Day Four: Viva la Revolucion!

Yes. An actual revolt. My 5th period class revolted today. It was actually a little funny to watch it happening, almost like I was watching it happen from the outside as my students took their chairs across the room, sat around some tables, and started talking amongst themselves. One of the teachers who works with kids in suspension offered to stop by and help out earlier in the day, but she got caught helping another teacher. I think every teacher in my school is on their way to hearing about this class. Hilarious.

I admit I called the Assistant Principal, surprisingly calm, and said, "So my class just revolted."

I started telling them what I had planned for them to work on, and all of the sudden they realized we were going to do something they wanted to do. Well of course we are. I try to listen to my students without letting them do whatever they want. It's how it works.

The AP came down, pulled one of the students out that talked back to him, and we continued on. They struggled a bit with the assignment, mostly because they refused to do the activities that would have prepared them. I try not to laugh when they say the class is boring. How on earth can a theatre class be boring?? Ah yes. When you sit there and refuse to try. But I don't think the kids are hopeless, and I still believe there are ways to get through to them. My other classes are loving the activities this class refuses to do, all while learning requirements for the class and having fun in the process.

I went around and checked on the groups as they outlined ideas for a story (next they will be turning it into a comic book, which brought much excitement). One of the students told me he didn't want to do the activities because it felt stupid. It is a little embarrassing to be the only student standing up, and so many of the students in this class are friends, so it's understandable that they are self-conscious. I heard him. I listened to him. So I am going to adjust, and slowly ease them into things. Turn it into more of an art and technical theatre class. Have I mentioned how much this job requires flexibility?

Another meltdown with one student in 6th period, which I was not expecting. Our school has a strict cell phone policy. They are only allowed out during breakfast and lunch. If they take them out in class, the teacher takes it and gives it back at the end of class. If they refuse to turn it over, the AP comes and gets it, and it takes a Parent/Guardian and $15 to get it back. I turned around and one of my students had his out. Sorry. Gotta take it. He's been doing really well in class all things considered, and had seemed pretty happy so far today. Then something cracked. He refused. Dude, seriously. You know the policy. It's so much easier to hand it over so you can get it back. Even his friends in class were like "Just give it to her!" But he didn't, the AP came, he refused to give it to the AP, and got pulled out of class. Came back a few minutes later, then stormed out muttering about going to the counselor's office to change his schedule. Have I mentioned I'm the only Fine Arts teacher in the school? I hope he calms down tomorrow and returns. It would be a shame for him to back out now when he was doing so well.

Now...on to some mistakes. Did I mention on Tuesday that I noticed a blaring typo on my syllabus right before I was about to make 100 copies? Oops.

This morning, I was passing one of my 5th period students. Yesterday he accused me of not respecting him. I said, "Hi Richard," hoping to smooth things over a little. After I took two steps I remembered his name was not Richard and I had called him the wrong name! I found him later in the cafeteria and apologized. Of course I knew his name, and I have no idea where Richard came from. I don't have any students named Richard. When I'm wrong I'm wrong.

Now...on to some victories. Slowly creating a safe, fun, educational place for my students. Today one of my students met me in the hall and asked if she could not participate today. She was in tears and told me her boyfriend broke up with her. "Honey, you can cry all you want. Breakups suck. Would you like to organize the storage closet today instead?" She smiled when I told her it was okay to cry, that sometimes life his hard and you don't have to pretend it's okay when you're hurting. We had a good chat, and it seemed to help her to process through her emotions away from the stares of the other students.

Other students quickly volunteered to lead the pledge and read a quote at the morning assemblies next week. One class actually asked if we could spend time tomorrow in class going over it and practicing. Absolutely! It was nice to have my 6th period today actually make requests on what we learn about tomorrow.

After school, one of the teachers down the hall stopped by to check on me, offered any help or support, reminded me that he and a few other teachers were nearby and available if I needed them. It was a really kind gesture. He just sat and talked with me. Listened to what happened, gave me some advice, encouraged me along the way. I really work with some amazing teachers.

Yes. My job is crazy. No. It's not for everyone. And no, I wouldn't trade it.