Post by Nate M on Jan 21, 2006 7:42:27 GMT 7
So, after being back in the 'States for about 6 months now, I finally had the opportunity to start teaching again, (although only substitute teaching). Due to schedule conflicts with my Chinese class, I wasn't able to sub when I first got back. Today was my day, though.
Most of the day went pretty well. There were a few problems early on, (I had a student start crying when I asked her to sit in her seat instead of on the floor. Another student burst into song and wouldn't stop until I kicked him out because I wouldn't let him "make a very important call to his stockbroker"), but with those few exceptions the classes were pretty well behaved.
...that is, until I got to the last period. The kids there were just uncontrollable. They were loud and abnoxious, and despite the fact that no passes were to be given, about 5-8 of them started screaming about how they "had to go to the bathroom" or "meet with their counselor" with about 20 minutes left of class. I of course refused them, as they'd been brats the rest of the class and I certainly wasn't in a mood to help them skip class when they were acting like this. Eventually I had to call up the administration and have them yank a few kids out of class with about 10 minutes to go. That was humiliating.
Still, despite the problems today, it felt good to get back in the saddle, so to speak. Teaching is rough, and subbing can be hell, but it still gives me a feeling of purpose I haven't found elsewhere. The occasional class of bastards isn't enough to take that satisfaction away from me. So I'll continue to heap abuse on myself by sticking with it. Bring it on. I'm back.
Most of the day went pretty well. There were a few problems early on, (I had a student start crying when I asked her to sit in her seat instead of on the floor. Another student burst into song and wouldn't stop until I kicked him out because I wouldn't let him "make a very important call to his stockbroker"), but with those few exceptions the classes were pretty well behaved.
...that is, until I got to the last period. The kids there were just uncontrollable. They were loud and abnoxious, and despite the fact that no passes were to be given, about 5-8 of them started screaming about how they "had to go to the bathroom" or "meet with their counselor" with about 20 minutes left of class. I of course refused them, as they'd been brats the rest of the class and I certainly wasn't in a mood to help them skip class when they were acting like this. Eventually I had to call up the administration and have them yank a few kids out of class with about 10 minutes to go. That was humiliating.
Still, despite the problems today, it felt good to get back in the saddle, so to speak. Teaching is rough, and subbing can be hell, but it still gives me a feeling of purpose I haven't found elsewhere. The occasional class of bastards isn't enough to take that satisfaction away from me. So I'll continue to heap abuse on myself by sticking with it. Bring it on. I'm back.