Isn't it FUN?

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Home : 2004 : November : 24

Isn't it FUN?
By Clarawieck aka AnonForThis

Let's see, Monday I had my pre-observation. I was told that the lesson I was doing was not an "acceptable workshop model" and would have to be changed. Our contract says we can't be told how to write our lesson plans, but
whatever. I might add that the lesson was straight from the SCRIPTED PROGRAM we were told we should be using. I might also add that the school did not bother to buy us the program, just told us we should be using it. I bought it for myself to the tune of $135 (it's actually a good program with modifications).
Tuesday was the observation.
Three minutes before it began, one of

my students threw up on the floor...and on herself....and on me. Also, another student managed to get covered in excrement in the bathroom (not her own). The administrator walked in, I told her what happened, she looked at me like, "So?" and sat down. So I gamely began attempting to teach my class of 21 six year olds who had just witnessed their classmate vomit everywhere, including on my shoes. I have to give myself credit (since nobody else did) for managing to keep them from totally losing it and getting through the lesson.

Wednesday I was told I would have to wait for my post-observation because Administrator was sitting in on an Important Meeting (Joe - we have now been told we can NOT use smiley faces, they are too "unprofessional"...but we can use ice cream cones).

Thursday, another meeting usurped mine.

Friday, I was pulled out of class because Administrator had to leave early for a doctor's appointment (mind you, WE were all told by Senior Administrator that we would get letters in our files if we even ASKED to be released for a doctor's appointment). No reading lesson for my group, because instead I had my post-ob meeting. I brought with me the book from that scripted program (remember that scripted program?) and my note-taking materials. As Administrator told me she "felt my mini-lesson did not reach its goal" I placed the book on her desk. She slowed and looked at the book and said, "Did we give that to you?" I said no, I had bought it for myself. She said "Oh, we bought them for everyone!" and I mentioned that I didn't have it still and had begun the program two weeks ago, it being two months into the school year. Anyway, that was the end of her saying anything about my teaching. Then she told me my "environment was unacceptable, there was extra stuff on your desk."
Um. Ever seen a teacher's desk that's totally empty? Me neither.

I took this class over three weeks after school started because the (brand new) teacher who was in there had to be removed from the class since they were completely out of control. Two days later, I had them walking in line quietly and no longer ripping the bulletin boards down. No mention of that. I disagree with the removal of the teacher (everyone has to have that first year of teaching), but since I did what they asked without complaining, I got the silly idea they would be grateful I took over the "problem class" and stopped making it THEIR problem. How ridiculous!

Aaaaah. Happy Thanksgiving. We had an AWESOME day making turkeys and writing protest letters from the turkey's point of view! Thank G-d for my Criminals - I'd lose it completely without them!