himself and he busts into this unbelievable rap. This guy is just rapping for about 2 or 3 minutes. His rap was all about time and how we don't have a lot of it and we should take advantage of it. I literally think my mouth was hanging open. It was nothing like I'd seen in any school before.
So much has been happening lately. I am really learning a lot about dealing with this population of students. I worked in a very impoverished school last year but all of my students were caucasian where the students in this school are 90% African American. There are some similarities but I am learning about their culture and way of life. Last year was such a good preparation for my current job - it is evident why God placed me there now.
I have quite a few English Language Learners in my classes. If you don't know what that means it's that English isn't their first language. One student barely speaks any English - others are much better speakers. I have been learning about teaching these students even though I don't have my ELL certification. One of my ELL students is from Sudan. His parents died when he was young and he came to the US by himself when he was 13. He's been pretty guarded about his past but I'm sure his story is amazing.
Well, today was a positive day - my students got VERY into learning about synonyms. I hope that this continues.
xoxo
Teach
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
"Youz a young teacher, we gonna like you"
I have finished my third day of work and it seems to be going well (a lot better than my last year of teaching)!!
The place that I am working (job corps) is a lot different than a school. There are some things about the system that I can really see as a positive. The rules and consequences are VERY structured and specific and the center really holds to them. There is a GREAT deal of conversation between teachers, counselors and RAs (yes, most students live on center). The communication is AMAZING! I have been reading the daily emails from all instructors highlighting which students did exceptional and which ones needed some help (or consequences). This is really the way schools should be - elementary teachers don't have the need necessarily but in middle and high schools this is so vital. I also love the way the center focuses on praising students and recognizing positives. This is not done enough in schools - especially for students like these.
Yesterday I met the sweetest girl - Erin is from close to area (many students live 2 hours away or more). She was a sophomore who was 18 and they said she was working too slowly to get her GED and kicked her out. She wasn't a "problem" student - just slower. What a dis-service to that girl.
Today I talked to Henry. Henry is 19 and was telling me stories about his scars. Henry's mother was a cocaine addict and he referred to himself as a "crack baby". He was born without a bone or muscle in one of his thumbs and a whole in his heart. The only heart they could replace him with had a broken valve that would need to be replaced by the time he was 18 or he would die. He just had surgery a year ago to fix this but they said he still probably wouldn't live to be 26. Most of these problems would not have happened if his mother wouldn't have selfishly done drugs during pregnancy.
Another student has a 2 year old daughter. It's hard to understand where these students are coming from so I just try to love them and not judge them. In Henry's case it was hard not to get angry at his mother for causing the problems (oh and then abandoning him - which I did not mention).
Love working with kids like this - if someone would have told me the type of students I would be working with I would not have believed them :)
Teach
p.s. students keep saying "youz a young teacher, we gonna like you" ha!
The place that I am working (job corps) is a lot different than a school. There are some things about the system that I can really see as a positive. The rules and consequences are VERY structured and specific and the center really holds to them. There is a GREAT deal of conversation between teachers, counselors and RAs (yes, most students live on center). The communication is AMAZING! I have been reading the daily emails from all instructors highlighting which students did exceptional and which ones needed some help (or consequences). This is really the way schools should be - elementary teachers don't have the need necessarily but in middle and high schools this is so vital. I also love the way the center focuses on praising students and recognizing positives. This is not done enough in schools - especially for students like these.
Yesterday I met the sweetest girl - Erin is from close to area (many students live 2 hours away or more). She was a sophomore who was 18 and they said she was working too slowly to get her GED and kicked her out. She wasn't a "problem" student - just slower. What a dis-service to that girl.
Today I talked to Henry. Henry is 19 and was telling me stories about his scars. Henry's mother was a cocaine addict and he referred to himself as a "crack baby". He was born without a bone or muscle in one of his thumbs and a whole in his heart. The only heart they could replace him with had a broken valve that would need to be replaced by the time he was 18 or he would die. He just had surgery a year ago to fix this but they said he still probably wouldn't live to be 26. Most of these problems would not have happened if his mother wouldn't have selfishly done drugs during pregnancy.
Another student has a 2 year old daughter. It's hard to understand where these students are coming from so I just try to love them and not judge them. In Henry's case it was hard not to get angry at his mother for causing the problems (oh and then abandoning him - which I did not mention).
Love working with kids like this - if someone would have told me the type of students I would be working with I would not have believed them :)
Teach
p.s. students keep saying "youz a young teacher, we gonna like you" ha!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A new job...
Long time no write.
After being laid-off and celebrating the summertime I finally have something to write about. I have just been given a job but not in a conventional school. This will be an interesting year and I promise to update - this time from the beginning. I will be working at a job corp center. The job corp is a program for students who have not been given many opportunities. I will be the reading/literacy teacher. I am still learning a lot about what the job entails and what the job corp is all about. I will update you more on this when my facts are all straight. That being said... I start tomorrow and am nervous!
teach xo
After being laid-off and celebrating the summertime I finally have something to write about. I have just been given a job but not in a conventional school. This will be an interesting year and I promise to update - this time from the beginning. I will be working at a job corp center. The job corp is a program for students who have not been given many opportunities. I will be the reading/literacy teacher. I am still learning a lot about what the job entails and what the job corp is all about. I will update you more on this when my facts are all straight. That being said... I start tomorrow and am nervous!
teach xo
Friday, June 4, 2010
A HUGE Affirmation!
Sorry it's been awhile. There have been so many days where I've thought about writing but with the end of the school year and applying like a mad woman for jobs, it has been one of the last things on my to-do list.
I know many of you have been praying for my student Tara so I will give a quick update on her.
She continues to be cutting herself. This week it was on her stomach. Ouch. She is open with me about doing it which I am glad about but wish I could do more to help. She did tell her sister about being raped and her sister took her to get tested for STDs. Personally, I think she needs some serious counseling but I'm not her guardian. Many days I feel lost with what to do to help her. I try to just listen and pray.
As many of you know, this has been a VERY rough year for me - especially being my first full year of teaching. Today I received a huge affirmation that made my month/year.
When I came to this school I was told that the state test scores were very low. The school is considered a Title 1 school which means many of the students are below grade level and struggle to learn. They were hiring a new Language Arts teacher this year because they wanted to improve state test scores. One of the main school goals this year was to improve writing skills. Last year, my 8th grade students did pretty poorly on the state test. Many did not pass the writing and a lot got a 1 or 2 (scale of 6). We just received our test scores for this year and 100% of my 8th graders got a 4 or better on the writing portion of the test. They also got the highest passing percentage for the Language Arts portion (76%). The fact that ALL MY STUDENTS passed the writing and improved the scores a ton was such a huge affirmation that I can indeed teach. I'm smiling ear to ear!!!!
Teach
I know many of you have been praying for my student Tara so I will give a quick update on her.
She continues to be cutting herself. This week it was on her stomach. Ouch. She is open with me about doing it which I am glad about but wish I could do more to help. She did tell her sister about being raped and her sister took her to get tested for STDs. Personally, I think she needs some serious counseling but I'm not her guardian. Many days I feel lost with what to do to help her. I try to just listen and pray.
As many of you know, this has been a VERY rough year for me - especially being my first full year of teaching. Today I received a huge affirmation that made my month/year.
When I came to this school I was told that the state test scores were very low. The school is considered a Title 1 school which means many of the students are below grade level and struggle to learn. They were hiring a new Language Arts teacher this year because they wanted to improve state test scores. One of the main school goals this year was to improve writing skills. Last year, my 8th grade students did pretty poorly on the state test. Many did not pass the writing and a lot got a 1 or 2 (scale of 6). We just received our test scores for this year and 100% of my 8th graders got a 4 or better on the writing portion of the test. They also got the highest passing percentage for the Language Arts portion (76%). The fact that ALL MY STUDENTS passed the writing and improved the scores a ton was such a huge affirmation that I can indeed teach. I'm smiling ear to ear!!!!
Teach
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
My Heart Hurts for Her
This morning I woke up and like usual I checked my facebook account :) I am not friends with my students on facebook while I am their teacher because it isn't very professional. I had a message from a student (which you can do even if you aren't friends). This is how it read (name is changed).
Mrs. -
I really need to talk to you... I'm not doing too great...everything isn't going as planned. Like when I moved up here it was supposed to be better for me but it just seems to be tearing me apart even more than before....You know how I told you how I used to cut (her wrists) .... well I did it again. And i don't want anyone else to find out because I don't feel like going to my stupid therapist again. She didn't help out any. I just wanted to talk to you... I would talk to my mom or sister about it but they would just yell at me and tell me how stupid I am for doing it. I'm just ready to get out of this school, I don't think this many people have ever hated me in my life. At my old school I never got picked on or talked about. But here everything seems to be opposite. - Tara
The moment I read the message I felt anxious about this girl. She moved to my school in January and has quickly become one of my favorite students. She is sweet and hardworking with a great sense of humor and is easy to relate to. There are many days when she has stood up for me when her classmates have been cruel. I quickly messaged back to urge her to come to school and we would talk. On my ride to school I felt sick because I was worried about her. I immediately began to beg God to give me wisdom in how to handle the situation. I prayed specifically for Tara and for me to have the right words to say.
I was able to talk to Tara during 3rd period.. Luckily a teacher covered my class and I got her out of her class. I could tell that she had been crying and she just looked upset. I sat her down and basically told her that I was there to listen, we would work things out and there was hope. I told her some of my personal struggles with depression so that she would feel comfortable being so open with me. I told her I felt honored that she would talk to me about these things. Then I told her to talk - I was here to listen. I asked a few questions along the way but this is what she basically told me.
Her parents divorced about 2 years ago. Before they divorced she would sit in her bedroom and plug her ears to drown out their yelling. When her mom left her dad she was dropped off at a church so that she would be safe.
After their divorced she lived with her mom and they fought often. This is when she began cutting her wrists. Her mom was frustrated with her and so she shipped her off to her dad's (who now lived in Georgia). Things were even worse at her dad's. He was a drug user and so was her sister who was also living there. Her sister became pregnant by a young man and when she was almost 9 months pregnant and sick she encouraged Tara to hang out with the father to keep him occupied. So her sister's boyfriend and "baby daddy" raped Tara. As I sat at the table and she told me this through tears (she could barely choke it out) I began crying and just felt so overwhelmed with grief for this young lady. I just cried to her "I'm so sorry this happened. How awful how awful."
Child protective services then pulled her out of her dad's because he was physically abusing her and constantly yelling. She moved back with her mom and began using marijuana. She came to the town I teach in to visit her sister over Christmas break. Her mom called and said ... stay there. I'm sick of you. You mean NOTHING to me. That is how she got to this school, in my classroom. She is still struggling with issues between her parents. Her mom tells her often that she is worthless and a "mistake". Poor Tara feels so unwanted.
We had to go back to class but I am meeting her for lunch tomorrow. We are going to come up with some things to look forward to and some hope. This girl needs hope. She needs to know that her life is not going to always be like this. If you're reading this I invite you to pray for Tara. I know that's not her real name but pray for her and her peace and that I would be wise enough to lead her through this valley.
Teach
Mrs. -
I really need to talk to you... I'm not doing too great...everything isn't going as planned. Like when I moved up here it was supposed to be better for me but it just seems to be tearing me apart even more than before....You know how I told you how I used to cut (her wrists) .... well I did it again. And i don't want anyone else to find out because I don't feel like going to my stupid therapist again. She didn't help out any. I just wanted to talk to you... I would talk to my mom or sister about it but they would just yell at me and tell me how stupid I am for doing it. I'm just ready to get out of this school, I don't think this many people have ever hated me in my life. At my old school I never got picked on or talked about. But here everything seems to be opposite. - Tara
The moment I read the message I felt anxious about this girl. She moved to my school in January and has quickly become one of my favorite students. She is sweet and hardworking with a great sense of humor and is easy to relate to. There are many days when she has stood up for me when her classmates have been cruel. I quickly messaged back to urge her to come to school and we would talk. On my ride to school I felt sick because I was worried about her. I immediately began to beg God to give me wisdom in how to handle the situation. I prayed specifically for Tara and for me to have the right words to say.
