I think I made some progress on the computer over the weekend, but this evening will be the test of Sarah's skills. Hopefully my work will pay off.
I'm still subbing, and it's funny how I view things through the eyes of a teacher now. The husband and I have been watching the series Freaks and Geeks, and I can't help but see pieces of my own 7th graders in the show's characters. I am very sensitive about the geeks and very hateful towards the freaks, simply because I now see those interactions in front of my eyes every day.
I haven't given up on blogging. My mom says she misses me, but it's really because of our computer. I haven't even read a single blog in over a week. I hope to be back in the saddle soon.
1
Hateful towards the freaks? Why? And as a teacher that's not a healthy view to take towards any student.
Posted by: Josh at March 28, 2005 09:06 PM (UmYTB)
2
Josh, do you mean to say that I am supposed to feel all warm and fuzzy about the kids who call other kids "retarded", "stupid", or "nerdy"? That I am supposed to enjoy their presence when they disrupt class, whistle while I talk, and make my life and the other students' a nightmare? I currently have an obligation to teach them math, but I don't have some sort of "moral obligation" to enjoy their abuse.
Posted by: Sarah at March 29, 2005 06:15 AM (MOoZ+)
3
P.S. Have you ever seen the show? "Freaks" doesn't mean kids with green hair and noserings. They're kids who hate school and cheat, lie, and abuse others.
Posted by: Sarah at March 29, 2005 06:17 AM (MOoZ+)
4
Hang in there sarah. as a veteran sub and now veteran teacher we need good people to cover for us when we need a day off. As to freaks you mean the people (ahem) that taunt and tease kids outside their click until they snap and blow a bunch of people away? I wish I had the power to remove these "good kids" from school permanently.
Keep in there and hang on tight!!!
Posted by: Jeff at March 29, 2005 03:04 PM (NhiBI)
5
It is an essential part of the learning process to show respect for others, to communicate without rancor, to resolve differences amicably and to SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN when teacher suggests such.
Posted by: Walter E. Wallis at March 29, 2005 09:15 PM (MBCZx)
6
You're putting words in my mouth. I never said, nor even hinted, that you should feel all "warm and fuzzy" towards them. I merely meant that having a hateful attitude towards anyone, let alone young people, leads one to treat them differently, lesser than the other students.
And even assuming that you are able to prevent the unconscious behavior changes that normally occur in a situation like this, posting it on a public blog - where some of your students could read it - might not be the most professionally wise thing to do.
I understand, and am familiar with, having a hierachy of students in your class. But, I've seen too many of each side (freaks and geeks, not mention bullies, jocks, etc) change for the better to become hateful to anyone. And I teach for a public school in the 5th largest city in the US.
Posted by: Josh at March 31, 2005 01:54 AM (UmYTB)
7
Josh, I'm not a middle school teacher. I'm a long-term sub working for someone on maternity leave. I hate 75% of the students: they're rude, mean-spirited, disrespectful, and incorrigible. I'm glad there are people like you who can do this job without feeling emotionally abused every day at 3:00, because I'm not one of those people. I can't wait to get out of here.
Posted by: Sarah at March 31, 2005 08:13 AM (MOoZ+)
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