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06 October 2007

Student Quote of the Week. [More:]

The start of this year has felt harder than the previous five years. I don't know if it actually is, or if I'm just more worn. I have two big junior English classes, with about 30 students each, and a senior AP class. I can't complain about the AP class; they're a dream, plus, I know most of the students from last year, which helps. But my new juniors are trying to say the least. The last month has been a battle for mere basics, like stay in your seat, raise your hand, don't throw things, stop hitting each other, open your book. One clearly intelligent young man seemed to delight in repeating my instructions in this snide, mocking tone, then looked bewildered when I called him on it. Another girl, when asked for the millionth time to please stop talking to her neighbor, proudly announced, "I choose to be dumb."

With that last one, I'd had it. "Wonderful," I said, "your parents must be so proud." I then suggested she put it on a t-shirt to show the world. To which she replied, "No, I'll put it on a t-shirt with your face on it."

Gotta admit. Not a bad comeback.

It doesn't help that it's hot like august, and my school doesn't have air conditioning. I sweat through my clothes by lunch. Every day, I come home, strip down to a t-shirt and panties, blast the air conditioners, and climb into bed. And that's just how Jon finds me when he comes home, nearly comatose, watching CSI reruns. My hair a mess, dishes piled in the sink, take-out for supper. He's a very understanding husband. Lets me bitch until I get it out of my system. (Thank you, honey.)

Kids are funny, though. No matter how bad the day before was, they come into class the next day like nothing happened. The rudest, most difficult student one day can be the most cooperative the next. I suspect some strange form of adolescent amnesia. We actually had a pretty good day Friday. We're reading Lorraine Hansberry's, A Raisin in the Sun, and they're into it. "Your students are so well-behaved," the new Assistant Principal marveled. I suppose. And it only cost a year or two off my life.
(((Pips)))

There are several teachers in my family (including my mum); my heart goes out to you. I don't know how any of you do it, but I'm glad that the good ones like you manage to stick with it. I salute you, Pips.
posted by elizard 06 October | 13:06
Heh! You want to read Sure Thing, Babs, a blog belonging to someone who English as a foreign language. There's some pretty amusing stuff in there.
posted by TheDonF 06 October | 13:42
Tell her to remember this when she's a crackhead shoving her cup into people's faces on the subway.
posted by brujita 06 October | 16:07
Pips, I teach English too, in Latvia - so please accept an internet-transmitted collegial hug. My students aren't openly rebellious, but they mutter and giggle in Russian, probably at my expense, and I stand there looking like a doofus trying to continue the lesson. It's gonna be OK.

[transmits hug]
posted by mdonley 06 October | 16:24
(((Pips))) One day that girl will regret that she said that. She really will.

Teenagers: they're such a pain in the ass, but you gotta love them.

You're a good doobie, Pips.
posted by LoriFLA 06 October | 17:04
Thanks for the support, folks. I just woke up from a four hour nap. That and a bottle of tequila and I should be good as new.

Maybe I'll watch Lebowski or Clerks II later. They always cheer me up.
posted by Pips 06 October | 17:48
... and I thought being a TA for junior-level software engineering was rough. Hugs, Pips!
posted by mischief 06 October | 17:56
Poor pips!!! Such a delicate and difficult time with new students, and the heat making it that much more unbearable. Ugh. Hang in there kiddo, they'll be loving on you soon enough. By the time the weather cools, your students will probably have chilled as well, once they find out that you really aren't the enemy.

(I bet that one girl will end up loving you most of all... I wouldn't be surprised.)
posted by taz 07 October | 00:31
(((Pips)))

I don't envy you your job, but I think you're a hero for sticking with it. The same goes for all teachers who are in it for the kids.
posted by deborah 07 October | 14:42
You totally have my undying admiration and sympathy. Spending every day with ONE teenager is bad enough; if I had to deal with classrooms full of them I'd go insane.
posted by mygothlaundry 07 October | 15:26
Thanks again, y'all. A three day weekend has definitely lowered the pressure in the pressure cooker; I'm feeling more optimistic, and I finally managed to get the dishes done. Your good wishes and support are much appreciated.

Only twenty more years (and a couple angioplasties) till retirement.
posted by Pips 08 October | 11:56
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