The Stink Eye

I am coming to this student teaching experience with a little bit under my belt. I just finished a fifteen week placement as a permanent sub in the classroom around the corner where teaching procedures was a special challenge. I started the school year out with these students and was So Excited. I prepared all kinds of Awesome Community Building Activities. I got to teach my favorite subject for the entire afternoon! My plan was developed. I mean, I was Ready for Whatever. Bring it on. I knew the number one mistake new teachers make is not spending enough time on procedures in the beginning--that was Not going to be me.

Fast forward.

I'm standing before the Robert Marzanos and Harry Wongs and Jim Fays of the world saying, "People, I tried. You don't know these kids."

"Well, no one said it was easy, Doll."

"Um. Okay."

There were great things that happened too, of course, and I know I could have been better. There were tears shed by almost everyone along the way (it was mostly me), but ultimately these students gave me an incredibly rich and useful experience. So, in the interest of making the most of all that is to come, I have challenged myself to become a master of procedural consistency. Then I really will be ready for Whatever. The thing is, utter consistency with thirty individuals with unique needs is hard, but the protestant work ethic of my German ancestry will not be shaken. I will make my Omas proud or die trying.

My new skill--a killer stink-eye--reserved for those special students who require it. Not exactly unkind, but unmistakably in charge.

Like this

 Oma is smiling.