All that you have is your soul (Tracy Chapman).

Monday 4 July 2005

Battle Scarred

I've survived my first day of teaching at the new school.

Who would have thought that seventh and eighth grade students could be so vile mannered, thuggish and generally repulsive in their behaviour? And I'm only referring to the good ones.

Seriously though, it was pretty challenging at times and I did end up by calling two separate parents to complain about their little darlings (it's a school policy to call the parents if the kids are obnoxious) but then again, the mum's did say they would "talk" to their little angels.
Waste of time there then.

I'm being perfectly realistic here in stating that I had an almost impossible job. I was covering for another teacher (the one I'm replacing) and it is three weeks before the end of the year, so what else could I expect? Next term, those little beasts are mine, to mould and perfect - I almost feel a Dr Evil cackle coming on - but in September, I think I'll be in a better position to get through to them. The kids are worn out. They want out for summer and who can blame them?

Inevitably, all lessons from henceforth for all teachers are exercises in babysitting because the kids sure as hell don't want to learn and the teachers themselves can't be that bothered to take a stringent line, whatever management is fruitlessly advocating.

I've come through the day, wiser and ready for battle, but to be honest, I'd rather be sunning myself on a far away beach.

Funnily enough, I imagine that's what the kids are also thinking about. Let's just hope it's a different beach on a separate continent.

4 comments:

The Scribbler said...

Thank you for that "constructive" comment.

It has taken me nearly forty years to decide that I want to have a career as a teacher. If I take your advice, it could take me another forty years to work out what else I can do for a living after I'm kicked out of the profession.

The Scribbler said...

Thanks Larry. I've called the men in white coats. Expect a knock at the door.

And remember.

Be nice.

I'm not even supposed to be here today said...

What school is in session in July? Hope your school is pumping the AC!

The Scribbler said...

Yes Kiki, I do want to teach. I can't explain any rationale for doing the job except that when it works, the feeling is indescribable.