Another Rough One

I think I was destined to be a middle school teacher.

My days begin so wonderfully with my eighth grade Spanish 1’s. They are so cooperative and productive, and I enjoy teaching in their presence.

The Spanish 2’s are, as they say, something else. Especially my Day One last block class, which met today.

Spring Fever has sprung. But, it is far from over - the school year, I mean. And, today we were reviewing for the upcoming chapter test. Not fun, but, it isn’t supposed to be. Well, I guess I was not entertaining enough for one particular student. His body language spoke proverbial volumes w/r/t his attitude: He didn’t want to be there, and found it hard to engage. I asked the student to leave. He said, “Is that really what you want me to do?” I said yes. I added that it seemed like he was finding it hard to be there, so, perhaps he needed to spend time with the Dean of Students. With that, the class was able to move forward more smoothly and productively. Granted, the class is comprised of students representing a wide array of abilitites. That said, they were most productive, and did not have the spector of the student in question looming and draining their intellectual and emotional energy.

Later on in conversation with the Dean of Students, the student in question told him that I had kicked him out of class for no reason. Well, let’s correct this. First, I did not kick him out; I politely asked him to leave. Second, I explained to him the reason he was asked to leave.

For the record, the aforementioned student has serious impulsivity issues. When he’s not being hopelessly impulsive with his mouth, he’s acting like he’s in 23-hour solitary confinement. Either way, he’s difficult, and the parents are in denial. Classic textbook ADHD.

Anyhoo…