It's a rare but wonderful thing.
I came in this morning after the adventures of yesterday with a renewed hope that I could do something to help even my most challenging students. I tried not to get discouraged about my 5th period, and focused on finding out how to get one of my special ed students out of 5th and into another period. I was talking with the Lead Special Ed teacher this morning about it when the Principal came by. He started giving me a hard time about the fire drill yesterday, and asked why I didn't stop, drop, and roll. So I put my bag down, dropped on the floor, and rolled over. The principal and other teachers burst out laughing and said I really did fit in there.
After that one of the teacher took a look at my roll for 5th period. By halfway through she said, "These kids shouldn't all be in the same class. You got screwed." Not intentionally. I have the computer to thank for it. I suddenly felt relieved about what happened yesterday. I was not a failure. I sent an email to the counselor about the one student I hoped to get moved so she had a chance of succeeding, and got a response I was not expecting...
My 5th period class is being disbanded after today. My conference period will be changing to 5th, I'll be teaching another section during my current conference period, and all the students were going to be split up and put in different classes.
Woah.
I later found out that the principal went in to the counselor and asked her to make the change. At first, she thought he meant to just move out a few students. Then he said, "No, blow it up."
A part of me wondered for a moment what kind of confidence my bosses had in me. The teacher that came by to check on me yesterday reassured me that anyone with that group all together would have had a problem. Then my supervisor told me that I was doing a great job and that what happened was evidence that the administration was totally backing me up.
Now for more good news.
My other classes are such a pleasure to teach. In one class, three of the students volunteered to try out an improv game/performance and did a great job. One of those students is classified as having a learning disability, but he is shining in my class. He's trying things out, making connections, and showing great potential. All three of the students doing improv today are really stepping up.
My 6th period came in today knowing they only had a few minutes before there was going to be an ice cream social for the entire campus. Normally, especially on a Friday, I would have expected them to avoid doing anything until it was time to go and just kill time. Instead, they asked if we could do the warm-up activity from yesterday until it was time to go. Heck yeah! They even took turns leading it on their own without me asking for volunteers.
I hope that as some of the students from 5th end up in other classes, they will be brought along with everyone else. I'm starting to build a good environment and positive relationships with my students. They know what the expectations are. They understand what needs to be done to get credit. I'm hoping they'll outnumber the students who have been hesitant. One student is hoping to earn his way back to the high school so he can be in athletics. I've offered him extra credit and going to bat for him at the high school if he'll be a leader in getting the other students to participate in class.
The 6th grade cell phone situation did lead to the student changing his schedule. Each time I saw him today, I would hay hi and smile. After about 4 or 5 times, I asked what he was taking 6th period now. He has switched to credit recovery. His new teacher asked him why he switched. Even he admitted it was over "a stupid cell phone." I let him know he was welcome to come back any time. He knows he has some issues with anger, and it was good to see him recognize it and let it go a little bit.
Earlier this week, I mentioned that I was talking with some friends about dream jobs. After a week, I still think I have my dream job. One of the social studies teachers told me today that she's been doing this for years and it's still her dream job. How awesome is that!
Right before I left today, I told the principal that I had bad news. I'm coming back on Monday.
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