I was able to talk to Tara during 3rd period.. Luckily a teacher covered my class and I got her out of her class. I could tell that she had been crying and she just looked upset. I sat her down and basically told her that I was there to listen, we would work things out and there was hope. I told her some of my personal struggles with depression so that she would feel comfortable being so open with me. I told her I felt honored that she would talk to me about these things. Then I told her to talk - I was here to listen. I asked a few questions along the way but this is what she basically told me.
Her parents divorced about 2 years ago. Before they divorced she would sit in her bedroom and plug her ears to drown out their yelling. When her mom left her dad she was dropped off at a church so that she would be safe.
After their divorced she lived with her mom and they fought often. This is when she began cutting her wrists. Her mom was frustrated with her and so she shipped her off to her dad's (who now lived in Georgia). Things were even worse at her dad's. He was a drug user and so was her sister who was also living there. Her sister became pregnant by a young man and when she was almost 9 months pregnant and sick she encouraged Tara to hang out with the father to keep him occupied. So her sister's boyfriend and "baby daddy" raped Tara. As I sat at the table and she told me this through tears (she could barely choke it out) I began crying and just felt so overwhelmed with grief for this young lady. I just cried to her "I'm so sorry this happened. How awful how awful."
Child protective services then pulled her out of her dad's because he was physically abusing her and constantly yelling. She moved back with her mom and began using marijuana. She came to the town I teach in to visit her sister over Christmas break. Her mom called and said ... stay there. I'm sick of you. You mean NOTHING to me. That is how she got to this school, in my classroom. She is still struggling with issues between her parents. Her mom tells her often that she is worthless and a "mistake". Poor Tara feels so unwanted.
We had to go back to class but I am meeting her for lunch tomorrow. We are going to come up with some things to look forward to and some hope. This girl needs hope. She needs to know that her life is not going to always be like this. If you're reading this I invite you to pray for Tara. I know that's not her real name but pray for her and her peace and that I would be wise enough to lead her through this valley.
Teach
Friday, April 23, 2010
Rewards...
Today I was inspired by reading a new friend's blog and her complete vulnerability and openness. Since this blog is anonymous, I find it hard sometimes to be extremely open. It's hopefully obvious to you that this year has been TOUGH on me. I have been stretched in ways that I have never thought I could be. There are so many days when I come home from school and feel as though I have done NOTHING in these student's lives. There was a point, right before I began this blog, that I was almost ready to give up. I felt so discouraged and beaten. At the exact moment that I felt so low, God blessed me with rewards and visions of my work being worthwhile. I haven't talked much about my faith on here, because I try to keep this blog primarily about my career and things that happen at school but the Lord infiltrates every part of my life and it's impossible to keep Him out of my blog.
When I first interviewed at my school, I was warned about the "horrible" 8th grade class - unlike any other. At that time I was desperate for a job and quickly dismissed this comment. Almost immediately I began to see visions of that warning. Throughout the fall I was cussed at, given the middle finger many times, and told how awful of a teacher I was. One of my 8th grade classes in particular had many anger issues and LOTS of DRAMA! There were fights happening almost every other day. The 2nd week of January a student completely lost it in my classroom - cussing and honestly scaring me and I wondered if he would hurt me. After I forced him to leave class I broke down. I lost it. I was a horrible example to my students. I screamed at the top of my lungs, used the word "pissed" (which they continually remind me of) and I cried. I remember saying to them "I don't know what to do anymore. What can I do to get you to respect me?" Since this breakdown happened mostly due to my male student who lost it, I developed quite a bit of anger and bitterness toward him. This student was suspended and given a "second chance waiver" to come back to school. I kept thinking "he'll never make it when he comes back. He'll be kicked out within days." What a horrible lack of faith. God gave me the gift of teaching to believe in these kids whose parents aren't there (this boy's dad is in prison) and I totally did not give him a chance! He came back to school and despite my lack of support and horrible attitude he has SUCCEEDED! A student who was getting F's and D's had all A's and B's this term. He has been recognized by many teachers for a change in attitude. Did I mention that he has bipolar disorder or that he was the youngest person in the county to be put under house arrest 2 years ago? I have pulled him aside 2 different times to tell him how proud I am of him and he glows. No one has ever told him this before. When I think about this boy I feel ashamed. How could I give up on him in his weakest moment, even when he hurt me so badly? God doesn't give up on me when I sin against Him, deny Him, turn my back on Him.
God has made my lack of faith apparent to me by giving me rewards which I do not deserve. The class I was talking about earlier has become my favorite. Much of the drama is gone (come on they are in 8th grade, it can't completely go away). The students love me and although I shouldn't, I need their love. Many of them have expressed their disappointment over my being "let go". The boy I was just talking about even said if I got a job 2 hours away (a place that I applied to) he would go to high school there. I have not completely earned these student's acceptance. There were many times I wished evil on them or thought they were incapable of change.
Today 2 girls who have told me flat out they don't like me, asked to eat lunch with me. Wow - I was shocked but excited for lunch. We talked about boys, the dance coming up and one girl mentioned she didn't have a dress and couldn't afford to buy one so she didn't know if she would go. I've had some old dresses from high school and college in my trunk to try and sell at a resale shop so I went out a grabbed them. Girls started filtering in my room and it ended up becoming a "fitting room". A few of them are borrowing dresses for the dance now. It feels good to know that even if I don't get the dresses back and I can't sell them again, I got paid an even greater amount by helping these girls. These 2 girls wrote their names + mine on my hand = BFFs forever. They want to be my friend. I haven't changed so why do they like me now?
Whew, guess I've needed to update for awhile. Why is it I feel most like writing in the middle of the night but I can't never stay up that late? No wonder I STILL haven't gotten my short story published.
