Saturday, January 14, 2006

R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Just A Little Bit!

"Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are unconquerable". - Theodore N. Vail

I have to dig deep today for some patience. Since the beginning of this semester I have a group of students that have openly being trying to "push me over the edge". They admit it and that is pathetic. Today was a day that I had scheduled for some necessary "lecturing" (as in teaching concepts). Even though this is like planning a suicide mission on Friday, I need to stick to my schedule and get it done. For the most part, it went well . . . until my worse class walked through the door. God, I try to love and at the minimum respect, all my students, but this class really pushes my buttons the right way!

They are rude to me and each other, they interrupt, they call each other names, they curse, and they drive me crazy! Today - I gave them a piece of my mind. Thankfully, the "piece" I gave them seems to have gotten through to some of them. I was beet red (I was wearing a red turtle neck and one student asked me if I was okay b/c I was the color of my shirt)! Now, many of you may be thinking, "Why doesn't she 'turn them in' or 'write them up'"? I have learned through my years of experience that for a class like this that does no good. And could even make it worse!

Unfortunately, many of these students are like this b/c their parents are, too, and/or as a result of the "system". Sad, but true. If I can get a few of them to "like me" (respect me) and be on my side, then the whole atmosphere can and will shift for the better. I have seen it happen before . . . I just need patience . . . patience . . . patience . . . and a drink! LOL :)

"Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannize their teachers." - Socrates (420 BC)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an interesting quote from Socrates. And, so scary!! You might have to watch you some Dangerous Minds with Michelle Pheiffer for some encouragement. Assuming that things are not as bad as that movie, I hope that things will soon turn with those students. Deep down, I'm sure some of them admire you. But, the peer pressure to be mean is too great for them. And, for the really mean ones, so sad a future do they hold. And, very pathetic. Hang in there. And, have a great weekend. :)

momma of 2 said...

Enjoy your weekend...

Hang in there - teaching is one of the toughest jobs there ever was.

Good luck

Anonymous said...

Where did you find it? Interesting read State of delaware incorporation forms B-1 bomber vitamins fibromyalgia medications arthritis pain relief painsufferer.com Cholesterol lowering diet united states natural pain relief arthritis diets painsufferer com