Ok…So, the Week of Positive Posts Isn’t What I Had Hoped

Too much going on. And, not necessarily negative, but, more frustrating and disappointing. I am feeling so exhausted these days.

Take my last block Spanish 2 class, for example. They are decent kids overall, but, they don’t take their learning seriously; no ownership and responsibility for the process. The in-class behavior is also not all that it should be: excessive chatting, and not listening/paying attention/taking notes.

Conversely, my first block 8th grade Spanish 1’s act as if they have received a bad lobotomy. They look at me as if I had ten heads whenever I speak - English or Spanish - it doesn’t matter. Again, nice, decent kids, but, desperately lacking in initiative and motivation, save for one or two.

We say that all of the problems exist in inner city schools. To be certain, things are bad in inner city schools. However, low academic performance and bad behavior prevail at all socio-economic levels, in public, private and parochial schools, amongst White and students of color.

This evening as my brother and I were driving to Ruby Tuesday’s for dinner, I said that maybe I am not a good teacher, and maybe I demand and expect too much from them. Moreover, I not only worked hard in school, but I also enjoyed the learning process, took ownership and responsibilty for it, and understood the importance of a good education. So, I cannot even begin to comprehend how, at the cost of $27,500.00, a student can screw around in class and not strive to do his/her best.

My brother re-assured me that I am not a bad teacher. He also said that perhaps I should consider giving more frequent quizzes, and even an occasional pop quiz, in order to send a message. Perhaps in doing so students will realize the importance of listening, paying attention and doing the work.

Anyway, the weekend ahead will be dominated by writing reports and comments. Which will actually be easy, since what I have to say about many of my students has already been written in my mind.