Teach
When I first interviewed at my school, I was warned about the "horrible" 8th grade class - unlike any other. At that time I was desperate for a job and quickly dismissed this comment. Almost immediately I began to see visions of that warning. Throughout the fall I was cussed at, given the middle finger many times, and told how awful of a teacher I was. One of my 8th grade classes in particular had many anger issues and LOTS of DRAMA! There were fights happening almost every other day. The 2nd week of January a student completely lost it in my classroom - cussing and honestly scaring me and I wondered if he would hurt me. After I forced him to leave class I broke down. I lost it. I was a horrible example to my students. I screamed at the top of my lungs, used the word "pissed" (which they continually remind me of) and I cried. I remember saying to them "I don't know what to do anymore. What can I do to get you to respect me?" Since this breakdown happened mostly due to my male student who lost it, I developed quite a bit of anger and bitterness toward him. This student was suspended and given a "second chance waiver" to come back to school. I kept thinking "he'll never make it when he comes back. He'll be kicked out within days." What a horrible lack of faith. God gave me the gift of teaching to believe in these kids whose parents aren't there (this boy's dad is in prison) and I totally did not give him a chance! He came back to school and despite my lack of support and horrible attitude he has SUCCEEDED! A student who was getting F's and D's had all A's and B's this term. He has been recognized by many teachers for a change in attitude. Did I mention that he has bipolar disorder or that he was the youngest person in the county to be put under house arrest 2 years ago? I have pulled him aside 2 different times to tell him how proud I am of him and he glows. No one has ever told him this before. When I think about this boy I feel ashamed. How could I give up on him in his weakest moment, even when he hurt me so badly? God doesn't give up on me when I sin against Him, deny Him, turn my back on Him.
God has made my lack of faith apparent to me by giving me rewards which I do not deserve. The class I was talking about earlier has become my favorite. Much of the drama is gone (come on they are in 8th grade, it can't completely go away). The students love me and although I shouldn't, I need their love. Many of them have expressed their disappointment over my being "let go". The boy I was just talking about even said if I got a job 2 hours away (a place that I applied to) he would go to high school there. I have not completely earned these student's acceptance. There were many times I wished evil on them or thought they were incapable of change.
Today 2 girls who have told me flat out they don't like me, asked to eat lunch with me. Wow - I was shocked but excited for lunch. We talked about boys, the dance coming up and one girl mentioned she didn't have a dress and couldn't afford to buy one so she didn't know if she would go. I've had some old dresses from high school and college in my trunk to try and sell at a resale shop so I went out a grabbed them. Girls started filtering in my room and it ended up becoming a "fitting room". A few of them are borrowing dresses for the dance now. It feels good to know that even if I don't get the dresses back and I can't sell them again, I got paid an even greater amount by helping these girls. These 2 girls wrote their names + mine on my hand = BFFs forever. They want to be my friend. I haven't changed so why do they like me now?
Whew, guess I've needed to update for awhile. Why is it I feel most like writing in the middle of the night but I can't never stay up that late? No wonder I STILL haven't gotten my short story published.
Teach
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Where to next?
Well everyone... or anyone out there who reads this...
I got my pink slip last week. Even though I know it's not because of my teaching skills, it was still disappointing. I have to admit though, I am not going to be sad leaving my school. This year has been unbelievably rough and trying. There were so many days that I questioned myself as a person and teacher.
My students are on a 5 day field trip and so I only have 7th graders to teach. I'm excited to have 2 hours tomorrow and be able to work on applications (which I hate doing).
Anyone who hears of jobs in the midwest, leave a message and let me know!
Teach
I got my pink slip last week. Even though I know it's not because of my teaching skills, it was still disappointing. I have to admit though, I am not going to be sad leaving my school. This year has been unbelievably rough and trying. There were so many days that I questioned myself as a person and teacher.
My students are on a 5 day field trip and so I only have 7th graders to teach. I'm excited to have 2 hours tomorrow and be able to work on applications (which I hate doing).
Anyone who hears of jobs in the midwest, leave a message and let me know!
Teach
Monday, April 12, 2010
Pig Farmers?
I'm sorry I don't update too often. I definitely have something to write about every day, it's just a matter of finding the time to write. I enjoy writing and feel like sometimes it is therapy to me but there are days when a hot bubble bath is just more important.
Today I had an IEP meeting. This is, in basic terms, a meeting for a student who has special needs to discuss what should be done in the next year for the student. This is at least how they run at my school. I have had many of these meetings throughout the year and they have all been quite interesting but today's may have topped them all.
I have a student, we'll call him, Doug, who lives on a pig farm. I have driven past his house and it is quite run-down and looks very rustic. Doug often comes to school in stained or ripped clothing and with dirt under his fingernails and caked on his hands. There are many days when I have thought "How could you let your child come to school like this?"
Today I had a light bulb moment. His parents were him, but older. Dad was wearing overalls and a button-down plaid shirt. He was sunburned and had VERY dirty fingernails. Mom was wearing high-waisted boyish jeans with boots and a belt. She had a tank top on and a hat turned backwards. The most noticeable thing about her was the large wad of gum she was chewing with her brown, rotten teeth. Wow! I was shocked to say the least.
Once I talked to the parents I could tell that they really wanted the best for Doug. They wanted him to succeed and they cared and loved him but...
they probably had a similar IQ to Doug. This family is not blessed with natural smarts and therefore, Doug is growing up with parents who are lacking in this area. It's sad that he will probably grow up to be just like his parents. I want to believe that he will be greater. I know he can be greater but the odds are against him.
One last thing. Today in my school mailbox I had an EXTREMELY depressing poem about a child who felt like his teacher stunk and gave up on him. It was such a downer. My colleague and I were actually appalled that anyone would put such a negative poem in our mailboxes. With all the junk that is going on with education, I would expect people to try and encourage my fellow teachers and I.
Arg,
Teach
Today I had an IEP meeting. This is, in basic terms, a meeting for a student who has special needs to discuss what should be done in the next year for the student. This is at least how they run at my school. I have had many of these meetings throughout the year and they have all been quite interesting but today's may have topped them all.
I have a student, we'll call him, Doug, who lives on a pig farm. I have driven past his house and it is quite run-down and looks very rustic. Doug often comes to school in stained or ripped clothing and with dirt under his fingernails and caked on his hands. There are many days when I have thought "How could you let your child come to school like this?"
Today I had a light bulb moment. His parents were him, but older. Dad was wearing overalls and a button-down plaid shirt. He was sunburned and had VERY dirty fingernails. Mom was wearing high-waisted boyish jeans with boots and a belt. She had a tank top on and a hat turned backwards. The most noticeable thing about her was the large wad of gum she was chewing with her brown, rotten teeth. Wow! I was shocked to say the least.
