It feels like ages since I've written. I figured today was just as good as any to get back on the horse. I'll be filling in some unfinished posts soon. I hope. :)
Some of my students were taking the TAKS test for Science today, while most of the rest are on a different schedule to prepare for the STAAR test. I miss my kids. One popped his head in at the end of lunch. I smiled and said, "Miss me?"
"Yeah. My other classes are boring."
"So my class isn't."
"No."
"Can I quote you on that?"
"If you don't use my name."
I have a newer student in my 4th period class. He can be a little crazy and all over the place at times. Today we were learning some techniques for painting with watercolor. After asking over and over again if he could go outside and play basketball with the PE class, and me saying no, he finally says he has a proposition. "If I sit here, and focus on my work, and finish this exercise, AND don't talk...then can I go outside?" It was too much fun to pass up. "Sure!" At first, I thought there was no way to do it. I laughed hysterically as the two students next to him did everything they could to make him talk or laugh. At one point he started miming asking me to clean out his water cup. I told him he could handle it. Then he tried tapping the person next to him and pointing. No such luck. Somehow he persevered. With 15 minutes left in class he got to go outside. It was totally worth it. I think sometimes I have too much fun with my job...and then I remember how important it is to teach with joy
Today was the first time I admitted to a student that it's my first year teaching. She's only been here about a month, and today should be her last day if she passed her TAKS test. I told her stories about how students at the beginning of the school year tried to get me to quit, and how much things had changed. I asked one of the boys who's been with me from the beginning how long it took for him to realize I wasn't going to quit. "Three days." A few days ago, I had a student tell me, "I think you'll stay here forever." What a change from the days of, "When are you going to get a real job?"
I really love my job. I feel so blessed to be able to work with these kids. I get to work alongside amazing teachers that sacrifice so much to help those who others have given up on. It is hard. Let me say that again. This is a really hard job. I don't think everyone could do it. (And there are those I am grateful for who do jobs I never could either). But I love it. And it's worth it.
