On Wednesday I was asked to take over an 8th grade science class at least until Christmas but most likely until the end of the school year. Evidently there have been some severe behavior problems in this class and the principal made some changes and for some reason thinks I can have a positive effect on this class. YIKES! I was in there on Friday and the principal and vice principal were in there with me. The conversation went something like this: "The behavior that has been happening in this class is stopping TODAY. You are not in charge! Mrs. Benson has been given a directive to send any disruptive students directly to the office where you will call your parents and be sent home. You are not allowed in school if you can't behave. It is against the law to disrupt classes and we will press charges if we have to." I had to laugh. The kids were scared to death. I heard one student say as he was walking out of class, "Oh man, we can't do whatever we want to any more." How does a class get in this situation where the students are ruling the roost?
I am apprehensive about doing this. I was enjoying the freedom of day to day substituting. I am not looking forward to the responsibilities that come with a long term assignment (report cards, faculty meetings, lesson plans, and parent conferences). And besides all that, science is my weakest subject. I guess all I have to do is stay one day ahead of the students and I'll be fine.
15 comments:
YIKES! I'd be scared to death to step into a situation like that! At least the kids are scared into behaving (for the moment at least). How DOES a class get that out of control?
Good Luck!!! I am sure you will be able to turn that class right around!
You are a brave woman.
Good luck!!!! You'll do great. You know how to lay down ground rules and follow through. Once they see you are relly in charge, I'm sure it will be a good class. Let us know how it goes. I'll be thinkging of you.
Holy Cow!!! That would be scary!! The movie "Dangerous Minds" comes to mind. Yikes! Good luck to you! I am sure they wouldn't have asked you if you weren't an incredible teacher- I am sure you can do it! :)
Lauri,
I'm so excited for you to have this opportunity! You will truly be great and will give these students the guidance they need. High standards and high expectations coupled with love and caring work wonders. I've seen it happen. My husband is doing 7th grade social studies this year and he does have rough days, but he is making a difference and really helping so many kids. Call me if you need a shoulder to cry on. I've been there!
Debbie
Wow, good luck Lauri! I bet you have them whipped into shape in no time!
Thank you for your nice comments on my blog this week. I'm glad you've enjoyed reading my posts. We are having a good time with our expanded family.
And you need to get yourself a white lab coat and a couple of science beakers with crazy foaming colorful chemicals in them. Good Luck!!
I would be nervous too! But you will do great! And I know the kids will listen and learn to love you.
Wow!! Sounds like an interesting group of kids. I would be interested to hear what they had been doing and how it got to be so bad. The principle doesn't mess around I love it. At least you know they are on your side and you can send a kid out at anytime. You are great to take this class on. Good luck. You will have to keep us updated on how it is going. You are the right women for the job. If anyone can teach them to Respect authority and love them it is you.
I read somewhere that Frank Abagnale taught at BYU for a semester though he had no degree... all he did was read a day ahead of the students and they bought it. I'm sure you can do the same. Really, you'll do a great job.
If anyone can do it, it's you!!
I'm an Instructional Assistant at a middle school and I'm AMAZED at what some of the students get away with there. Good Luck...although I'm sure you don't need it.
Good luck Lauri. Sounds like they were scared straight, at least for a while. I know you can handle them.
Are you still working on a your credential to teach???
Lauri! You should have seen Harvey - he was laughing and clapping while we were reading your blog. He taught Jr. High for 5 years when he first got out of college. He is totally sympathizing with what you're going through.
Let us know if you need him to come and sub for you!!!! (Now he's really laughing. Seriously, we're only a 7 hour drive away and we've got our favorite stops between here and there so - no sweat!)
Take care - keep them guessing!!
Love, Rebecca and Harvey
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