Once I talked to the parents I could tell that they really wanted the best for Doug. They wanted him to succeed and they cared and loved him but...
they probably had a similar IQ to Doug. This family is not blessed with natural smarts and therefore, Doug is growing up with parents who are lacking in this area. It's sad that he will probably grow up to be just like his parents. I want to believe that he will be greater. I know he can be greater but the odds are against him.
One last thing. Today in my school mailbox I had an EXTREMELY depressing poem about a child who felt like his teacher stunk and gave up on him. It was such a downer. My colleague and I were actually appalled that anyone would put such a negative poem in our mailboxes. With all the junk that is going on with education, I would expect people to try and encourage my fellow teachers and I.
Arg,
Teach
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tough Tuesday
Today was a rough day... so rough I am questioning my choice of career. Is this really how I want to spend my time...crying every day?? I know that most people say the first year of teaching is difficult but at my school it is unreal. It seems like every time someone tries to give me advice it only makes more work for me and makes me feel even more overwhelmed and inadequate. After my time student teaching and substituting I got some amazing reviews I think maybe I was over-confident in myself. Pardon my language but maybe I really do just suck as a teacher. Right now I have one class of 8th graders who feel like the other 8th grade class gets treated better than they do. One of my 8th grade classes is of higher ability than the other. The higher ability class thinks the other class gets to "party" all the time in my class. I have no idea what has led them to believe this because I do exactly the same thing with both classes. I do admit that the 2nd class is usually better behaved and if a class behaves well than they gain privileges. The higher ability class has been very rude and disrespectful to me and they hurt my feelings on a daily basis. I know I need to grow thicker skin. Sigh... I need more sleep.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Apologies for my Absence
Hello my few followers,
I'm sorry I didn't write very much in the last few weeks. Last week it was spring break and the week before it was the week before and just absolute insanity. On Tuesday I went to a professional development conference and left my students to a substitute. Now my students have run off MANY substitutes over the last few years so I am always having a panic attack when I must leave them. The last time I had a sub I left a movie for the students to watch and they were pretty well behaved but I feel like I shouldn't have to show a movie every time I am gone. My students should be able to behave with a sub while doing classwork. So I left a lesson and gave a lecture on the consequences of misbehaving for a substitute. In January when I had a sub I came back and had over 10 detentions because my students were so bad! This time I only had 2 detentions so at least I see some kind of improvement.
Spring break was such a nice time of relaxing and I honestly barely thought about school. I work so hard during the time when school is in session that when I have breaks I try not to work on too much school work. I don't want to get too burned out.
On the Friday before break I had lunch and a talk with Betty (remember...she is the student I mentor). We had a good lunch and I bought her a candy bar again. She said "Mrs. - you know you do not have to buy me this." I told her I knew that but I wanted to do something nice for her. She was talking to me about how her dad wants her to visit him over spring break but she doesn't want to go. Now remember, Betty's dad tried to commit suicide with Betty at his house. She was the one to find him after he shot himself in the face. I don't blame her for not wanting to go over there. She asked me for advice but I didn't know what to tell her so I just tried my best. I'm not a social worker and I honestly have no training with those situations but I can be there for her and listen. Anyway, Betty was also pulling on her tank top because it was ripped all along the bottom. She said that she asked her mom for a new one to wear under shirts and it was 5 dollars at Wal-mart but her mom said she couldn't afford it. It broke my heart. I also found out a little bit more about Betty's living situation. She and her mom live in town over a tanning salon. I'm not sure if they pay rent or how they are able to live there. Her mom does not have a job or a car. I asked Betty how they got places and she said they didn't go anywhere. I don't understand how an unemployed mother of 2 can afford to live or properly care for her children. If she can't even afford a 5 dollar tank top from wal-mart it doesn't seem like it's a great place for her children. So, my husband and I went shopping a few times over spring break and I ended up buying Betty a tank top. I just couldn't handle knowing that she had to wear old, ripped clothes. I can afford to spend 8 dollars for someone who has so little. When I gave it to her today she said, "Mrs. - you didn't have to get this for me." She is so thankful and unselfish. She came in 2 more times to give me a hug and the day isn't even over.
The rest of my first Monday back has been pretty awful and the thought crossed my mind to just start running and not look back. One of my 8th grade classes is extremely rude and disrespectful. They complain about me as a teacher and say they "hate me." A student in the class even said "Why are you guys so mean to Mrs. -?" She didn't know I overheard her as this and I didn't hear the students' responses. When lunch started I felt like I was going to cry. How come these students are so hard to please? They were complaining about an assignment and the assignment was copying down definitions from the dictionary and using words in sentences. I'm not asking too much of them yet they act like 5th graders. Today I tried using the approach of ignoring them instead of yelling or getting mad. That seems to do no good. It's hard though when I can feel my temper start to rise and my face gets flushed and I start to sweat (it just so happens I forgot deodorant today too).
We'll see what the rest of the day brings...
xo,
Teach
I'm sorry I didn't write very much in the last few weeks. Last week it was spring break and the week before it was the week before and just absolute insanity. On Tuesday I went to a professional development conference and left my students to a substitute. Now my students have run off MANY substitutes over the last few years so I am always having a panic attack when I must leave them. The last time I had a sub I left a movie for the students to watch and they were pretty well behaved but I feel like I shouldn't have to show a movie every time I am gone. My students should be able to behave with a sub while doing classwork. So I left a lesson and gave a lecture on the consequences of misbehaving for a substitute. In January when I had a sub I came back and had over 10 detentions because my students were so bad! This time I only had 2 detentions so at least I see some kind of improvement.
Spring break was such a nice time of relaxing and I honestly barely thought about school. I work so hard during the time when school is in session that when I have breaks I try not to work on too much school work. I don't want to get too burned out.
