It’s flooding down here. The rain came down this morning. Some people could not make it to work or school. It was not uniform around the city. It was not that bad where I live, but it was terrible north of the city. The cafeteria at my school was actually flooded. They cancelled all of the extra programs after school so that the students could get home. The rain was pretty bad when I left. A normal, 20-minute commute turned in a one and a half hour drive home. The rain was terrible. The freeway was flooded at my exit, so I had to get off an exit early. The rain came down so hard that I could barely see.
It was a terrible storm. I can look outside of my window right now, and it’s amazing—I can see the sun peering through the clouds. I can see its rays shining through. After a terrible storm that has even taken some people’s lives, the sun shines.
It would be too trite to craft a metaphor comparing this weather to how I feel about my life, my students’ lives, and the lives of many people around the world and our struggles; therefore, I’ll just leave the story for what it is. The sun is quite beautiful right now.
As I said in my last post, I have to spend this week doing paperwork for special education. That said, I have to give busy work to give to the students in order for them to stay occupied. I actually needed to give my social skills class a reading diagnostic that I began a while ago but did not finish, so I went to part of that class period today. Since I was giving some people a test, I needed something that the students could work on individually and that seemed interesting. They had to write an essay. But after that, I had them make a collage about their “ideal day.” I had them cut pictures out of magazines.
Now, I do not have that many magazines; therefore, I had to get a bag of magazines from somebody from TFA. I was incredibly grateful—especially since I’m too cheap to actually go buy magazines. Today, however, I learned an invaluable lesson: always preview the magazines that somebody gives you for your class.
As I was explaining the assignment to my students, I noticed a magazine with Tyra Banks in a bathing suit on the front cover. “Ummm, we’re not going to use this one…” I said, as I fumbled to remove the magazine from the bag without the other kids seeing it. One of them must have seen it since he kept asking me to use the magazine—he remarked rather emphatically, “I can’t make a collage of my ideal day without that picture!” I could not help but laugh. These students are hilarious sometimes.
Today, one of the students in the class led the affirmation. When I asked for volunteers, a few students raised their hands, so I was happy to see that they wanted to get involved with it. I hope the message is starting to set in!
Along different lines, as I was going through the files of students on my caseloads, I saw some of the things my students have been through. And I realized one thing my students definitely need from me as a teacher. Yes, they need me to be motivated, hardworking, and firm. But, on top of all that, they need me to be compassionate.
Why should a student believe that I am there to help her when she cannot even trust me? Why should a student not think that I am just another adult on a power trip if I do not show him that I actually care about his ability to do well? I do not want the students to think that I am just another adult abusing his position—another man bent on exercising control over others in order to cope with his own sense of inadequacy.
No, I have to be compassionate. If I do not care, they will see right through me. The end result is not how well I look in front of an administrator or an evaluator. It is, instead, how I look in their eyes. It is whether or not I can motivate them to find their true potential. Even as a teacher, I cannot reach my true potential until I connect my instruction with their true needs. I need them just as they need me.
“I am because we are.”
After a storm and after relentless rain, the dawning of the sun is quite beautiful.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
No, I'm not an assistant teacher--I'm a real teacher. I also like donuts and the Jackson 5.
It was such a long week, and a ton of things happened. Since I haven’t written since Monday, I’m basically just going to list some of the things that happened and reflect on them at the end.
Actually, now that I’m trying to write, the whole week is such a blur, that I don’t really think I can go day by day. I actually could delete all of this, but I think this incoherence demonstrates the state of mind I’m in as well as how much happens in one week. Let me just list some things that happened:
• On Wednesday, a student was not doing her work in class, and I told her that she needed to get back to work. She then remarked that class was over. “No,” I replied, “Class ends at 3:15, and it’s only 3:00. You need to get back to work.” Her response: “You ain’t the teacher. You’re just the assistant teacher. The assistant. Now What?!” I went into the hallway and told a hall monitor to take her out of my classroom. That was that.
• Also on Wednesday, I got to meet with parents of two of my students. Both meetings went really well. One of the parents was from a student in my social skills class. After talking, I suggested that it might be helpful if she comes and actually sits in the classroom during the next class period. She said that she could make it Monday—I’m looking forward to that.
• Also on Wednesday, I had a meeting with my TFA Program Director. As always, it was quite helpful, and we went over some of the things I need to be working on and prioritizing. Mainly, I am going to work on ensuring that my students in my inclusion classes are not getting left behind and that I am tracking their data and using it to make informed decisions.
