I was talking to a co-worker about how quite miserable I am here at school. It bothers me that the kids get the wrong end of the stick nearly every day. It bothers me that there is little to no respect for others, including one "professional" to another. It bothers me that I put a very clear sign (a giant red stop sign, laminated) on the library door that says, "Testing, PLEASE do not disturb", and yet the door might as well revolve it incurs so much traffic. "Oh, I didn't see the sign", they say. Didn't see the sign? DIDN"T SEE THE SIGN? It is a foot and a half in diameter and in your face LITERALLY as you pull the door toward you. But I see, you didn't see the sign.... Now this, of course, is my real problem - I shouldn't let these things bother me. I should just become complacent and forget that I have standards that I expect people to live up to. I simply expect too much. Well, gee, then I guess I'll just LOWER MY STANDARDS like all else who work in low SES areas and move on...
My colleague told me yesterday that I shouldn't let these things bother me... Just let it go... Ignorance, I have heard, is bliss... Too bad I"ll never know for myself...
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3 comments:
I can relate to everything you say. Especially about the kids suffering. As you know, I am currently taking administrative coursework. I look at all of the damage that administrators do to the community they serve and I've realized that unfortunately, they just don't care. Some of them walk around in a totally different school...in their head. I started taking the administrative coursework originally so that I could understand what happens between teaching and administration. I still haven't found the answer. A very close friend of mine just made the jump. I have to say I am so hurt by his change. He is passionate, he loves his job...but has begun the process of forgetting what is really important. I even cried about it a little the other day. Its heart breaking. So here is the question. What makes them turn?
Jes be a teach. Juggle the admin, pay lip service, and take care of the classroom. You must be a good teacher to be so passionate. Do a lesson for three days - this is what the classroom is supposed to look like. If anyone walks in, we are talking about "main idea."
Once they master that, shut the door and teach what you think is important. Keep the passion. It is worthy of your attention and pursuit!
Spike
Spike - Thank you for your words. Unfortunately, I am far past the point of lip service at this juncture. We got called into a special assembly this morning, where the principal proceeded to yell at us (yes, I mean raise his voice and point) like we are a group of degenerates instead of professionals. I'll not leave teaching - I'll never leave teaching - but I have to leave this particular place if I want to stay true to who I am. And that passion that I have is slipping into anger and disenchantment - two more reasons to move on from this place...
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