On the Friday before break I had lunch and a talk with Betty (remember...she is the student I mentor). We had a good lunch and I bought her a candy bar again. She said "Mrs. - you know you do not have to buy me this." I told her I knew that but I wanted to do something nice for her. She was talking to me about how her dad wants her to visit him over spring break but she doesn't want to go. Now remember, Betty's dad tried to commit suicide with Betty at his house. She was the one to find him after he shot himself in the face. I don't blame her for not wanting to go over there. She asked me for advice but I didn't know what to tell her so I just tried my best. I'm not a social worker and I honestly have no training with those situations but I can be there for her and listen. Anyway, Betty was also pulling on her tank top because it was ripped all along the bottom. She said that she asked her mom for a new one to wear under shirts and it was 5 dollars at Wal-mart but her mom said she couldn't afford it. It broke my heart. I also found out a little bit more about Betty's living situation. She and her mom live in town over a tanning salon. I'm not sure if they pay rent or how they are able to live there. Her mom does not have a job or a car. I asked Betty how they got places and she said they didn't go anywhere. I don't understand how an unemployed mother of 2 can afford to live or properly care for her children. If she can't even afford a 5 dollar tank top from wal-mart it doesn't seem like it's a great place for her children. So, my husband and I went shopping a few times over spring break and I ended up buying Betty a tank top. I just couldn't handle knowing that she had to wear old, ripped clothes. I can afford to spend 8 dollars for someone who has so little. When I gave it to her today she said, "Mrs. - you didn't have to get this for me." She is so thankful and unselfish. She came in 2 more times to give me a hug and the day isn't even over.
The rest of my first Monday back has been pretty awful and the thought crossed my mind to just start running and not look back. One of my 8th grade classes is extremely rude and disrespectful. They complain about me as a teacher and say they "hate me." A student in the class even said "Why are you guys so mean to Mrs. -?" She didn't know I overheard her as this and I didn't hear the students' responses. When lunch started I felt like I was going to cry. How come these students are so hard to please? They were complaining about an assignment and the assignment was copying down definitions from the dictionary and using words in sentences. I'm not asking too much of them yet they act like 5th graders. Today I tried using the approach of ignoring them instead of yelling or getting mad. That seems to do no good. It's hard though when I can feel my temper start to rise and my face gets flushed and I start to sweat (it just so happens I forgot deodorant today too).
We'll see what the rest of the day brings...
xo,
Teach
Monday, March 15, 2010
Glass
Well it's lunchtime and I thought I would give a quick summary of my day thus far.
It's library day so we have lots of silent reading time. It's nice for it to be quiet! Also, this is spirit week for the SADD group. Today is mix and match day so I am wearing plaid, polka dots and stripes!
Just as my 8th graders were leaving for lunch one of them "set" his head against the window and it broke. I didn't see him near the window but I did hear his head hit the glass. It didn't sound like he just "set" his head against it. I'm embarrassed because this makes me look like a bad teacher and like I can't keep control of my class. Sometimes it is the case but really this class does whatever they want.
Well I should go,
Teach
It's library day so we have lots of silent reading time. It's nice for it to be quiet! Also, this is spirit week for the SADD group. Today is mix and match day so I am wearing plaid, polka dots and stripes!
Just as my 8th graders were leaving for lunch one of them "set" his head against the window and it broke. I didn't see him near the window but I did hear his head hit the glass. It didn't sound like he just "set" his head against it. I'm embarrassed because this makes me look like a bad teacher and like I can't keep control of my class. Sometimes it is the case but really this class does whatever they want.
Well I should go,
Teach
Friday, March 12, 2010
2 hour delay
Wow, it's Friday and I can really reflect and unwind from probably one of the craziest weeks of the entire year. Yet again I wish I would have started this back on August 13th! This morning I got a phone call from my principal saying we had a 2 hour delay due to fog. It was such a blessing and an answer to prayer. God really knew I needed a little extra sleep and a shortened day.
This was actually a pretty uneventful day. The kids took a vocabulary quiz and we did an assignment on Jesse Jackson's famous speech. The highlight of my day though was having lunch with Betty. She came into my class 2 times before lunch for no particular reason :) I got her a candy bar this morning. As I stopped at the gas station I asked my husband, "what kind of candy are girls eating these days!" He thought that was hilarious. She thanked me politely and we talked about boys and girl stuff!
I didn't get hung up on today which was great! On my way home from school I was on a back country road when I saw three of my 8th grade girl students walking. They had gotten dropped off at the wrong spot but they were at least 3 miles from one of their houses. My husband and I ended up driving them to the girls' house. They were all giggly and kept saying "Mrs. your car is so clean". I know I'm not supposed to drive students but I wasn't going to leave them out in the middle of the country to walk a few miles when I could take them there in 2 minutes. I'm looking forward to a weekend of sleep and also putting together a book report assignment and a unit on public speaking. Any ideas are welcome!
Teach
This was actually a pretty uneventful day. The kids took a vocabulary quiz and we did an assignment on Jesse Jackson's famous speech. The highlight of my day though was having lunch with Betty. She came into my class 2 times before lunch for no particular reason :) I got her a candy bar this morning. As I stopped at the gas station I asked my husband, "what kind of candy are girls eating these days!" He thought that was hilarious. She thanked me politely and we talked about boys and girl stuff!
I didn't get hung up on today which was great! On my way home from school I was on a back country road when I saw three of my 8th grade girl students walking. They had gotten dropped off at the wrong spot but they were at least 3 miles from one of their houses. My husband and I ended up driving them to the girls' house. They were all giggly and kept saying "Mrs. your car is so clean". I know I'm not supposed to drive students but I wasn't going to leave them out in the middle of the country to walk a few miles when I could take them there in 2 minutes. I'm looking forward to a weekend of sleep and also putting together a book report assignment and a unit on public speaking. Any ideas are welcome!
Teach
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Thick Skinned
Quick post, just to update you on today. It seems like something new happens each day, there is never a dull moment.
First a funny story or two and then on to the tough stuff. My colleague and good friend, we'll call her Mrs. J, had a 6th grader ask her today if "babies were pooped out or came out where you pee?" She had to explain that there is a third hole. Glad it wasn't me! We had a good laugh about that though.
Also, one of my 7th grade girls said "Mrs. are you having a bad hair day?" I said, "Does it look like I'm having a bad hair day?" She responded with a sympathetic "Yes". Awesome! Why thank you so much for the boost of self-esteem. Honestly though, it just made me laugh about how blunt these kids can be. I don't point out their acne or awkward, developing bodies now do I?
Now, my day seemed like it was pretty low-key minus one situation. The day before a vocabulary quiz I like to play a spelling game called "sparkle". The students get into it and it helps with their spelling. One of my 8th grade classes was playing and a boy, we'll call him Joe, spelled a word wrong. He turned a shoved another boy. I gave him a detention. A 13 year old should know better than to use two hands to shove another student in class.