• Thursday was particularly crazy. We had a meeting scheduled during the day for the Special Education department. The district is really coming down hard on our folders for our students (basically, the collection of legal documents that catalog important things regarding our students’ disability, the evaluation of those disabilities, and the education plans for them). Needless to say, we were told that we have to focus on this for the next week. I really need to finish a reading diagnostic in my class on Monday, so I got permission to go to that one period. Other than that, I will be doing legal paperwork for the next week while at school.
• After school, I spent time at the TFA office tracking data and meeting with my PD, who had observed my class that day. The meeting was useful, and we discussed how I could better integrate social skills and literacy into my social skills class. I’m really excited about that class.
• I was tracking my data for my math 1 inclusion test, and the numbers were looking weird. Therefore, I stopped after a while in order to wait to ask my co-teacher today. Sure enough, I had been working with the wrong test. FML. The good news: I have the correct test now, and I don’t think it should take me too long since I’ve already kind of gone through the process and have a system for myself.
• Today: I did paperwork all day. I have Pandora on my phone, so we listened to my Jackson 5 radio station for a good part of the day. After my phone battery went down too much, another teacher turned on his iTunes. A different teacher brought donuts for everybody (Krispy Kreme!). After fumbling through how to look through the folders, I started to get a lot more efficient towards the end of the day. I will be seeing the folders a lot throughout the year, so I’m happy to see that I’m getting better at working with them.
I think that’s mostly it. There were ups and downs as always. Some of the students who I’ve had problems with are starting to warm up to me. I think the positive system is working more and more. I think the tickets worked especially well for the students when they were actually able to turn them in for things; therefore, I think the concept of the tickets will be less abstract for them in the future.
As I said, I started tracking my data this week—it does not look too good. The good news, however, is that the data will help me to pinpoint the things that I need to do better. I am still optimistic that it will be a great year. Although I am not excited about how effective I have been so far, I am excited about how effective I can become by learning from my mistakes and continuing to work hard and more efficiently.
In other news, I am the co-faculty advisor for the new mock trial team at my school. We had our first meeting this week. I’m really looking forward to it and will talk more about it as it gets underway.
So yeah, the week was quite busy. There were some tough things, but I had plenty of moments when I realized how much I love being able to work with these students. Both exciting and challenging, these kids give me a definitive reason to get out of bed each morning.
Actually, now that I’m trying to write, the whole week is such a blur, that I don’t really think I can go day by day. I actually could delete all of this, but I think this incoherence demonstrates the state of mind I’m in as well as how much happens in one week. Let me just list some things that happened:
• On Wednesday, a student was not doing her work in class, and I told her that she needed to get back to work. She then remarked that class was over. “No,” I replied, “Class ends at 3:15, and it’s only 3:00. You need to get back to work.” Her response: “You ain’t the teacher. You’re just the assistant teacher. The assistant. Now What?!” I went into the hallway and told a hall monitor to take her out of my classroom. That was that.
• Also on Wednesday, I got to meet with parents of two of my students. Both meetings went really well. One of the parents was from a student in my social skills class. After talking, I suggested that it might be helpful if she comes and actually sits in the classroom during the next class period. She said that she could make it Monday—I’m looking forward to that.
• Also on Wednesday, I had a meeting with my TFA Program Director. As always, it was quite helpful, and we went over some of the things I need to be working on and prioritizing. Mainly, I am going to work on ensuring that my students in my inclusion classes are not getting left behind and that I am tracking their data and using it to make informed decisions.
• Thursday was particularly crazy. We had a meeting scheduled during the day for the Special Education department. The district is really coming down hard on our folders for our students (basically, the collection of legal documents that catalog important things regarding our students’ disability, the evaluation of those disabilities, and the education plans for them). Needless to say, we were told that we have to focus on this for the next week. I really need to finish a reading diagnostic in my class on Monday, so I got permission to go to that one period. Other than that, I will be doing legal paperwork for the next week while at school.
• After school, I spent time at the TFA office tracking data and meeting with my PD, who had observed my class that day. The meeting was useful, and we discussed how I could better integrate social skills and literacy into my social skills class. I’m really excited about that class.
• I was tracking my data for my math 1 inclusion test, and the numbers were looking weird. Therefore, I stopped after a while in order to wait to ask my co-teacher today. Sure enough, I had been working with the wrong test. FML. The good news: I have the correct test now, and I don’t think it should take me too long since I’ve already kind of gone through the process and have a system for myself.
