So we got this e-mail from an administrator today in which we were reminded that students listen to us (yeah, right!) and even though we're mighty sick of them, we should be mindful not only of what we say to them, but also of what we say to each other in private conversations that they might overhear.
And why is this?
Because apparently a teacher said to a student, "Sucks to be you."
No, I'm not kidding.
I can't imagine trying to come up with an alternate response that would be acceptable to say to a student in the event that he/she forgets to bring a pencil/some paper/homework to class again but manages to remember his/her cellphone.
When I lived in the South, if a kid told me he/she needed a pencil, I could always respond with "You need Jesus." Last time I said "Oh God!" in frustration in class, some 15-year-old-and-still-in-8th grade atheist told me I was violating his civil rights by talking about God.
All I can say is, thank [redacted] that it's almost summer.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Nothing like it...
Ah, the joys of Spring Break. The only thing nicer than being away from my students for a week? SUMMER! After dealing with craziness, pre-teen pregnancy, students who don't speak English, and the sheer mass of students who have been told that they don't need to pass my class to go on to high school, I am so ready for school to be over.
Boy, was I stupid to think I could go from high school to middle school and get those kids ready for 9th grade. I had no idea when I made my decision that there is no incentive for 8th grade students to pass English. All they need are three credits in English and/or reading between 7th and 8th grade, and they take a combined total of six credits between 7th and 8th. They can fail half of their classes and still go to high school. Or they can fail all of their classes and still go to high school if they're too old to stay in middle school. I have students who are moving up just based on that.
Now with the talk of teacher pay based on test scores, you can bet that I am looking for greener (i.e. more literate) pastures for next year. So far I've applied at a private school and have sent my info to a "turn-around" high school. Now the waiting begins...
One thing is certain: After my husband graduates with his math degree with a concentration in actuarial sciences and statistics - no way would he become a math teacher! - I am turning my back on public education for good. If this year has taught me anything, it's that education is a losing battle in this state, and quite possibly in this country. I've been teaching since January 2004, and I've yet to be proven wrong.
Boy, was I stupid to think I could go from high school to middle school and get those kids ready for 9th grade. I had no idea when I made my decision that there is no incentive for 8th grade students to pass English. All they need are three credits in English and/or reading between 7th and 8th grade, and they take a combined total of six credits between 7th and 8th. They can fail half of their classes and still go to high school. Or they can fail all of their classes and still go to high school if they're too old to stay in middle school. I have students who are moving up just based on that.
Now with the talk of teacher pay based on test scores, you can bet that I am looking for greener (i.e. more literate) pastures for next year. So far I've applied at a private school and have sent my info to a "turn-around" high school. Now the waiting begins...
One thing is certain: After my husband graduates with his math degree with a concentration in actuarial sciences and statistics - no way would he become a math teacher! - I am turning my back on public education for good. If this year has taught me anything, it's that education is a losing battle in this state, and quite possibly in this country. I've been teaching since January 2004, and I've yet to be proven wrong.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Dear Parent,
If you don't care, neither will I.
You see, I've been trying to get you to talk to me about my concerns for your child. I've done everything I could in the last four months, short of drive to your house and knock on your door.
After three parent-teacher conferences that you've scheduled and then have pulled a no-show every single time, I realize that you expect me to raise your child for you.
Well guess what. That's not my job. And be happy it isn't.
If I raised your kid for you, he'd be on the psychiatric meds and receiving the mental health services he desperately needs.
If I raised your kid for you, he wouldn't have that crappy attitude and overinflated sense of self-worth that you have instilled in him.
If I raised your kid for you, I wouldn't be getting calls from the dean's office about how he endangered the lives of his classmates during a hard lockdown by pounding on the walls.
If I raised your kid for you, you could darn well guarantee that I would have put my foot up his ass long before now.
None of this "my son is a good boy" crap. Jeffrey Dahmer's mom said the same thing. They're all good boys until they bring a gun to school and shoot the place up.
I'm tired of the blame game. I'm tired of parents taking zero responsibility for their kids and for foisting all of the blame onto teachers.
You had the kids. Raise them your own damn self, and do it right.
Because believe me, if you can't take care of them, prison will be doing it for you soon enough. And you will not deserve nor receive any of my pity, sympathy or care then.
You see, I've been trying to get you to talk to me about my concerns for your child. I've done everything I could in the last four months, short of drive to your house and knock on your door.
After three parent-teacher conferences that you've scheduled and then have pulled a no-show every single time, I realize that you expect me to raise your child for you.
Well guess what. That's not my job. And be happy it isn't.
If I raised your kid for you, he'd be on the psychiatric meds and receiving the mental health services he desperately needs.
If I raised your kid for you, he wouldn't have that crappy attitude and overinflated sense of self-worth that you have instilled in him.
If I raised your kid for you, I wouldn't be getting calls from the dean's office about how he endangered the lives of his classmates during a hard lockdown by pounding on the walls.
If I raised your kid for you, you could darn well guarantee that I would have put my foot up his ass long before now.
None of this "my son is a good boy" crap. Jeffrey Dahmer's mom said the same thing. They're all good boys until they bring a gun to school and shoot the place up.
I'm tired of the blame game. I'm tired of parents taking zero responsibility for their kids and for foisting all of the blame onto teachers.
You had the kids. Raise them your own damn self, and do it right.
Because believe me, if you can't take care of them, prison will be doing it for you soon enough. And you will not deserve nor receive any of my pity, sympathy or care then.
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