So, teachers often like to share funny little quips about their students, and usually I'm that teacher, but, lately, I've been amazed in a different sort of way. I love my job, and I love my students, but, does anyone out there know how to get 9 year-olds to care - about anything?
Just a couple examples...
Someone decided it would be fun to write f--- you (insert other student's name here) on a bingo sheet that is usually turned into the office... Class meeting and several talks with administrators and counselors didn't help, nor did the person who did it come forward.
A student decided that while their friend was dialing their parents (for which they had to dial 9 - 1- and then the area code and phone number from our school phone) they would hit an extra 1, dialing 911 and hanging up - and the laugh about it! That was a fun call with the district office in the middle of class, and then chat with administrators during lunch, resulting in the school officer coming to chat with the class. No one was mean or rude about it, and apparently it happens all the time, but, uh, WOW, really?!?!
I give an attention signal and they keep talking, completely ignoring me - AND if I call them out on it later, even privately, they act like there's nothing wrong, and get an attitude - "What did I DO?!?!"
Oh, and this would be day 2 in a row that we didn't get to math OR literacy because management and discipline things came first. Don't get me wrong, they should - but NCLB doesn't really care too much about teachable moments.
Now, I don't write all this to make it sound like my life stinks, or I hate my job, or teaching is awful - it's not. I still love those kids more than words can truly describe - and it is probably because I love them so much that they affect me so deeply - both positively and negatively. I want the best for them, I want them to be happy and successful - but, really, I want them to care - about themselves, and those around them. They've shown me they can, but right now, in the middle of March Madness (which, I'm learning refers to more than basketball), I'm just discouraged, and desperately needing a break that won't come for another 5 weeks. That's a good word to describe it - discouraged. I'm not really disappointed, or even frustrated. Just discouraged.
***** end of vent ****
Happy 8th Birthday Everett!
7 years ago
2 comments:
I know how you feel, mostly. Some days and weeks of teaching are just like that. I seem to have a really great day one day and than a not so great day the next. It just seems to go in waves based on my attitude, the kids behavior, what we're learning, even the weather, etc.
I don't really have any great advice except for maybe starting a new management thing. My kids at least seem to really do well when I start something new and exciting with them (like class points - I started using those with them a little while ago and they were so excited to get class points for a party).
Anyways, I hope it gets better soon and that you're back to daily loving your job! Remember that you are making a difference and that those kids really do love you!
Oh Mallory, just be grateful you aren't teaching inner-city 4th graders. They don't care about anything, nor do their parents, and it's a good day if you can leave even liking them a little. I miss Heber an aweful lot these days! "F*** you's" are a daily occurence and are usually said directly to my face.
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