• Today: I did paperwork all day. I have Pandora on my phone, so we listened to my Jackson 5 radio station for a good part of the day. After my phone battery went down too much, another teacher turned on his iTunes. A different teacher brought donuts for everybody (Krispy Kreme!). After fumbling through how to look through the folders, I started to get a lot more efficient towards the end of the day. I will be seeing the folders a lot throughout the year, so I’m happy to see that I’m getting better at working with them.
I think that’s mostly it. There were ups and downs as always. Some of the students who I’ve had problems with are starting to warm up to me. I think the positive system is working more and more. I think the tickets worked especially well for the students when they were actually able to turn them in for things; therefore, I think the concept of the tickets will be less abstract for them in the future.
As I said, I started tracking my data this week—it does not look too good. The good news, however, is that the data will help me to pinpoint the things that I need to do better. I am still optimistic that it will be a great year. Although I am not excited about how effective I have been so far, I am excited about how effective I can become by learning from my mistakes and continuing to work hard and more efficiently.
In other news, I am the co-faculty advisor for the new mock trial team at my school. We had our first meeting this week. I’m really looking forward to it and will talk more about it as it gets underway.
So yeah, the week was quite busy. There were some tough things, but I had plenty of moments when I realized how much I love being able to work with these students. Both exciting and challenging, these kids give me a definitive reason to get out of bed each morning.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Nope--I'm still not a student
Today marked the beginning of the sixth week. It seems as if each Monday, I have to get reacquainted with waking up at 6am. Therefore, I was quite tired when I got to school. After a cup of coffee, however, I found my groove. I found myself thinking, “I love this job!” when I was working with students in my first block class. I also really enjoyed my physics class today. Everything was going pretty well.
I have stopped wearing my badge since I figured most people were recognizing me as a teacher. I also wore a full suit a couple of times, so I felt like I looked a little bit older. Yet, a few times today, I was walking through the hallway (with just a tie and my trusty clipboard), and students looked back at me and said, “I thought you were a student.” Maybe it’s time to bring the badge back? Maybe I’ll just throw on a blazer tomorrow…
I could not get through the day without at least a little drama, though. Of course, it came from my last period class, which happens to be an inclusion Math II class (for mainly sophomores). I had to go get one of the assistant principals to talk to a girl in my class who was being openly defiant (basically, I asked her to do something, and she refused). Besides that, the class was a little rowdy, but they still worked hard the entire period. I got some time to really work with students, and they seemed to be catching on and getting excited when they got the answers correct. Those are the moments that really make my day.
So, all in all, it’s a Monday; therefore, I’m really tired. I also have a ton of more work I need to do. I’m still trying to find my rhythm. But, it was a good day, and I hope the week continues well.
I have stopped wearing my badge since I figured most people were recognizing me as a teacher. I also wore a full suit a couple of times, so I felt like I looked a little bit older. Yet, a few times today, I was walking through the hallway (with just a tie and my trusty clipboard), and students looked back at me and said, “I thought you were a student.” Maybe it’s time to bring the badge back? Maybe I’ll just throw on a blazer tomorrow…
I could not get through the day without at least a little drama, though. Of course, it came from my last period class, which happens to be an inclusion Math II class (for mainly sophomores). I had to go get one of the assistant principals to talk to a girl in my class who was being openly defiant (basically, I asked her to do something, and she refused). Besides that, the class was a little rowdy, but they still worked hard the entire period. I got some time to really work with students, and they seemed to be catching on and getting excited when they got the answers correct. Those are the moments that really make my day.
So, all in all, it’s a Monday; therefore, I’m really tired. I also have a ton of more work I need to do. I’m still trying to find my rhythm. But, it was a good day, and I hope the week continues well.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Yeah, I called your mom in the middle of class -- now what? A ticket?
Wow. So many things have happened this week. It has been a relatively good week, but there have also been some rather interesting things (like breaking up a brief hallway fight—don’t worry, I’m okay!).
As I mentioned in earlier posts, I began a new investment system this week. The first thing we do in my study skills and social skills classes is recite the class affirmation. Right now, I am leading it, and they are repeating after me. However, I let them know that they will step up as leaders in the classroom and lead it in a couple of weks—there is a prize if students choose to memorize it. In case anybody is interested, here is the affirmation:
I am a scholar.
I know that I am not perfect.
Yet, I can continuously grow as a person through hard work and self reflection.
I cannot control everything around me, and I know that life is not entirely fair.
