Random Thoughts at the end of a long day

S.A.

S.A.

WHY? Cuz I can...
Oct 19, 2005
164
0
0
So it is the end of a really long day. I teach, but am finding as the years go on I do more learning everyday. So here are some highlights from my week, please remember it is only Tuesday:

Ms. F, where does the brown string in the bottom of the tank come from? - 6th grade boy looking into the classroom 30G, straight at the pl*co
Ms. F, what do you do when you can't get the zipper up? - whispered by 6th grade boy
Ms. F, my cat died. -8th grader
Ms. F, my grandma died. -8th grader, grandpa is a friend of mine
Ms. F, what do you mean I have to turn in all my work. - same 8th grader that has to have this explained every Monday.
What do you mean I can't take advanced science?! - same 8th grader as above.
Ms. F, what do you do when you get the fan we are working with to close to my partner's hair? (as partner is standing in front of me trying not to kick said askers but) - 8th grader
Ms. F, let's just say I have a "friend" who missed her period... -8th grade girl, looking at the floor trying not to cry.
But then there are moments that just make you say YES!

MS. F I PASSED THE MOTION FINAL WITH AN A!!!- 8th grade special ed kid that has worked his tail off for 3 weeks trying to memorize formulas that are 5 grade levels above his math level
MS. F THE LIL' FISHES ARE EATING THE BROWN SPAGHETTI!!! - same 6th grade class as figured out it wasn't spaghetti
A HUG FROM SOMEONE WHO NEEDED ONE, GIVEN TO ME ON A ROUGH DAY WHEN I NEEDED IT

It is the ups and downs that keep us looking ahead. The unexpected moments that make every breath worth taking. I love my job.
 
Wow, did I need to hear that!! I've been at a "challenged, at-risk" high school for 8 years. Along with some twenty-something other teachers, I have been "de-hired" as I do not fit in with the new co-principals' regime--I am not a yes-man, nor do I kiss butt. No hoovering here. So my day consisted of students refusing to clean the filth they've created in every corner of the room (it's an Art Class); listening to their foul language as they talked their patois of sex, alcohol, and getting in fights (the girls are the worst); seeing a student actually talking to her boyfriend on the phone (the admin has given up, they can't do anything in terms of suspension or other disciplinary measures as tomorrow is the last day of classes before final exams); calling the office is futile, for there is no response (it's just the Art Room); boys throwing markers, broken crayons and colored pencils, torn cardboard and other sundry items; seeing my Art colleague avoid me as she badmouthed me to the new incoming admin as she is threated as a lateral entry teacher (50 some years old, retired from business world, thought it would be "fun" to teach art at her old high school); students not studying for final exam, or getting final artwork together because they know they mammas will come whup my a** if'n I don't pass them because they are entitled to--they signed up for the class, didn't they? Or, they didn't, so they deserve an A or B just because they showed up most of the time.

And why am I devastated because I have to leave this inferno after 8 years? Because of the kids who really enjoyed the class and tell me how much they learned about so many things. . . .
Heck, I just want a job at a school where the majority of the students don't feel entitled to have everything handed to them for no effort. And mammas don't come in and threaten me in front of administrators with "Ah'm gonna bust yo' grill, b****" or "Ah'm gunna whup yore a**". End of an era. . . maybe the end of it all. . . :hi: :thud:
 
Hang in there. I have a similar group of kids but at the middle school level. I just passed on a position at our alternative h.s. (i have a master's in at risk youth) because i knew our bond wouldn't pass and that would be the first program to feel the brunt force.

i do go visit though, i have some friends that work there and the admin is my old v.p. i walk in and the kids totally flip, they usually call their teachers by their first names. i walk in the room and they are right back in 8th grade, using my sir name and yes/no thank you. how are you. it was funny. but i know it is just because they don't expect me to stroll into their lit class. i remember what they were like a few years ago.

hang in there rosita. G*d has a plan, if you are meant to stay in education and work with kids, He will show you the way and opportunity. just be open for new changes, even if it means leaving this program. are there other art positions, even at a museum or art center? besides, whether you know it or not, if you have given of yourself then you have made an impact. even if it is on one kid, it is worth it.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom