Week 2 Recap

I know, I'm behind in my posts. Week two went by so fast because Thursday and Friday we didn't have school. Monday and Tuesday I continued to observe my cooperating teacher - which is pretty easy. I just sit there.

However, on Wednesday, Mr. CT (cooperating teacher) had to leave early for a meeting so he left me in charge from 2:45 until school gets out at 3:10pm ... with freshmen.

This was not a good day at school. It was the last day of the term, all the grades were in, and I was left alone with the freshmen speech class. We were in the theater so there were students seated everywhere and we were doing impromptu speeches. I'd call a student up to the stage and they'd have to answer a question for 60 seconds. Questions were simply (probably a little too simple) and students had a hard time answering them longer than 15 seconds. So students in the audience would ask questions.

This didn't go well. The student were absolutely rude, not only to me but to each other. The snide comments and the "cliche-y" attitudes quickly started sinking my boat of excitement. I tried to bring the students back in, but it was no use. I could only wait for the bell to ring.

Disappointment quickly settled in my gut: "maybe this isn't for me," "how on earth am I going to manage my class," "how can I get these students to respect me?" etc etc. It was a very rough ride home. Immediately, I called my mom. She made me feel a bit better explaining that these freshmen knew they wouldn't see me again (unless I get the job) and that grades were already in so they really had no reason to respect or pay attention to me.

But still, I couldn't help but feel unprepared. During my junior field I didn't have a problem - the kids all listened to me and respected me. But, that school was a lot smaller and rather than 32 students in a class they had 20 at the most. Nonetheless, I was disappointed. I started thinking that maybe I'd rather apply for library specialists positions and take online classes to get certification. After all, I love books and I love talking books. Library media has little homework or preparation and the best of all - little disciplinary needs.

But after calming down a bit, I realized that I just need to find my own style of discipline. I don't look like an authority figure so I can't rely on my physical presence. But I'm sure I'll figure something out - I have too, next week I start teaching.

This is also nerve racking because Monday I'll be teaching the new Speech class. Unfortunately this class is filled with everyone who has already failed the class. I wasn't going to let that put me down - until four teachers came up to me apologizing for such a "tough break." This made me nervous so Mr. CT and I looked more closely at the roster. Every single student is flagged for behavioral (mostly attitude) issues. Furthermore, most people HATE speech. I hate speech and I went to State Speech. How on earth am I going to get this class to survive speech, much less like it.

Well, like I said, I'll figure something out - I have too. Overall, it's been a rough week that has really challenged my desire to teach. It will only get worse so "buck up."

Wish me luck. :/