However, I am in control of myself.
I can control my actions, my attitude, and my sense of possibility.
Today, I make a choice.
I choose to exercise control over my life and push myself to my highest potential.
I cannot do it alone.
I will seek help when necessary and offer help when able.
Today, I make the choice to work hard and be a good citizen, team player, and human being.
I am a scholar.
Today, I make the choice to be me.
For the class competition, the entire class can move up or down a chart that I created based on group actions. However, the entire group can be affected by individuals. As individuals, the students still can get positive reinforcements through individual tickets. I am hoping that these positive consequences can help some of the students that have become almost desensitized to negative consequences.
Today showed a little promise, although the system is by no means solid. In my social skills class, just about everybody came in on time; therefore, I thanked them, and I moved the class up on the chart. I also gave each individual, who was on time, a ticket. We then started off the class with our affirmation. After that, we began to work on the test. Then the distractions started.
One of the students (a member of the big three) decided he wanted to keep making noises. I told him that he needed to stop. Determined not to keep doing negative consequences, I went positive—that is, I started thanking the other students for their behavior and giving out tickets. This kind of helped, but other students got a little distracted at times. However, I continued to thank those who were staying on task and give out tickets. Those other students, for the most part, tried to stay on task because they wanted to keep getting tickets.
I did a mixture of ignoring him (I knew he just wanted attention), and telling him that he needed to stop disrespecting his fellow students and colleagues, who were trying to take a test. I became even more determined to keep using positive consequences when he asked me if he could just go take the test somewhere else—basically, he wanted to get kicked out! I was determined to keep him in the classroom, but it did get hard.
Eventually, I actually called his mom while in class. I apologized for having to call her during the day, and then I told her what was going on and asked her to speak to him. Now, the student wasn’t happy I called his mom, and actually called me “gay” when he saw that I was calling his mom. After he talked to his mom, he straightened up a bit, but he still had a few outbursts. Yet, it helped to calm the other students down when I asked if any of them wanted to speak to one of their parents, too.
At the end of class, I acknowledged that it might be frustrating for the students to move down the chart because of only a couple of people (throughout class, a girl was fake crying and screaming, “I want a ticket”—again, I did a mixture of ignoring and addressing her since she definitely was just trying to get attention). I told them that they still had a chance to win, but they had to talk to their fellow students. I tried to impress upon them that they have to work as a team; yet, they would still be rewarded for individual behavior with tickets. Moreover, I mostly just kept thanking those students for being mature and respecting their classmates.
It’s not perfect right now, and I’m not sure how it will end up; however, I did see how a majority of the students reacted positively—even some of those that I had problems with in previous classes. Only time and consistency will tell.
So excited about the weekend! Tomorrow, I’m going to educator’s day at the zoo!
As I mentioned in earlier posts, I began a new investment system this week. The first thing we do in my study skills and social skills classes is recite the class affirmation. Right now, I am leading it, and they are repeating after me. However, I let them know that they will step up as leaders in the classroom and lead it in a couple of weks—there is a prize if students choose to memorize it. In case anybody is interested, here is the affirmation:
I am a scholar.
I know that I am not perfect.
Yet, I can continuously grow as a person through hard work and self reflection.
I cannot control everything around me, and I know that life is not entirely fair.
However, I am in control of myself.
I can control my actions, my attitude, and my sense of possibility.
Today, I make a choice.
I choose to exercise control over my life and push myself to my highest potential.
I cannot do it alone.
I will seek help when necessary and offer help when able.
Today, I make the choice to work hard and be a good citizen, team player, and human being.
I am a scholar.
Today, I make the choice to be me.
For the class competition, the entire class can move up or down a chart that I created based on group actions. However, the entire group can be affected by individuals. As individuals, the students still can get positive reinforcements through individual tickets. I am hoping that these positive consequences can help some of the students that have become almost desensitized to negative consequences.
Today showed a little promise, although the system is by no means solid. In my social skills class, just about everybody came in on time; therefore, I thanked them, and I moved the class up on the chart. I also gave each individual, who was on time, a ticket. We then started off the class with our affirmation. After that, we began to work on the test. Then the distractions started.
One of the students (a member of the big three) decided he wanted to keep making noises. I told him that he needed to stop. Determined not to keep doing negative consequences, I went positive—that is, I started thanking the other students for their behavior and giving out tickets. This kind of helped, but other students got a little distracted at times. However, I continued to thank those who were staying on task and give out tickets. Those other students, for the most part, tried to stay on task because they wanted to keep getting tickets.
