I teach high school. This year has really been kicking my butt. I've got the same number of students as last year and teach the same subjects, relatively. I teach 4 periods of freshmen Earth science and 1 period of honors sophomore science. I have a different schedule where I go in later and teach later in the day. That way I can take my youngest to school in the morning. He really likes this. He goes home with a friend after school. Soon, tennis season will be over and my daughter can pick him up after school. He will love being able to come home after school to relax and hang out and play video games or whatever.
But what I don't understand is why this year is so much harder than every other year I've ever taught. Or, at least it seems to be that way.
I'm always bringing home work to grade. Part of that is because I can't read without my glasses anymore. And, I refuse to wear my glasses in public. Because I can't see, I can't grade at school. I used to be able to grade while the kids were working, but now I can't see to read. One day, I will just have to break out the glasses and admit I'm old. But not today.
The other thing I'm just not understanding is the parenting. I have kids who are failing my classes. These parents call and want a parent conference. The parents call, they make an appointment, they come to the school and because I have a late class to teach, I don't get done until 3:11. I have had so many parents this year who will not wait for me to finish teaching. Yesterday, the parent left at 3:10. Her child told her I was coming over to talk to her and she said she couldn't wait for me. Today I had another conference and the parent left right before I got there. This has happened about 10 times this year. I have never had this happen to me and I've taught the late class before. I just don't understand. I've had parents not show up for conferences before, but to show up and then not have the time to wait 5 minutes? I just don't understand.
Are we all in such a hurry these days that we don't have time for our kids? I'm just worn out from the stress of trying to figure all of this out.
I think I will just take a break, make a quilt and then take a nap. My daughter comes home for a few days on Sunday. I can't wait to see her!
3 comments:
There is no understanding self centered people.... don't waste your time. Not sure what time these conferences are set up for .....perhaps 3:20 would be good and then if you get to them early they will be "pleased".
Now the glasses thing.... get over it.... glasses do not equate old.... REALLY..... wait until you REALLY get old in 20-30 years. Your family would appreciate your time at home. My daughter would be so pleased to have time to grade papers while the kids worked .... glasses would be the least of it....but she has other "duties" now that the school district no longer hires support staff.
Let's quilt..
I think everyone is feeling pressured and stressed, it's too bad that it's showing up in parenting. I'm not sure those parents want to hear what you'll say or can cope with it.
I think you need to find yourself some "cool" glasses and make life a little easier on yourself.
I understand completely about the conferences thing. I teach special ed in a very economically challenged area. It is really tough to get parents to come in then when they do they talk a great line and then do nothing. I think I would rather they just not come.
Get some cool glasses. It will be fine. I have contacts and still need readers.
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