Hey all. Found a little bit of time to write, so I thought I would make the most of it.
January 11th began my semester long takeover. I am teaching the second semester of English 9. Monday was fine. We just did some introductory things, and passed out the syllabus. Tuesday wasn't as good but I dealt with it. Wednesday was unbearable as far as management, so on Thursday I talked with the class about it. I told them that I wasn't my CT and that I was not going to try to be like her. I told them that I will probably do things differently and that the sooner they understood that, the sooner we could enjoy the company of each other. Friday was good.
Tuesday was horrible. I could not control them and could not believe what I was hearing from them. Needless to say I left school pretty disappointed. Thursday, I brought my grumpy stick and decided to stop the class and call on individuals who were acting out. Friday was better.
That brings me to today. Today's class was not entirely bad. Apparently some kid aimed some profanity in my direction, but 1) since it was in Spanish and 2) I did not hear it, it hardly bugs me. I only know because one of my Spanish speaking students told me about it later. This truly does not bug me in the least. One reason being, because I don't understand it. He was obviously not brave enough to say it in English and let me hear it, so I know he did not mean it or it was not meant for me to hear. Another reason I do not really care is because if he needs to make himself sound cool in front of his friends by making an unwarranted insult in a language the target cannot understand, it only shows this student's weakness about confrontation and he still knows that saying that is wrong. If I heard it and/or understood it, two things would have happened. The first is calling him out on it saying something about how his unprovoked insult made him look so "cool". The second thing would be to tell him to stay in at lunch and we can discuss it.
My ears are open now.
I am having some trouble with classroom management. I have yet to stumble upon my style of discipline, though I am seeing shades of it. I always went with honesty being the best policy, rather than punishment, but these current students are pushing me. I have a few ideas I still need to try. I am going to have some one-on-one talks with some students tomorrow. If that does not work I will be calling home.
I cannot continue to have this issue. I feel like the students' learning is suffering because of it. I spent a week on something that should have taken one, or two days max.
I have told myself if I need to be grumpy, I will be. Unfortunately, that is difficult being who I am. I hate being mean, but it looks as though I will have to be until I get respect from people. I am turned off to this age group. As of now, I would prefer to teach middle school students, or 11th/12th grade students.
Anyway, enough of the downside. I am liking the high school overall. My literacy placement is an ELD class that I like very much. This is my first time in an ELD class and it is great. The teacher is magnificent and kind and patient with the students. I am learning a lot about being a caring teacher from her. The students themselves are very respectful, overall. They usually all say good morning and bye, and most of them are willing to do the work. If I find a position as an English 11/12 & ELD 3-4 teacher when I graduate, I will be very happy.
I just checked my email a few minutes ago and read something interesting from my CT about an encounter she had with one of my students today. It was somewhat educational, somewhat sad, and somewhat inspiring. It makes me want to stick around for a bit.
Til next time.