I did a mixture of ignoring him (I knew he just wanted attention), and telling him that he needed to stop disrespecting his fellow students and colleagues, who were trying to take a test. I became even more determined to keep using positive consequences when he asked me if he could just go take the test somewhere else—basically, he wanted to get kicked out! I was determined to keep him in the classroom, but it did get hard.
Eventually, I actually called his mom while in class. I apologized for having to call her during the day, and then I told her what was going on and asked her to speak to him. Now, the student wasn’t happy I called his mom, and actually called me “gay” when he saw that I was calling his mom. After he talked to his mom, he straightened up a bit, but he still had a few outbursts. Yet, it helped to calm the other students down when I asked if any of them wanted to speak to one of their parents, too.
At the end of class, I acknowledged that it might be frustrating for the students to move down the chart because of only a couple of people (throughout class, a girl was fake crying and screaming, “I want a ticket”—again, I did a mixture of ignoring and addressing her since she definitely was just trying to get attention). I told them that they still had a chance to win, but they had to talk to their fellow students. I tried to impress upon them that they have to work as a team; yet, they would still be rewarded for individual behavior with tickets. Moreover, I mostly just kept thanking those students for being mature and respecting their classmates.
It’s not perfect right now, and I’m not sure how it will end up; however, I did see how a majority of the students reacted positively—even some of those that I had problems with in previous classes. Only time and consistency will tell.
So excited about the weekend! Tomorrow, I’m going to educator’s day at the zoo!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Rumors, shame, and traffic lights
Today was a pretty good day in terms of instruction. I worked in a small group with some students in one of my math inclusion classes, and the students seemed to appreciate the extra review. One student even volunteered to come before school for some extra tutoring tomorrow morning. I love feeling like I am actually being clear in my instruction and helping students to have those “aha” moments.
On another note, kids are a trip. This one student said this to me at the end of my first period math class: “Mr. Seegars, I saw you at the football game this weekend with that cheerleading coach. Are y’all going together?” Shocked that the student asked this so bluntly, I then said no, added that I would not discuss my personal life anyway, and said that we were there with other teachers too. She responded, “Mhm, don’t lie to me—I know y’all are dating.” I laughed and said, “We were all there as a group, but I am still not discussing my personal life with you.” I laughed about it with some other teachers later—apparently, students try to make up relationships between faculty members all the time. I guess I should not have been surprised since I was asked last week whether or not I have kids.
The rest of the day went relatively smoothly. I stayed a little late in my physics class in order to help some students with work. I had to catch myself when I started to lose patience since I was hungry (my lunch period had begun). I was about to just go to lunch, but I saw the student was really trying. I was very happy that I kept my patience because the student was eventually able to understand the material.
My last period class also went well. There was just one problem. This one girl basically said she could not stand me and really would not let me work with her. It was frustrating because I wanted to help her, but I could not figure out a way to dispel her attitude. Unfortunately, and I am ashamed to admit this, I actually just gave up on her after she kept verbalizing her hostility. I just felt like I did not have time to sit there and worry about her when there were other students literally calling me to their desks to help them with work. Yet, as a Special Education teacher, she was one of the students I was in there specifically to serve.
Well, after about 10 minutes, I realized that I could not give up on her. So I went back over to her area of the room in order to check on her. Generally, when I check on my students, I look at everybody around them so that they do not feel singled out. Also, the other students in the classroom do not really need to know who is special education.
So, as I passed by the desks where she was and eventually got to her desk, she covered up her work and made a face. I told her (as we had discussed before) that this was unacceptable. But, in my head, I was at a loss for what to do. I still am. I am going to call her parents and hopefully figure out some way to get her to open up to me. I know that I cannot simply make an excuse by saying she does not want my help.
This experience taught me a couple of things. First, it shows me how human I am. During my TFA interviews and throughout my training, I always talked about how much I would just “relentlessly pursue results” no matter what; however, I found myself giving up on a student. Yes, it was a mistake. But I can see how easy it was for me to make that mistake just because I was frustrated.
Secondly, it reminded me of how important it is for us to “relentlessly pursue” those results. Even when I think a student does not want the help, I have to find a way to supply that service to that student. I cannot control what happens outside of the classroom or whether or not she hates my guts, but what I do have control over is whether or not I know that I am trying my best to provide her with an opportunity for learning. I can do better.
