"I don't know, D--."
"You shouldn't teach here."
"Why not? Am I doing something wrong? Am I a bad teacher?"
"No. You're a good teacher. This is a bad school."
This was a conversation I had with a student last week, and while his compliment made me feel really good about myself, I realized that D-- (and several other students) did not believe in the school. I find this heartbreaking.
The problem I face(d) here isn't one of planning, procedures, or administration. The problem is purpose. I have been struggling to find a way to truly motivate my students to: A) come to class, B) do the readings, C) do the assignments, and D) follow policy (dress code, punctuality, conduct, etc.). Telling the students a purpose isn't working. Many of these boys don't seem to care what anyone says to them. I have watched my CT make numerous phone calls, to parents and guardians. I have sat in on 3 parent conferences. I have watched parents drag their student into my classroom and sit them down at a desk and threaten to take away ________ if they don't take their schoolwork seriously. The apathy-intervention cycle has been going on since the beginning of the school year.
After a particularly frustrating faculty meeting, I realized something very important: THEY'RE KIDS. What was the worst thing about being a kid? Feeling like you don't matter because you're "just a kid."
The next day, I started first period with a huge smile on my face, and I thanked every student who entered (on time) for coming to class, wearing the uniform correctly, and for being "ready to do some good work." The students that arrived late were obviously confused by my enthusiasm, but they responded positively and immediately took out books and supplies for class. I had them. They were happy to be there because they saw that I was happy to see and teach them. I taught 1st period without the slightest disruption, and when they were dismissed, they thanked ME. Crazy. The best part? Setting the precedent that I want to see them has fixed quite a few classroom management issues, so I don't waste instructional time reprimanding students.
Students who are smart, lazy, difficult, rambunctious, disrespectful, frustrating, or any other adjective you can think of are really just kids who want to feel like they matter. I wish I could tell the teachers who are most frustrated, but it's not my place. The students aren't the enemy. Apathy is the enemy.
I have also spent this week in the hallway during passing periods, saying hello to students, telling them to hustle to class, and letting them know I was looking forward to seeing them later/tomorrow. Truthfully, I really do look forward to teaching these students, and I just needed to remind myself not to get bogged down by the daily annoyances.
From 3rd period today:
"The varsity team lost this weekend. It was a real tragedy."
"C'mon L--. Oedipus is a tragedy. You can make up the loss next weekend."
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