A Good Day

I was looking forward to going to class today. That isn't to say things were especially easy, or that I thought they would be. But, just knowing that ALP wasn't going to be in my class, constantly pushing and testing, took a huge weight off my mind and made it that much easier to head to school.

Then I showed up to pick up my class and there he was. I swear to God I got sick to my stomach and tried not to let it show. I welcomed him back, and took the class upstairs. Then first chance I got I found my assistant principal and asked him what ALP was doing back in my class. Luckily, it wasn't the way it looked. ALP wasn't back in my class, he was just blatantly ignoring what my AP had told him. I don't know if I was able to hold back my smile when the AP escorted him out of my class, but I know I felt a big rush of relief.

Today wasn't an easy day by any means. I had two students who almost every bit as disobedient and disrespectful as ALP. And the rest of the day I struggled to keep the class on task and quiet. Still I feel like I'm gaining some sort of control. I set up my overhead projector finally and I have a clear idea of where I'm going with my class. If I can improve my lessons and make them truly engaging I like my chances at finally taking full control of my class and getting some real teaching done.

Comments

IMC Guy said…
Sounds like you have your work cut out for you. Keep working hard, things will improve.

I don't know much about ALP, but I can tell you this - after 12 years of teaching, you will always have an ALP in your class!
October 23, 2007 at 9:53 PM
Anonymous said…
NYC teaching fellow's post brought me here, and I love your writing! The way you describe the sick feeling upon seeing that student, and the way you dreaded going back to the classroom, I totally relate to that. I guess it's comforting that it is all part of the teaching experience, and it has nothing to do with the way you're dealing with things. Classroom management is like driving a car, or playing the piano. You need a lot of practice,a special touch and a lot of courage. The positive side is that it is at least just as rewarding!
October 24, 2007 at 3:10 AM
asdfuiop said…
Well, I have to say I think ALP paid you a compliment - even though I can also relate to your dread! I'd feel the same, I'm sure, but I also think that him wanting to be back in the class means that you did reach him at least to some extent. You haven't said much about his history, but I'd be willing to bet that he doesn't have a lot of places that feel safe for him. Just a thought...
October 24, 2007 at 10:02 PM
Ms. George said…
A few years ago I had a few ALP's in my last class of the day. My neighbor teacher and I would stand out in the hall saying, "You go in first (to our respective classrooms," "No, you go in first." There were many, many days that I left the building in tears. The last two years' worth of lovelies (my name for my students) has made up for this class. We have all had those feelings you are writing so well about.
Be well and do good work!
October 25, 2007 at 4:35 PM
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