On a different note, the highlight of my day was when I barely made it through a traffic light on my way home after I got off the freeway. You have to love the little things. ☺
On another note, kids are a trip. This one student said this to me at the end of my first period math class: “Mr. Seegars, I saw you at the football game this weekend with that cheerleading coach. Are y’all going together?” Shocked that the student asked this so bluntly, I then said no, added that I would not discuss my personal life anyway, and said that we were there with other teachers too. She responded, “Mhm, don’t lie to me—I know y’all are dating.” I laughed and said, “We were all there as a group, but I am still not discussing my personal life with you.” I laughed about it with some other teachers later—apparently, students try to make up relationships between faculty members all the time. I guess I should not have been surprised since I was asked last week whether or not I have kids.
The rest of the day went relatively smoothly. I stayed a little late in my physics class in order to help some students with work. I had to catch myself when I started to lose patience since I was hungry (my lunch period had begun). I was about to just go to lunch, but I saw the student was really trying. I was very happy that I kept my patience because the student was eventually able to understand the material.
My last period class also went well. There was just one problem. This one girl basically said she could not stand me and really would not let me work with her. It was frustrating because I wanted to help her, but I could not figure out a way to dispel her attitude. Unfortunately, and I am ashamed to admit this, I actually just gave up on her after she kept verbalizing her hostility. I just felt like I did not have time to sit there and worry about her when there were other students literally calling me to their desks to help them with work. Yet, as a Special Education teacher, she was one of the students I was in there specifically to serve.
Well, after about 10 minutes, I realized that I could not give up on her. So I went back over to her area of the room in order to check on her. Generally, when I check on my students, I look at everybody around them so that they do not feel singled out. Also, the other students in the classroom do not really need to know who is special education.
So, as I passed by the desks where she was and eventually got to her desk, she covered up her work and made a face. I told her (as we had discussed before) that this was unacceptable. But, in my head, I was at a loss for what to do. I still am. I am going to call her parents and hopefully figure out some way to get her to open up to me. I know that I cannot simply make an excuse by saying she does not want my help.
This experience taught me a couple of things. First, it shows me how human I am. During my TFA interviews and throughout my training, I always talked about how much I would just “relentlessly pursue results” no matter what; however, I found myself giving up on a student. Yes, it was a mistake. But I can see how easy it was for me to make that mistake just because I was frustrated.
Secondly, it reminded me of how important it is for us to “relentlessly pursue” those results. Even when I think a student does not want the help, I have to find a way to supply that service to that student. I cannot control what happens outside of the classroom or whether or not she hates my guts, but what I do have control over is whether or not I know that I am trying my best to provide her with an opportunity for learning. I can do better.
On a different note, the highlight of my day was when I barely made it through a traffic light on my way home after I got off the freeway. You have to love the little things. ☺
Friday, September 4, 2009
"To bake, or not to bake?" and other rap songs in the making
The end of the fourth week.
Today, like any other day, was full of ups and downs. Teaching is great because it really helps you to appreciate the positive things around you. If you do not, then it’s easy to get disillusioned. Things can go bad. But when they are good, they feel very good—and you remember why it’s all worth it.
My day started off well. I ran a math jeopardy game in my first period class in order for them to get practice working on some of the concepts before their assessments next week. The categories included topics such as functions, substitution, and graphs. I also included a “surprise” category and another one called “My patnas n dem” (the name of a local rap hit). In the latter category, I asked questions about public figures and role models. The prize for the game was that the winning group would be able to decide what snack I would bring the class next week. They decided on cupcakes. I wonder if I should buy or bake…
When I went into my next class, things seemed to be normal. The next thing I know, I saw like 5 cops outside in the hallway—one with a bulletproof vest on. Then they started running down the hallway. Intense. I do not know what was going on, but it did not seem like something I wanted to be close to.
During my planning period, I was in a pretty good mood as I jammed Pandora, set up my classroom, and kept thinking about the three day weekend. As my social skills class started, it seemed like it would be good. The students were working on the warm up. And then, well, old problems resurfaced. A final student came in late, and the big three were reunited.
Things happened. I had to give the “I’m disappointed and this is not a joke” speech to the class, followed up by the “do not waste your time and stop playing games with your lives” addendum. Still, I ended up having to talk to a student outside. He made a threatening move at another teacher when her back was turned, so I had to send him out. I definitely will not tolerate disrespect like that. Another student decided he wanted to keep having the last word and almost threatening me. I put him out too. Another student decided he wanted to keep using loud inappropriate language regardless of consequences. He had to go as well. I think they are all suspended now.
