EXCUSE ME? Pardon your french.

Today, I was called a "bitch." (Sorry, Prof B for that....) See, my regents classes were doing a project for their book Right Behind You. They had to do a summary, do some quotes, and other things of that nature. One student in my period 8 class seems to be emotionally and mentally disturbed. I told him he had to turn in his project that day. He did not. He called me a "bitch" because I assigned the project with little time to do it and I expected students in high school to do work over the break.

Nothing irritates me more than having a student call me something I don't deserve. I hate it when people don't like me. I hate when I'm not given a change to show who I am. He just shut me out and it hurt. I didn't cry in the classroom. I had the support of my cooperating teacher, which was a great thing.

What do educators do when students call them rude and obscene things such as a "bitch"?

NO TECHNOLOGY!?!?!

Well, that's it. I'm throwing my hands up in the air! I don't know what to do!!!! I love technology. I love every second of using technology in the classroom. I think it activates those who have short attention spans like myself. WHY AM I PLACED IN A CLASSROOM WITHOUT ONE?!?! BUHHH!!!!!!!!!

Well, this week, I began something fun in my 4, 5, and 8 period English 10 regents classes. We played an interactive jeopardy game where they made the questions up. It was rather fun. Well, period 4 and period 8 liked it. I don't think period 5 likes me. The class is made up of a lot of 2nd year 10th grade English students who just can't seem to pass 10th grade and the regents exam. Sadly, some of them will give up soon. I am trying to catch their attention, but nothing seems to work. Perhaps I'll try candy?

See? NO SMARTBOARD! NO NOTHING!

Pep Rally and MORE.

Well, today was the pep rally. I honestly miss that part of high school with all the pep rallies and all the excitement. Mrs. Matthews and I walked on the field together. The school wanted to keep all the students in one place because there was still school to be had afterward. I'm not sure if the administration was thinking straight, but I don't think one can calm 1500 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS down after a huge pep rally.

Anyways, they didn't. It reminded me of classroom management. Student teaching at Ramapo High School has certainly taught me a few things about classroom management. I am used to everyone liking me always. I am a very likable person. However, with classroom management, I have to gain respect, not likability. I can't scream. I can't throw everyone in detention. I have to be respectful and mindful... and say things like, "I can wait." or "This is affecting your grade."

I'm not sure how others are dealing with classroom management but I know that in Ramapo, if you have to constantly tell the students, "Do it because I said so. I'm the teacher." Then, you've lost your students.

First week at the new place

This week has honestly been one of the worst. I got into a car accident over the weekend because of the snow. Ok, well, I was driving in the snow and hit some ice, whipped around, and hit the curb instead of another car. It could have been worse, but my car troubles put me out of my first few days along with the days of school that were cancelled.

I am teaching 10th grade English Regents and 10th grade honors at Ramapo High School. Oh, boy, is it different than Rockland Country Day. Not only in size, but it's different in attitude. The students here do NOT want to be at school. There are security guards at every turn in the halls. Students need passes to walk through the halls. There are fights and threats. This is a very different high school from that of which I'm used to. Man.

Let's see if I last....