Today was just another ordinary day at school. One of my colleages was a little upset though. Apparently last week (I don't recall all the details), she saw a student sitting outside one of her fellow teacher's room. I believe he had gotten in some type of trouble which was why he was outside. There was also another student who made some comment about the previous student "being stupid". So my colleague said something to that student that was sitting outside and she basically paraphrased the "stupid" comment... Then today she was summoned to the principal's office. The student had went home last week and told his parents that she called him stupid and told him to shut up. She hadn't actually directly told him that, but rather just referred to the words of the other student, but nonetheless she was reprimanded.
I believe this happens in schools all over the US, not just on a daily basis, but on an hourly basis. Teaching today's students is a strain on your patience, good humor and emotions in general. I don't know any teachers that after a hard day and faced with more uncontrollable students hasn't yelled "Shut UP!" to the class. I know I have been driven to those words. It's hard to explain what it's like being a teacher. As close as I can come is possibly comparing it to being the only adult at children's birthday party with 35 five year olds. There is laughing, there is complaining, there is cussing, there is teasing, there is flirting and sometimes even fighting. Even when you have a good rapport with your class, it's sometimes difficult to command attention. Especially if there is some juicy gossip flying around the school, or it's right before Christmas vacation or the dreaded pep rally (dreaded by teachers' only). There is always a fight or some type of drama on pep rally day.
So to my friend and colleague, I say, take this experience for what it was...just an experience to take away the message for which it was intended. Remember that this one incident does not make you any less of a teacher. Don't let this one moment redefine how you view yourself as a teacher. Move on.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
"The times they are achanging" as they say. I would not be a teacher now for all the tea in China and I take off my hats to all the teachers out there. With things the way they are, I am surprised there ARE still people willing to help educate the children of today. But I guess if you have just one in a class who is willing to actually LEARN, it makes it all worthwhile.
I think teaching must be one of the toughest professions out there. While your friend should be careful about what she says, I hope she bounces back from one little slip up. We all have our bad moments, you just have to learn what you can from them and move on.
Post a Comment