After that, class was actually great. The students worked together in groups and presented to the rest of the class. They did try to figure out how old I was again. They also tried to ask about my dating life (“Are you married?” and “Do you like interracial relationships?” were two of their questions). I simply told them that I was not going to discuss my dating life with them and that they did not need to know how old I was. When they asked me if I had any kids, I said no, but then a girl said, “We are your kids.” Another girl said, “nuh-uh!” I laughed, and then we moved on. A girl also said she would pray for me again when she saw me start to dance. I also started trying to make an educational rap for them. They did not like the versions I tried out today, but I will have one ready for them next week!
They are a good group of kids, and I really enjoy working with them. Some of the students are doing a job placement program, so I won’t actually have them after Labor Day. Hopefully, I’ll still see them around so I can see if they’re making good progress.
I am going to my school’s football game tonight. We have won both of our games this season so far, so hopefully we will keep that record! Time to take a nap before the game. Exhausted.
Today, like any other day, was full of ups and downs. Teaching is great because it really helps you to appreciate the positive things around you. If you do not, then it’s easy to get disillusioned. Things can go bad. But when they are good, they feel very good—and you remember why it’s all worth it.
My day started off well. I ran a math jeopardy game in my first period class in order for them to get practice working on some of the concepts before their assessments next week. The categories included topics such as functions, substitution, and graphs. I also included a “surprise” category and another one called “My patnas n dem” (the name of a local rap hit). In the latter category, I asked questions about public figures and role models. The prize for the game was that the winning group would be able to decide what snack I would bring the class next week. They decided on cupcakes. I wonder if I should buy or bake…
When I went into my next class, things seemed to be normal. The next thing I know, I saw like 5 cops outside in the hallway—one with a bulletproof vest on. Then they started running down the hallway. Intense. I do not know what was going on, but it did not seem like something I wanted to be close to.
During my planning period, I was in a pretty good mood as I jammed Pandora, set up my classroom, and kept thinking about the three day weekend. As my social skills class started, it seemed like it would be good. The students were working on the warm up. And then, well, old problems resurfaced. A final student came in late, and the big three were reunited.
Things happened. I had to give the “I’m disappointed and this is not a joke” speech to the class, followed up by the “do not waste your time and stop playing games with your lives” addendum. Still, I ended up having to talk to a student outside. He made a threatening move at another teacher when her back was turned, so I had to send him out. I definitely will not tolerate disrespect like that. Another student decided he wanted to keep having the last word and almost threatening me. I put him out too. Another student decided he wanted to keep using loud inappropriate language regardless of consequences. He had to go as well. I think they are all suspended now.
After that, class was actually great. The students worked together in groups and presented to the rest of the class. They did try to figure out how old I was again. They also tried to ask about my dating life (“Are you married?” and “Do you like interracial relationships?” were two of their questions). I simply told them that I was not going to discuss my dating life with them and that they did not need to know how old I was. When they asked me if I had any kids, I said no, but then a girl said, “We are your kids.” Another girl said, “nuh-uh!” I laughed, and then we moved on. A girl also said she would pray for me again when she saw me start to dance. I also started trying to make an educational rap for them. They did not like the versions I tried out today, but I will have one ready for them next week!
They are a good group of kids, and I really enjoy working with them. Some of the students are doing a job placement program, so I won’t actually have them after Labor Day. Hopefully, I’ll still see them around so I can see if they’re making good progress.
I am going to my school’s football game tonight. We have won both of our games this season so far, so hopefully we will keep that record! Time to take a nap before the game. Exhausted.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Even 54 year-old preaching teachers get overwhelmed...
I was overwhelmed today. It got so bad that some teachers saw me at the end of the day and had to ask me what was wrong. We had a departmental meeting for special education, and I basically looked confused the whole time. There is a lot of stuff to do, and I have not been able to really organize my life around all of the tasks at hand.
I put those thoughts aside and went into my last period (social skills) class. We had a great period two days ago, so I was really looking forward to today—I was excited about my lesson. Twenty-five minutes after the period began, I found myself putting two students out. I was not happy about it, and I know that it is partially my fault. Yes, the students were disrespectful. Yes, they moved through the consequences. However, if I had a better investment plan, I probably would not have to move through negative consequences so much. I know I have said that I need a better investment plan before, so I am going make sure I put my actions where my mouth is. This weekend, I will DEFINITELY put together this new investment plan so that I can have more positive incentives to balance my negative consequences. I tried to do a lot of stuff with building positive class culture with students, but I need some more tangible, concrete things for them.
