Comments on: Screaming Teacher

By: mary

mary — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 21:31:24 +0000

I’m glad you’re not the yelling kind. It is hard when all the frustrations of life build up and you spill over. I think you are probably one of the few people to apologize to that student - maybe that made an impression. I yell sometimes, but not harshly. The times I have had to go beserk were at that hell middle two years ago; also, at the two problem kids I have this year - the one with adhd that will soon be in self-contained and the one that just got sent home, on his way to expulsion. That’s usually how I know all my sweetness and kindness just isn’t getting through to them, and they have really affected me.

By: Faith

Faith — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 17:24:09 +0000

Sheesh…it looks like I’ve missed a lot in the last months. I’m so sorry to hear about Sky, and although I was arrested a lot, I haven’t had to deal with the emotional fall-out that is a parent’s nightmare. I feel for you, and for Sky, and I hope that whatever the cause was, things are beginning to turn around for both of you.

My mother has been in teaching for 20 years, a fourth grade teacher, VP, a Principal, and now, after “retiring” the director of ASP at Hope’s school. She has lost it a few times over the years, she says the kids always know when there’s about to be a blow-out because she grits her teeth. I think it shows remarkable strength of character that this only happens to you infrequently and a sensitive, introspective side that allows you to question what happened and why, when so many others would forget it in an instant. You’re the best kind of teacher out there, one who acknowledges and learns from her mistakes. I have to do the same with Hope on the occasions I lose it with her!!!

By: FB

FB — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 04:53:52 +0000

You are entitled to blow off a bit of steam now and then, though the school board probably frowns on it…who cares.

By: Pacian

Pacian — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 17:02:11 +0000

^As above.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Be proud of your commitment to be respectful, but remember that you’re still human. And also remember that you are seven shades of lovely. No, eight!

By: Stan

Stan — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 05:19:21 +0000

I agree that it’s completely understandable that you can lose it just like any other human being. But it takes someone very strong and special to be able to own up to that after the fact and admit that it was not the right thing to do. So many people will not ever admit to a mistake, and that’s just wrong.

By: Margaret

Margaret — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 04:44:25 +0000

I absolutely understand how you feel, and yet it is IMPORTANT for the kids to see us as human. It’s vital that they realize that we make mistakes too, have stresses, and bad crap going on–but do the best we can. That is the role model they need, not a “perfect” person who doesn’t raise his/her voice. You are an A+ teacher and person in my book, Michelle!

By: Tonya

Tonya — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 02:40:55 +0000

P.S. I absolutely LOVE that picture! Oh. My. God.

By: Tonya

Tonya — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 02:40:19 +0000

I agree with Ken. When I was a student (many moons ago!), I remember viewing my teachers as nothing-but-teachers. I never considered that they had home lives, maybe bowled on a league on Tuesday nights, or had bad days. You may have opened a door to the eye-opening possibility of empathy! Also, being given a hard time about being late may well mean that you were definitely missed!

Again, my dear, don’t be so hard on yourself.

By: Ken Albin

Ken Albin — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:40:34 +0000

Well, imagine that! You are a human being with feelings. I know you want to always be in control of your emotions when dealing with students but the truth is that teachers are not robots. Losing control is not a good thing but it happens to all of us at one time or another. All we can do is to strive to do better, to handle things professionally next time. Showing emotion once in a great while just might remind some of the students that they are dealing with a human being with feelings just like them. Give yourself permission once in a blue moon to demonstrate you are human too.