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.
How sad that crowd control is such an important part of education today. I used to think it was terribly cruel that teachers hit palms with rulers... your brats are lucky to be discipline free. Imagine how gobsmacked they would be to wake up in the days of yore and get a whuppin and a lot of chores too.
Yikes, Scrappy, good luck with those kids. This is why I have never really wanted to be a teacher.
In other news, I found this awesome story on MetaFilter this morning:
[link]
Does anyone want to take a threenager off my hands for a few days? Just until I forget how loud she can tantrum?
Aw, I would! If I could. :-)
Scrappy, all kinds of vibes. After having three kids that age, I know how not-easy they can be.