The day was not completely lost. The latter part of my social skills class was a lot of fun. At one point, I actually started “preaching” about how great it is to understand the main idea of something. I was not really preaching (I’m not trying to get sued…), but it went something like this:
Me: (Walking back and forward with my hands raised) You know, I asked myself a questions the other day. I said, ‘Self?” and my self said, “hmm?” and I said, ‘Mr. Seegars, do you know how important the main idea is?”
Student: Well
Me: Hey Hey Hey!
Student: Well!
Me: And my self told me that the main idea is a beautiful thing. It said, “Mr. Seegars, it is an important thing.” The main idea helps us understand the point of what somebody is telling us.
Student: Mhmmmmm (singing)
Other students: Mr. Seegars, can you stop—you are not a preacher!
Me: Hey Hey Hey! I’m feeling the main idea all over me! Now, y’all better pay attention to this part of the lesson!
Students: We are! Can you stop preaching, please! You and preaching don’t go together!
Me: Hey Hey Hey! Alright, as long as y’all know how important this is
Student: I’m going to pray for you Mr. Seegars
Me: Alright, alright. Let’s continue with our main idea graphic organizer…
That was basically my way of trying to get them excited about the lesson. I don’t know if it worked or not, but I think they were grateful to do anything (including learn about main idea) as long as I stopped “preaching.” By any means necessary?
Oh yeah, they also tried to debate how old I am. The possibilities they stated: 26, 32, and 54. I guess the blazers that I started wearing to school in order to look older have worked. ☺
Anyway, after school, I was exhausted and still overwhelmed from my meeting earlier. I had a meeting with my TFA Program Director after I left work. It was very productive, and she told me that we are going to work on prioritizing things so that I could become more efficient. It was a very good meeting, and she is always very supportive and helpful. I have a crazy amount of work to do, but I still got into my car smiling.
I put those thoughts aside and went into my last period (social skills) class. We had a great period two days ago, so I was really looking forward to today—I was excited about my lesson. Twenty-five minutes after the period began, I found myself putting two students out. I was not happy about it, and I know that it is partially my fault. Yes, the students were disrespectful. Yes, they moved through the consequences. However, if I had a better investment plan, I probably would not have to move through negative consequences so much. I know I have said that I need a better investment plan before, so I am going make sure I put my actions where my mouth is. This weekend, I will DEFINITELY put together this new investment plan so that I can have more positive incentives to balance my negative consequences. I tried to do a lot of stuff with building positive class culture with students, but I need some more tangible, concrete things for them.
The day was not completely lost. The latter part of my social skills class was a lot of fun. At one point, I actually started “preaching” about how great it is to understand the main idea of something. I was not really preaching (I’m not trying to get sued…), but it went something like this:
Me: (Walking back and forward with my hands raised) You know, I asked myself a questions the other day. I said, ‘Self?” and my self said, “hmm?” and I said, ‘Mr. Seegars, do you know how important the main idea is?”
Student: Well
Me: Hey Hey Hey!
Student: Well!
Me: And my self told me that the main idea is a beautiful thing. It said, “Mr. Seegars, it is an important thing.” The main idea helps us understand the point of what somebody is telling us.
Student: Mhmmmmm (singing)
Other students: Mr. Seegars, can you stop—you are not a preacher!
Me: Hey Hey Hey! I’m feeling the main idea all over me! Now, y’all better pay attention to this part of the lesson!
Students: We are! Can you stop preaching, please! You and preaching don’t go together!
Me: Hey Hey Hey! Alright, as long as y’all know how important this is
Student: I’m going to pray for you Mr. Seegars
Me: Alright, alright. Let’s continue with our main idea graphic organizer…
That was basically my way of trying to get them excited about the lesson. I don’t know if it worked or not, but I think they were grateful to do anything (including learn about main idea) as long as I stopped “preaching.” By any means necessary?
Oh yeah, they also tried to debate how old I am. The possibilities they stated: 26, 32, and 54. I guess the blazers that I started wearing to school in order to look older have worked. ☺
Anyway, after school, I was exhausted and still overwhelmed from my meeting earlier. I had a meeting with my TFA Program Director after I left work. It was very productive, and she told me that we are going to work on prioritizing things so that I could become more efficient. It was a very good meeting, and she is always very supportive and helpful. I have a crazy amount of work to do, but I still got into my car smiling.
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