I called Joe's parents and left a message letting them know the situation and that he had a detention and they could call me if they needed to talk. After school I get a phone call from the rents. The father proceeds to tell me that Joe did nothing wrong and that he shouldn't get punished. Once I tell him that I'm sticking to my guns and Joe should not shove students in class he gets angrier and claims that he is going to give Joe his permission to "kick their a**". I responded with, "Joe will have to deal with those consequences then." The dad yelled a few cuss words at me and told me I "don't listen to s**t" and then hung up. I stayed very calm, courteous, and professional throughout the phone call but when he yelled those things at me the tears started to flow. This was the first time I have cried this year in front of colleagues. I always save it for the drive home or in my classroom but I couldn't hold it in this time. They were very supportive and said they had my back. Mrs. J gave me a big hug.
This isn't the first time that Joe's parents have argued against my discipline of Joe. Joe is a fairly intelligent kid, an only child, but a huge jerk. Joe believes he does nothing wrong and Joe is always right. No wonder this kid is this way, his parents believe he's an angel. I don't have any children yet but how can parents blatantly disrespect a teacher while sticking up for their son SHOVING another child? I'm developing thicker skin than I ever thought I would have. I've had 2 parents hang up on me this week and it's not even Friday yet.
Whew,
Teach
First a funny story or two and then on to the tough stuff. My colleague and good friend, we'll call her Mrs. J, had a 6th grader ask her today if "babies were pooped out or came out where you pee?" She had to explain that there is a third hole. Glad it wasn't me! We had a good laugh about that though.
Also, one of my 7th grade girls said "Mrs. are you having a bad hair day?" I said, "Does it look like I'm having a bad hair day?" She responded with a sympathetic "Yes". Awesome! Why thank you so much for the boost of self-esteem. Honestly though, it just made me laugh about how blunt these kids can be. I don't point out their acne or awkward, developing bodies now do I?
Now, my day seemed like it was pretty low-key minus one situation. The day before a vocabulary quiz I like to play a spelling game called "sparkle". The students get into it and it helps with their spelling. One of my 8th grade classes was playing and a boy, we'll call him Joe, spelled a word wrong. He turned a shoved another boy. I gave him a detention. A 13 year old should know better than to use two hands to shove another student in class.
I called Joe's parents and left a message letting them know the situation and that he had a detention and they could call me if they needed to talk. After school I get a phone call from the rents. The father proceeds to tell me that Joe did nothing wrong and that he shouldn't get punished. Once I tell him that I'm sticking to my guns and Joe should not shove students in class he gets angrier and claims that he is going to give Joe his permission to "kick their a**". I responded with, "Joe will have to deal with those consequences then." The dad yelled a few cuss words at me and told me I "don't listen to s**t" and then hung up. I stayed very calm, courteous, and professional throughout the phone call but when he yelled those things at me the tears started to flow. This was the first time I have cried this year in front of colleagues. I always save it for the drive home or in my classroom but I couldn't hold it in this time. They were very supportive and said they had my back. Mrs. J gave me a big hug.
This isn't the first time that Joe's parents have argued against my discipline of Joe. Joe is a fairly intelligent kid, an only child, but a huge jerk. Joe believes he does nothing wrong and Joe is always right. No wonder this kid is this way, his parents believe he's an angel. I don't have any children yet but how can parents blatantly disrespect a teacher while sticking up for their son SHOVING another child? I'm developing thicker skin than I ever thought I would have. I've had 2 parents hang up on me this week and it's not even Friday yet.
Whew,
Teach
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Ray of Sunshine
It's introspective Wednesday and I'm in a thinking mood. Today was such an interesting and emotionally taxing day - as is common as a teacher. Let me tell you first about my frustrations that left a raincloud over my head.
My students have been unusually rambunctious lately which is saying a lot if you knew the discipline issues I have. Sometimes I feel like I talk and all the students hear me say is... "blah, blah, blah". There are other times when I say "quiet down" about a million times a day and they seem to think I'm saying "please get louder and be disrespectful". Days such as today drain my patience which I am not known for to begin with. My 6th hour class proceeded to tell my that my class is ... "really boring" which is frustrating because I try to be dynamic and interactive and make the class interesting. Those things are annoyances but what really made me down was the fact that I am quite sure that 2 of my students were either hungover or high today. They both had red-rimmed, runny eyes and were complaining of upset stomachs and vomiting. These girls are not known for being "good" and the whole situation seems fishy. Anyway, I came home with a headache and feeling ready to cry. I called my parents and was telling my dad a story about a situation today and realized that it was my ray of sunshine and was really what I needed to focus on.
Whew... I'll try to explain this quickly. I have a student who we'll call Betty. I had her at the beginning of the year but she was switched into another English class so I don't have her during the school day. Last week the other English teacher said she had found out that Betty had cut her wrists. When this teacher asked Betty if she had anyone she could talk to she mentioned me. We were never super close but she must have felt some sort of connection. So I asked this student to have lunch with me to chat. It was a good lunch and we get along quite well. Since then Betty has been coming in my room often and today she mentioned that "lunch was really fun - we should do it again". We're eating together again on Friday! The students got their report cards today and Betty had all C's and A's and has raised her grades up from D's. What makes this all so remarkable is Betty's background. She is in 7th grade and her parents are divorced. Both are drug addicts. This past summer Betty's father attempted suicide by shooting himself in the face while Betty was outside. She was the one who had to witness the chaos after the shooting. Since Betty cut her wrists and the school had to report it, child protective services has gotten involved. Yesterday Betty's mom failed her drug test so Betty may now have to go live with her grandparents - which is probably a good thing. Since the school year started Betty's mom was dating a man who said inappropriate things to Betty and looked down her shirt. Hopefully he didn't do more. At the end of the day today Betty stopped in my room to say goodbye and there was a student in the hall struggling with his locker. This student is autistic and mocked incessantly by other students. I hear Betty in the hall say "do you need help with your locker?" This sweet 13 year old who has been through tremendous pain and heartache in her short years was able to think of someone else, someone....unpopular. I wish I could take Betty home and let her live in my 2nd bedroom. She has such potential and to think that I could help her in some small way makes me feel like all the struggles are worth it if I can help this one child.
