I am trying to embrace the positive in my life right now. I've been having a kind of hard time at my job. I have one class that is beyond fabulous. Teaching them is so joyous. They are absolutely wonderful. I have two classes that are . . . more challenging. These classes inspire frustration. Most of the period is spent with me saying things like "Excuse me," "Please show some respect," "I'm not going to talk over you," and an occasionally yelled "HEY!" to get people to stop and pay attention. I am having to turn in to an edgy, Nazi, drill sergeant, and I hate it. Usually a good "teacher look" and one or two phrases like those mentioned above will whip the adolescents into submission, but with these classes, not so much. Things that have usually worked for me while teaching just aren't working, and it's leaving me unsure of what to do next.
The sad thing is, I have a lot of students in both of these classes that I completely adore. I'm just having a hard time dealing with the problems. Anyway, after waking up this morning with a tiny bit of dread about the aforementioned classes, I decided to try to be positive. On my way to work today, I was counting my blessings, because I really have been showered with them lately. Here are just a few that I am going to recount now, because I thought I was going to cry after teaching my last class today.
1. The fact that Chad and I are homeowners. How fun is it that we own a house? We've changed the locks, I've knocked down spider webs, and we are going to start tearing down wall paper this weekend. There's so much work to be done, but it's so exciting!
2. The fact that our car is still functioning. After being repaired twice, Mr. 4-Runner seems to be doing much better. I have been buttering him up with a lot of praise, so hopefully he will continue to run properly without costing us any more money.
3. All the good students I do have. And I really do have a LOT. I love so many of my kids. They are funny, intelligent, and thoughtful.
4. Fall weather. The hot, humid days are finally melting away into cool, crisp ones. I love it. We've also had a ton of rain, which I can't get enough of. Last night I fell asleep to it pitter-pattering away. I can't wait for the leaves to start changing.
5. My previously mentioned PLANE TICKET which leads to my family, a baby to hold, and Cafe Rio burritos.
There you go, five things that make me smile despite a kind of crappy end to my school day.
Katie, I'm glad I read this post. I'm sort of feeling that way about some of my classes right now too. I think I need to make a list of the positive. How else is everything going? Guess what, I'm coming to NC in a few weeks!I'm excited to see what it's like.
ReplyDeleteoh man, now you brought back student teaching memories... although i'm sure it's a ton harder when you are THE teacher with no one to look to for support. good luck! i'm sure you're an awesome teacher.
ReplyDeletei miss you too! i feel like we got along so well so easily, not something that you find very often. i'm so glad i get to read about your life through your blog!
Katie your blog makes me smile and then when I read about the stupid walmart calculators and even stupider employees it makes me mad!!!!!!!!!!! I have heard that you are an amazing teacher...you are making a difference in so many lives. I am so happy you and Chad are here in our ward and even more grateful that you will be Andi's teacher next year!!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go on being positive! What a great idea, I have many a teacher-mornings that have that dreadful feeling. By the afternoon when I leave I feel satisfied that I love teaching, but every morning.... :D
ReplyDeleteKatie, I called your mom today to let her know I had a blog and she said you did too... I'm so excited to be able to check in on you and Chad. Your house if so cute. hope you have fun decorating it you have great taste! Get on my blog and you can see photos of Brody and Alissa also has a blog.
ReplyDeletehowardandarianne.blogspot.com