Late in the game

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Home : 2002 : April : 1

Late in the game
By Kathi

WOW is right! Liz I too am a new teacher and I think you have been extremely conscientious with your students and very open to ideas from your comments. While I can only offer you encouragement I would like to say that as
a "older" beginning teacher I have found that my greatest frustration with children is my lack of control to help them in the home life of troubled students. Many of the students come to school with no concept of structure, acceptable behavior, and unfortunately the list goes on and on to the worst extreme. Part of our jobs as teachers and yes as parents (I have my own children) is to

provide SAFE, secure, structured environments that allow learning to take place. And I'm sorry Anne but telling someone you don't know to rethink their "labels" is not helpful. You dont know what her prejudices are ... I'm not going to bash anyone for looking for help. Liz from what you say you are doing the best you can with what you have, administration and all, you can not take these children home with you but you can use all the tools at your disposal to reach them. I applaud your effort as well as your heart. I think the buddy system is a very good idea and the call to the intended destination. I also think any POSITIVE effort that the children would/or could show to you that they will be responsible in the future would help. Ex.. I know you CAN be a good helper here is a task.. use their talents if you know of any. Good luck and know that your best is appreciated.
Kathi