I finally went back to work on Tuesday, but I still wasn't quite 100% so I did not work out, but yesterday I went for my first run, post-'Flu of Death' and it was positively...awful.
It was like running through wet cement for 5 miles. It was of those runs you do because you are supposed to, not because it feels good.
Tonight I am going to my first pre-masters swim class. Can you sense the excitement? No? That is because there is no excitement. I don't want to go, but I am sure I will feel better after I do.
It is one of those "conquering your fears" things.
Update: I wrote the first part of this at 5 in the morning, it is now 7:15 pm (interestingly enough the exact time my pre-masters swim class starts) and no, I did not get a waterproof lap top, so I wimped out. I was tired and I just plain didn't go. I don't have a good excuse or reason. I just didn't.
The Pedagogical Roller Coaster that was my day:
DOWN Email from Vice principal that I did not include enough comments on my grade reports for students that have D's or F's in my classes. Apparently, we are too assume that parents do not understand that not completing homework and failing test scores, are how students get poor grades in their classes until we enter the code for "Homework not completed" and "Low test scores" on the report card, that the student probably stole out of the mailbox anyway. This email was cc'd to my principal.
I am on the "bad girl" list again. (or still I should say)
UP Have one of the best lectures and discussions on Genetics of my whole career. My 5th period was engaged, laughing, learning. It rocked.
Ultimate teachers high.
and back DOWN Sixth period. If you had ever actually been to my sixth period I wouldn't have to write another word. I can't joke, I can't use silly examples. Basically, I can't have ANY fun as a teacher, at all . I have to be the policeman the entire period. I pick up my chair and bull whip when the first bell rings and I can't put it down until the last bell rings.
This glorious day with sixth period culminated with a less than pleasant interaction with student that I spend at least 75% of the class period admonishing for inappropriate outbursts, touching/harassing other students, not working on the project he is supposed to, and just generally being an asshole. He was shouting out something obnoxious about his sperm (not as bad as it sounds. I teach biology, but still!) and I told him to stop AGAIN. He starts to argue how, of course it was someone else's fault that he is an asshole and I tell him I do not care why he is talking I just want him to stop. His response, "you're stupid!"Awesome.
At this point the child is safer the farther away from me he is. So in the interest of his safety, which of course, is my primary concern, I send him to the dean of students.
Soooo, glad I get to do this again tomorrow.
6 comments:
Glad you posted. I was just about to email you asking where/how you were. Yes, honestly.
I don't see your not going to the swim class as wimping out (and no, I'm not saying that just to make you feel better). Sometimes we're not up for things mentally. Sometimes not physically. When it's both, you're better off staying home. Because what are you going to get out of it anyway? Like me, you conveniently forget accomplishments and advance right to beating yourself up. You ran five miles after being so sick? That showed not only physical strength and endurance but mental as well. You're awesome. Things will get back to normal. You'll get back to 100%. You're (gasp!) human, you know.
You get serious respect from me for being a teacher. I cannot believe some of the stuff I've seen in college classes let alone high school. Teachers are supposed to be the ones teaching the kids EVERYTHING (including manners and disclipline) while being told you have no right or authority to actually follow through with punishments, etc. Oh I miss the days of teachers being able to whack disruptive kids with rulers (oops, did I say that out LOUD?)
I don't understand you having to spend that entire class policing it. Isn't there a way to have another teacher or anyone to monitor the class (without the students knowing about it?). Not only is it affecting you, but I'm sure the other students as well.
Isn't there a way to mildly punish the whole class whenever HE acts up? You know, kind of creating a quasi hatred of him among his peers - the worst thing for a kid who seeks that much attention.
Disrespecting you? And in front of the class yet? HELL no! A kid who isn't motivated enough is one thing, but you getting verbal abuse makes ME want to kick his ass and I'm not even there.
Asking you to teach a class in that environment is like asking a symphony to perform in the same room as a guy using a jackhammer (ha, do ya like that analogy?). So what are your options with the sixth period hellions? Things can't go on like this. It's not what you went to school for or why you became a teacher.
Hey girl,
wow! I'm glad you are feeling better. I know exactly what you're talking about concerning your run. Sometimes I just don't "feel" it and it's miserable! I hope you have a better weekend!
I went to college with the intention of becoming an elementary teacher. There is no way I could do highschool. i'd cry too much--- I'm a sissy! lol. Kudos to you girl! Miss you on EP!
Great job doing that run anyway. I know you didn't feel like it. Are you feeling any better today? So when is the next swim class?
Wow what an ass that kid is. I admire your tenacity to be a teacher. Glad to see your are feeling better!
You are a true saint for teaching high school students!!! They can be the best and worst! I don't think I'd have the patience!
I'm very glad you are feeling better! Nothing worse than being sick-it sucks. And on top of being sick you can't exercise-that always makes me feel worse!
I start shooting Womens Murder Club on monday-it's going to be a cluster fuck! But it's a job and it's money!!!
I think I'm going to run the Malibu Creek trail run on the 6th April since I'm addicted to trail running. Right now I'm sitting with a sore swollen foot after my prolotheraphy appt.....at least i got a run in this morning.
I hope shool and the chitlins were better and nicer today! And i hope you were able to get a satisfying run, swim or bike in!!!
-P
So sorry I didn't post a comment earlier but I'm fighting this head cold STILL! So sorry you had a bad day, it must be hard to work with teenagers. As much as I like to think I have matured above that kind of self-centered culture I am sure it would get to me too if a little brat called me stupid. YOU ARE NOT STUPID, You're an AP biology teacher (A class I never even attempted BTW), and a damn fine one I'm sure. Have I mentioned that you're also a marathoner in the last few minutes?? No, OK YOU'RE A MARATHONER! And a damn fine one at that also. Those kids should be honored to be in your class and it sounds like some of them are. Keep your chin up.
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