Later,
Teach
My students have been unusually rambunctious lately which is saying a lot if you knew the discipline issues I have. Sometimes I feel like I talk and all the students hear me say is... "blah, blah, blah". There are other times when I say "quiet down" about a million times a day and they seem to think I'm saying "please get louder and be disrespectful". Days such as today drain my patience which I am not known for to begin with. My 6th hour class proceeded to tell my that my class is ... "really boring" which is frustrating because I try to be dynamic and interactive and make the class interesting. Those things are annoyances but what really made me down was the fact that I am quite sure that 2 of my students were either hungover or high today. They both had red-rimmed, runny eyes and were complaining of upset stomachs and vomiting. These girls are not known for being "good" and the whole situation seems fishy. Anyway, I came home with a headache and feeling ready to cry. I called my parents and was telling my dad a story about a situation today and realized that it was my ray of sunshine and was really what I needed to focus on.
Whew... I'll try to explain this quickly. I have a student who we'll call Betty. I had her at the beginning of the year but she was switched into another English class so I don't have her during the school day. Last week the other English teacher said she had found out that Betty had cut her wrists. When this teacher asked Betty if she had anyone she could talk to she mentioned me. We were never super close but she must have felt some sort of connection. So I asked this student to have lunch with me to chat. It was a good lunch and we get along quite well. Since then Betty has been coming in my room often and today she mentioned that "lunch was really fun - we should do it again". We're eating together again on Friday! The students got their report cards today and Betty had all C's and A's and has raised her grades up from D's. What makes this all so remarkable is Betty's background. She is in 7th grade and her parents are divorced. Both are drug addicts. This past summer Betty's father attempted suicide by shooting himself in the face while Betty was outside. She was the one who had to witness the chaos after the shooting. Since Betty cut her wrists and the school had to report it, child protective services has gotten involved. Yesterday Betty's mom failed her drug test so Betty may now have to go live with her grandparents - which is probably a good thing. Since the school year started Betty's mom was dating a man who said inappropriate things to Betty and looked down her shirt. Hopefully he didn't do more. At the end of the day today Betty stopped in my room to say goodbye and there was a student in the hall struggling with his locker. This student is autistic and mocked incessantly by other students. I hear Betty in the hall say "do you need help with your locker?" This sweet 13 year old who has been through tremendous pain and heartache in her short years was able to think of someone else, someone....unpopular. I wish I could take Betty home and let her live in my 2nd bedroom. She has such potential and to think that I could help her in some small way makes me feel like all the struggles are worth it if I can help this one child.
Later,
Teach
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The First One
I wanted to make title of my posts a different piece of literature that related to the topic but really, I am an educator and do I have time to do this? NO. Therefore, I decided not to make it harder on myself so I will be free to write as often as I feel led and have a sane moment to do so.
Due to the sensitive nature of some of my posts and the fact that I am not a tenured teacher and may be applying for other teaching jobs I have decided to remain anonymous. I appreciate your support and comments but please respect my anonymity and refrain from using my name! You can think of me as "teach" and let me tell you a little about myself and my classroom.
I teach in a rural town that is plagued with extreme poverty. The majority of my students are on reduced lunch and many have free lunch AND breakfast. I graduated from college in December of 2008 and began this job in August of 2009. I wish I would have started this blog earlier because there have been so many crazy stories I could share but it has seemed barely possible to stay afloat in this sea of planning, grading, and disciplining students.
The school I teach at is a Title 1 school which means many of the students are below grade level and many struggle to learn. The nice thing about teaching in such a rural town is my class sizes. The largest class I have is 19 students but even that seems like a lot to handle with the behavior of the kids. I teach one class of 7th graders and 2 classes of 8th graders. As hopefully obvious by my blog title, I am a Language Arts teacher.
I'm trying not to overload you with too much information (like I do with my students) so I will say goodbye for now. But first, my primary reason for writing this blog... to share annoying, funny, incomprehensible stories and to relieve myself from the frustration of the job. Hence, a story for you.
Yesterday I had to call a student's mother to let her know about a detention the student received. I had talked to this mother before and knew she was not very supportive but was also not difficult to deal with. I called and let her know of the student's misbehavior and the fact that he needed to work on his responsibility. As I finished telling her her son had a Tuesday detention I heard a click and dial tone. She either hung up on me or was disconnected. My husband thinks I'm spreading rumors but I truly believe she hung up on me. I stood there with my mouth hanging open. I suppose this may be the first time I am hung up on by a parent and may not be the last - I'll pray it is!
Ciao,
Teach
Due to the sensitive nature of some of my posts and the fact that I am not a tenured teacher and may be applying for other teaching jobs I have decided to remain anonymous. I appreciate your support and comments but please respect my anonymity and refrain from using my name! You can think of me as "teach" and let me tell you a little about myself and my classroom.
I teach in a rural town that is plagued with extreme poverty. The majority of my students are on reduced lunch and many have free lunch AND breakfast. I graduated from college in December of 2008 and began this job in August of 2009. I wish I would have started this blog earlier because there have been so many crazy stories I could share but it has seemed barely possible to stay afloat in this sea of planning, grading, and disciplining students.
The school I teach at is a Title 1 school which means many of the students are below grade level and many struggle to learn. The nice thing about teaching in such a rural town is my class sizes. The largest class I have is 19 students but even that seems like a lot to handle with the behavior of the kids. I teach one class of 7th graders and 2 classes of 8th graders. As hopefully obvious by my blog title, I am a Language Arts teacher.
I'm trying not to overload you with too much information (like I do with my students) so I will say goodbye for now. But first, my primary reason for writing this blog... to share annoying, funny, incomprehensible stories and to relieve myself from the frustration of the job. Hence, a story for you.
Yesterday I had to call a student's mother to let her know about a detention the student received. I had talked to this mother before and knew she was not very supportive but was also not difficult to deal with. I called and let her know of the student's misbehavior and the fact that he needed to work on his responsibility. As I finished telling her her son had a Tuesday detention I heard a click and dial tone. She either hung up on me or was disconnected. My husband thinks I'm spreading rumors but I truly believe she hung up on me. I stood there with my mouth hanging open. I suppose this may be the first time I am hung up on by a parent and may not be the last - I'll pray it is!
Ciao,
Teach
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