Quote: Honestly, reacting to them with rigidness and ill-humour just keeps the spiral going downward.
It is a tough line to draw...if you give them too much "freedom" to start it's hard to take it away. It is easier to start tough and give them more. The class I was subbing was an elective at the end of the grading period...after 5 days I felt like I got to the point where I had control and then they changed me to a different classroom. Which is fine since I am a sub but I was planning on being in the other class all week and already had my plans. It made me feel better when several students in the first class saw me and said "Mrs. Unsure, you're not subbing for us? Please come sub for us." Even when I told the second group of students I was not going to be there next week some of them were disappointed. I'm just not sure if it was because I was too easy...
They moved me to a "program for special learners" class and wanted me to consider a long-term position. Basically it is a drop out prevention class, smaller classes...they are not supposed to be learning disabled or behaviorial but some definitely are. That was a challenge...I had 3 groups of students 2 periods each (for language arts and social studies). Talk about a challenge, I had no lesson plans, no idea where they are and of course being a sub they certainly like to challenge me. The principal told me to just "wing it" they just need somebody who cares. I gave them 4th grade work and most struggled. There are kids who really care and want to learn but the ones who don't and are constantly disruptive make it hard...
Anyway, Friday, the principal came in to tell me the teacher resigned and she would be posting the position and wanted me to apply!?!?!?!?! I'm torn...it certainly isn't the path I wanted to go and the subjuects aren't my strong points. I do think they need somebody who cares but they also need to learn and honestly, with the 7th grade it would probably take at least a month to get the behavior under control and of 18 students only 3 or 4 really try, 5 or 6 didn't even attempt to do the work.
I really want to do career or business ed....that is what I'm certified for. I think if I did get this position it would suck me dry...also, I know that the 5 or 6 kids I could make a difference for wouldn't be enough for me...I would be kicking myself that I didn't do my job and help more...
I have time to think, I am not working this week because I have other plans and I'm leaving to go visit my Dad on Saturday so I won't be back until the 26th so I have time to figure out what I'm doing...
