I wake up every day at 5am. I plan all night, then I wake up and plan some more. It is Thursday and I feel like I have almost run out of steam. Two... more...days...
This has been an emotionally exhausting week. Monday was crazy enough, but really yesterday is a day I will never forget. J, my 3rd period trouble maker, has recently been quiet and depressed (totally unlike his class clown personality). I see him in the morning moping around in the halls during 1st period. Even though he gives me hell during class, he is a great kid and I really like him as a person. After scolding him for not being in class, I bring him to his 1st period, only to have his teacher hand him a referral for cutting class. I. Felt. Horrible. I was partly the reason it took him so long to get back to class because I was talking to him and trying to see why he was looking so down. Now he was being sent to the office. Bad times.
I talked to the Dean about the situation, but I still felt horrible. I kept J during lunch and we had a heart to heart. He is going through a lot at home, to say the least. It is moments like yesterday when I realize why these students are so far behind. It is not because they are stupid, it is not because they don't want to learn. It is because there are so many obstacle in their way that are more important than learning to write a persuasive essay. He has to worry where he is going to live tomorrow, rather then if he does his worksheet. It is not excuse, but things are a bit clearer for me.
Today our apartment is having a dinner party for our birthdays, and of course, we are inviting all teachers. My cool status is pretty low right about now. I am leaving my 22s behind (which included Spain, senior year of college, graduation, parties) for what looks like a bumpy road of 23 (teaching).
-Ms. Q
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Hey Kellee... long time no talk! Congrats on graduating and happy birthday! Your birthday on facebook led me to your blog and since the first entry was so good, I just had to read them all. I just wanted to let you know that what you're doing in Oakland at that high school is great. I volunteered for 2 years at an inner-city elementary school in Seattle and if I could barely help 3rd graders, I couldn't imagine high school. I'm positive you're doing a great job and know that you are making a difference in their lives, even if they don't see it right away. I always remembered my good high school teachers and thank them for shaping me into the college student I am today. I'm sure you're the same way. Well, hang in there and I hope it gets less stressful. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDelete