this past Friday. And to be honest, I was scared to death. Not “Afraid I was gonna screw up” scared, but “Afraid of what I will do to a lil bad arse” scared. Apparently, these kids haven’t had a teacher since right before school was let out for the holidays because she left and never came back. So, now I am teaching Math. Geometry, PreAlgebra, and Algebra I to be exact. And possible thru the rest of the year with potential of garnering a dadgum position (which has re-inspired me to obtain my license/certification).
Anyway, this is what I threw at them within the first 5 minutes after taking attendance:
1.I am your teacher—not your friend. Remember that.
2.I will only ask/tell you to do something twice. The first time, I will assume you did not hear me. The 2nd, I will assume you don’t know any better. There is NO 3rd time, but there IS a disciplinary form.
3.No unexcused tardies. You will be written up after #4. Case Closed. And PLEASE don’t let me find out you are skipping class.
4.Get all of your talking, gum chewing, note passing, singing, and dancing done before the tardy bell. When it rings, the door closes and class starts.
5.You don’t have to like me, but you WILL respect me.
6.Also, know that I am here to help you. There aren’t ANY stupid questions when it comes to classwork. Just Ask Me. If I don’t know the answer, I will definitely try to find out.
7.Last, but certainly not least: I can treat you like an elementary school child or like someone headed for college. It is up to you.
You know what I heard at the end of the day? They liked me. I was like…well damn. Apparently, my going over things and explaining it to them so they might understand it was a first! She never did that. And I guess I was the first substitute they’d had that knew the material. Granted, my degree is in Business, but I had to suffer up thru Business Calculus in college and 2 bouts of statistics.
Don’t get me wrong: I had a couple of the scoundrels that decided they wanted to “try me”. I promptly sent them to the office. *shrugs* I was told slackers make the best teachers. I was also told I am a slacker. Heaven forbid I actually become good at this. *shakes head* Who knew???
tremaine Said:
on 17 January 2007 at 12:44 am
i can see you doing absolutely anything you so choose to do lady… turly, i can. and i’m glad they liked you; i didn’t doubt it one bit tho.