Beginning of School Rant
Michelle on Aug 20 2008 at 2:34 pm | Filed under: The Teaching
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My bullshit tolerance is especially low today. I am supposed to be in an ESL training today, all day, to teach us methods to use with ESL kids (English as a second language learners) in the classroom.
It does not matter that I have a M.Ed. in Bilingual and ESL. It does not matter that I have received awards for teaching ESL. The years of experience don’t matter. No one cares! And yes, they DO know.
I hit my limit after having to make a “little journal” out of a piece of construction paper on which to take notes for the day. The notes included things like the definition of ESL.
I tried to sneak out, but disappointingly, the door in the back was locked. Foiled. The other teachers sitting in the back snickered. They knew why it was locked. We’d all try to escape! So I had to walk out the same way I came in, increasing the possibility that my name will be marked off the sign in sheet.
I am so frustrated with the ESL thing on so many levels I can’t even write it all down. The last thing I will say about it is that the district is offering a $300 stipend (I know, big whoop) to teachers who go to a couple of workshops and then take the ESL certification test. Do I get a stipend? Hell no. It just makes no sense.
I don’t want to go to the training tomorrow either. It is the annual training on how to physically control violent kids. After getting hit in the neck last year trying this method, I am not doing it again. They can tear up the whole classroom, break windows, throw computers, whatever. There is not going to be a thing I can do about it other than getting on the radio and calling for help. That training is worthless unless you are in some hellish job where you get to practice it enough to actually be able to use it. Four of us couldn’t control that kid using those methods, and one of us was a former boxer.
I have a bad attitude. I could blame it on hormones, but perhaps the wacky hormones simply paint the world in more realistic colors at intervals so we don’t spend too much time looking at LOL cats and rotting our brains…I dunno.
I’m sure I’m set to make a grand impression for our new principal. I don’t care.
I talked to a teacher who just moved from the alt school to the high school. I called him a traitor, and he said he was sorry, but he just couldn’t stand sitting in a box another year. I know what he means.
I’d really love to feel excited about teaching again.
ITK code for Singing The Sky:
When bureaucracy tries to cram you into things simply so someone can tick a box somewhere and meet their targets… and you’re made to feel like you have a bad attitude… it’s because you’re the one person being sensible.
Pacian’s last blog post..Something is Afoot
You probably feel like you should be teaching the ESL training class, eh?
But yeah, some of those trainings are stupid. They are just there to look good or fulfill requirements. Oh well.
Kelvin Kao’s last blog post..Cool Links to Check Out (08/17/2008 edition)
Ha! I did some paperwork during our staff meeting this morning. We had to watch an Ethics DVD. It’s actually pretty funny, except for the fact that we all saw it last August. I had stupid drama with my LA coach this morning, so at the end of that meeting (while she was wrapping up), I gathered my things, pushed my chair in, and headed for the door. This is my year to be bold. If the teacher that yells at kids until they cry and calls them stupid still has a job year after year, I should be fine.
Hang tough. What about transferring, too?
mary’s last blog post..A Wing Thing
Why are they not using your talents the way they should be? Why do they have to treat us like dummies? I hate inservice meetings with a passion, as you already know. My rants will start either Friday or Monday/ Tuesday when I will be trapped at them.
Margaret’s last blog post..Working*
I wish you could feel good about teaching again also. This is what I love about teaching at the college level…none of those crazy training classes.
I love this “I have a bad attitude. I could blame it on hormones, but perhaps the wacky hormones simply paint the world in more realistic colors at intervals so we don’t spend too much time looking at LOL cats and rotting our brains…I dunno.” The truth well stated
Danielle Says Hello’s last blog post..Steppin’ Out With My Camera ~ Because I Haven’t Done It In Seems Like Forever
Where I work the attitude seems to be that having an MA TESOL, or similar, somehow qualifies you to do anything and everything. There seems to be countless people busy doing things for which they don’t really have the experience or qualifications!
It’s a crazy world eh? I’m looking forward to seeing my students again in September (we’re 1/2 way through the school year here) but not the majority of the staff, or the endless meaningless crap and meetings which mainly seem designed to make a minority look and feel good.
Anyway, I’m thinking the physical restraining thing sounds dodgy, I’d definitely rather not get in the way of a student determined to be violent!
Kamsin’s last blog post..JLH 6th Anniversary
Wow…I can’t even begin to imagine. I know if I were experiencing what you just described I would be pissed too. I HATE time wasters and this seems like a huge one for someone like you! Hope things get better and hey, if this works anything like what they say about dress rehearsals you are going to have a fabulous year!
Lee Anne’s last blog post..I walked off and forgot it…
I can understand your frustration … there needs to be some serious systems change. Hang in there M. Peace, JP/deb
JP/deb’s last blog post..Meeting Hope
I hate to admit it but I did smile when I read your post. It sounds so much like the B.S. I put up with all the time. Teaching is wonderful but this type of garbage has nothing to do with teaching. Unfortunately it is getting worse every year in education. You asked me awhile back why I was quitting teaching after 30 years. This is exactly why, Michelle.
Ken Albin’s last blog post..Maria Sanchez Lake
And here you were all excited about it in the post before this!
That is pretty rediculous that they want you to go to an all day class on something that you have a degree in! You should be teaching the class!
Nick’s last blog post..Let The Frenzy Commence