Hi. I Need Something Happy.
I've already written about this on my blog so I won't give all the details, but today about 1pm I found out that as of Friday, my last period class of Sophomores will be dissolved and in its place will be a class full of 9th grade repeaters. It's two weeks into school and Every. Kid. There. Will have failed English I.
I almost posted here yesterday to tell about the kid who saw Kevin's picture in my room near one of you all. He asked if he was my husband. :) Then I got my bad news, then I got an email from Amanda, then I got to look at Kim and hear her voice. I'm just kind of a mess right now.
Just please, tell me something good about teaching 9th grade repeaters or give me ideas for them or something. Maybe just a joke about a guy in a hot dog suit.
posted by educat @ 8:07 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
The kids who require the most help need the teachers with the most talent. I wouldn't trust the future of these kids with anyone but you.
And if that doesn't cheer you up, watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbfs2lYM2sQ
Every kid has something lovable inside them. Don't blame the kids for failing - help them find success. Start small.
This might be the most challenging class to try check in with - and it may be the one that needs it most.
Above all, do not kill yourself if they drive you crazy or refuse to be successful. Love them, love them, love them until you and they can't help but smile.
"I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much." -Mother Teresa
I agree that these kids could not have a better teacher I think you will help them succeed where others have not.
-mel
my favorite class was the summer school class everyone told me not to teach. every kid had failed and was retaking it, but they knew they were being given a second chance. since it was summer school, i didn't have to use the damned textbook or pacing guide -- and not using a textbook worked wonders (who woulda thunk...). you are fabulous and will find what works.
A sense of humor is really only a sense of perspective, and you are someone epically blessed in this area.
I echo what the others have already said--the kids are lucky to have you, and as you know from all your previous experience, you will have some success in unexpected and delightful ways with them this year.
And you've got fans from all regions of the country routing you on!
Thank you, everyone. The situation ended differently and I think I finally have the perspective (yes, humor, well put, Meg!) to reflect on it.
This might be a long story.
We met with the Asst Principal in charge of such things about a week ago and made our feelings known. My colleagues expressed their outrage at the handling of the situation (was I being punished for speaking up?) but we all agreed that our top desire was to do the right thing for our students. We thought we made it clear that we're all just now forming those very important bonds of trust with our classes and that breaking that bond (and furthermore, forming bonds with a new class) would waste too much time.
That's not what the AP heard. They waited until Wednesday of last week, but all of the sudden, they moved my classes without speaking to me first. Kids were coming to me in a tizzy asking why they were removed from my class, was I mad?
eigh.
I got my buddy to watch my class, went to the counseling office, worked things out and left with a zillion apologies. The counselors rose to the occasion, put everyone back, and I brought them a box of donuts Friday morning.
My challenge, now, is to continue to find very "green world" ways to encourage my colleagues to communicate. Conversations will probably require summaries and emails to confirm.
It was 100% worth it to have my very squirrely last period know that I fought for them, and I've used every bit of the encouragement you've given me to fuel my 10th grade classes. Every. Single. Thing. You've said about me is true of you.
Love and mercy to you!
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