Note to self: Mail Scrappy a bullwhip, and an Indiana Jones hat. Purely for effect, of course. Learn to snap that puppy and they'll pay attention, I betcha.

Oh, Scrappy, that is a really rough day. I hope you have a lovely weekend to make up for it. And to recharge for next week, when they will hopefully behave like better humans.

When I first left high school I was a waitress for 2 weeks and knew I did not have the temperment.

I worked briefly in retail and just no. I couldn't manage a classroom of kids, I couldn't manage ONE kid. I have anormous respect for anyone who can and anyone brave and strong enough to try. Teachers are the toughest people out there.

Husband was originally on a flight home leaving 7:10 and arriving at 9 something. He got onto an earlier flight leaving at 3:10, which was then delayed a good two hours and is now arriving at almost 8.

However, his original flight is now estimated to arrive at 12:30 AM, so he's still ahead of the game.

Scrappy, I'm so sorry you had such a rough time with that class. Are you going to have them again next week? Are you a long-term sub or filling in for whoever is out on any given day? Does this class have a regular teacher you could talk to? If so, she or he might be able to give you some good advice.

Oh, Scrappy, I'm sorry about the rough day. Keep in mind that you were just a convenient target for his anger. Don't take it to heart. (I know that's easier said than done.)

My workplace is having difficulty with water, too. Our HVAC hasn't been quite right for probably 2 years but after the storms last weekend the entire building was super humid. Tuesday we discovered mold growing on most of the seats in the balcony and standing water in the aisles. The linesets had enough condensation on them that they were dripping. I've joked about working in a well equipped cave, but it never felt quite that literal before. That afternoon we got a delivery of a whole bunch of large de-humidifiers (think tall dorm fridge size) and yesterday a mold abatement team swept through the theatre like a SWAT team.

This morning I took my car in for an oil change, thinking I'd pick it up on the way home. Well, they found some (expensive) problems and it won't be ready until tomorrow. So I took the train home and didn't remember that my house keys are still attached to the car keys until I was at my front door. I had to hoof it to the Bark Bark Club (they do cat sitting when I'm out of town) to pick up a set of keys and got there about 5 minutes before they closed. That extra bit of walking wouldn't be a big deal except that I've been dealing with tendonitis in my ankle and was just starting to get better.

Right now, I'm a permanent sub until they hire someone. They are considering hiring me on permanently once I pass my MTTC tests. I have three classes doing really well, or i'd be ready to quit—and if I can't get these two classes under control, I maynot get hired, or I may leave this particular school.

Scrappy, can you talk to any of the other teachers who work with this class? Is there anyone at the school, like a lead teacher for your grade or department, who could help you come up with strategies for dealing with a tough class, or point you in the direction of someone who can?

First-year teachers need all the support they can get, and good colleagues and admin staff will understand that. I hope you can find someone to talk to!

Yes, the school has a curriculum consultant and she is coming to observe on Monday. I am hoping she can give me some good strategies.

Good luck, Scrappy. I give a lot of credit for people who work with kids that age.