The Many-Varied Thing

Let's try out that sandwich method so wisely suggested in the comments.

1. I get in trouble in student support meetings. I recommend solutions that are weird. For example, while meeting with the parents, teachers and counselors of a very ADHD student that can't remember to do his homework, I suggested that he write notes to himself on his hand. You sort of can't help but look at your own hand several times throughout the day, so this method works wonders for me. I know writing assignments or appointments down in a planner sounds reasonable, but some of us find even this small act of organization challenging. Unfortunately, my supervisor found my comment unprofessional.

Today, I liked the dichotomy of my "palm" notes. And tonight when I got home, I neatly packed a copy of The Iliad for Carla to borrow and a copy of inside A Thug's Heart by Tupac Shakur for Jazmin. So there you go, it works.

2. I found out today that at least SIX of my students are currently pregnant. Two of them are really smart, beautiful girls that have gobs of potential--had gobs of potential. Now neither of them are applying to college. At least they are both seniors. The other four mommies-to-be are freshman. And I find myself wondering just how illegal it would be if I started taking my girls to get birth control on the DL because, obviously, no one else is taking care of this need. Grr.

3. I've started eating lunch at school--in the cafeteria. Close your mouths folks, it's not as bad as it sounds, and today, it got darn palatable. I've been experimenting with lunch line options for the last week. Since I am a vegetarian, I didn't think I had too many options. For example, today I decided to try a monochromatic lunch in the color yellow--tater tots, pears and a banana. I proudly showed my selection at the register, but Lunch Lady was not impressed. She counseled me on the idea of "healthy" eatin'. When I told her about my vegginess, she shook her head at my concerns and told me they had veggie burgers in the back that they would make to order for me. That'll keep me coming back. Plus, I don't think Lunch Lady has figured out that I am a teacher yet, so lunch is a buck fifty, uh, a bone-fiddy. Word.

Coming soon...hipteacher leaves the house and stays out past ten o'clock, and ninth graders teach The Odyssey with hand-puppets and indie tunes.

 

Comments

[Mamacita]

The good teachers always get in trouble for appearing unprofessional to the administrative types. Do it anyway. You are right, and they are wrong.

[nicole]

having students get pregnant is really horrible for me, too. it hurts me inside.

the ONLY thing i can eat at my cafeteria is the nachos (corn chips with fake cheese sauce- ugh).

[olivia]

Ah, but beware. My boyfriend's sister (M.)got fired and blacklisted from GA public schools for this:

Her elementary school in Canton was experiencing bad problems with threats (some rednecks killed a hispanic kid and in response a hispanic gang started threatening that they were "going to mow down the rednecks"), so they started enforcing lockdowns during school hours and hired lots of security. They also started practicing more drills, but for bombs, not fires.

One of M's students was FREAKING OUT about all of this and confided in M. First M suggested the girl speak to the folks at the school about requesting to switch schools. But the student was denied. So M suggested that the student write a letter to the head of the district (I don't know the official titles). Long story short: M's school found out and fired and blacklisted her. She cannot work in ANY school anymore. She applied to one school and they did hire her - then on the friday before she was to start they called and all they said was, "Don't bother coming."

You know that I am not one to follow the rules. But I would hate to see more GOOD teachers get fired like M did. We need you guys, so be careful!

[Carrie]

Keep up the good work. It was a wise suggestion even if the admins can't see past their noses. Also, I'm sure you were probably at least half-joking about taking the girls to get the birth control, but be very careful. One of our counselors did that exact thing and got fired. It's so ridiculous that some people just refuse to acknowledge that some teenagers are going to have sex so they need to be safe doing it.

[bari]

Ah, yes, another reason why I teach 8th grade. But, don't you find it fascinating that while people think you are a student, they treat you like crap?? Why many of these idiots work with or near kids is beyond me. I am 38, not 18...open up your freaking eyes. LOL

I've had pregnant kids in the past (when I taught high school). It is a painful blow.

[Matt]

I am struck by how you choose to discuss the pregnancy of some of your students. First, that by becoming pregnant these girls "had potential". They still do, and to condemn them to the past tense is a horrible, negating act of betrayal. Perhaps these young women will not walk down the path we would have wished them, but that does not invalidate the rest of their lives.

Second, you seem to imply that the tragedy is all the greater in light of their intelligence and beauty. Perhaps the greater tragedy is that there are many young women who do not fit that description, and pregnant or not, there are teachers who do not see their potential.

You write, judging from only a few posts, like you care about your students and their success, but this perhaps frustrated and off-hand remark is also telling.

[Jennifer]

My kids write on their hands anyway, I don't get how this is all that alarming to your higher-ups. This talk of functional body art reminds me to blog soon about "Hitler-head" stay tuned on my blog.

Please blog hand puppet-ry soon! I do Oedipus with hand puppets--quite effective.

[EdWonk]

1.SIX pregnant students? That's a tragedy. It's interesting how Western Europe is so much more open about human sexuality and yet has a much lower rate on "non-intended" pregnancies....

2.I politely disagree with Mamacita.(Who's heart is definately in the right place.)

In California, teachers are considered "probationary" until they have completed two full years (+ 1 day) of teaching service. Until that time, they can release you at the end of either one of the years WITH NO EXPLANATION whatsoever. In fact, to avoid lawsuits, now-a-days Districts almost never tell the reason(s) behind the dismissal of a probationary teacher.

And having had good Stull Act evaluations are no defense, as Districts often chose not to "re-elect" probationary teachers that have been given "great evaluations."

Keep your administration happy. At least until after you have earned tenure.

Of course if you already HAVE tenure, then do what it right for the kids.

[Guusje]

I've been the librarian at my elementary school for 14 years now and I'm encountering the children of the children I taught. Frequently the Mother and daughter both have babies , we have uncles and nephews in the same class. It is so sad to see these girls potential ended at the age of 14 or 15. When are their communities going to wake up!

[markm]

Matt. you should also be glad you aren't in a school where pregnant 8th graders aren't uncommon.