No matter where you work, you will probably face a personality that clashes with your own. Well, since I teach about 130 students each year, I am undeniably bound to come across at least one attitude, maybe seven, that just doesn't click with mine. I have one student that have been especially clashing with. She is a type A personality, very strong willed, strong voiced, and stubborn. Using just a bit of an understatement, you could say she has sass and we have not been getting along. At first, I tried urging her verbally to quiet down, to stop talking, to just get back on task, to try, to calm down. These comments got me no where; they just seemed to cause me more pain, like scratching off a scab. After a while, I just became so exhausted that I started to ignore her nagging comments, her little interruptions, her complaints. I started complimenting her, treating her like I wanted her to treat me, acting like she enjoyed my class and was just another student. I know what you are thinking: Duh. We learned that like day one in Sunday school. But still, it is lesson that I continually keep realizing: to just treat others the way you want to be treated. And it is still profound when it proves to work. This student still probably hates my class, but at least we can get through it together, in more harmony.
In another note...
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| Major Teacher Sweater! |
I love my job; I say that all the time. One thing that makes me gush like this is the amazing amount of talent that I am surrounded by every day. I get to teach students to think deeper, to dig into a character, to challenge their world and their original conceptions. I get to read their amazing poetry and wonderful short stories. I mean, really, my kids can write....like better than I can. I have like two or three that could easily step into a college class right now and do just fine. School has always been my thing and I love that I get to share what I have learned and continue learning every day! But I am really just speaking thanks, my gratitude towards God for the opportunity he has given. ....and probably just babbling.
Oh BTW, Kyle and I are moving to Denver as soon as we win the HGTV Green Home. God is good, people. Here is my other half and his new toy...and no shirt. Video games are tough work.
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| For those that don't know: that is a video game controller. Awesome. |
We are so lucky to be teachers! Start praying that I can get back to my job next year, they are already talking budget cuts and the 15 of us at my school who are annual contract people had to sign saying we realize our contract expires at the end of the school year and nothing is guaranteed. Boo :( If I get hired back next year I will finally be at my 4th year and get tenure. That is, if they don't get rid of it! ugh Florida Anyways...Love you!
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