When I feel disconnected.....


I'm taking it as a sign that this is this week's blog topic.  I have felt very disconnected to my 7th period level 3 students all semester.  In fact, my classroom is literally divided.  I have 15 students  in this class.  The left side of the class is engaged, interested, and well behaved.  The right side of the class is disrespectful, unengaged, and very lazy.  I've tried every tactic I know to get them involved and improve their behavior, to no avail.  I even had a student approach me after class last week and say, "Ms. Antonelli, those kids don't care and they don't respect you." This has been weighing heavy on my mind.  I have been brain storming and asking other teachers for advice.  This too, has proven to be unfruitful.  Across the board, the other teachers have told me they have or currently are experiencing the same difficulties. I feel so disconnected to this class now.  I struggle every day because there are so many fun activities I want to do with this class, but I know that half of the class couldn't care less.  I know that it is not fair to the other half of the class though.  Often times in this class, I just find myself going through the motions. This is NOT the kind of teacher I want to be!  I want to be engaged and connected every class, every day.  I am struggling with this and I hope that the lightbulb is going to go off soon.  I keep waiting for the students to shape up.  However, realistically, I don't think this is going to happen.  I cannot let the actions of some of my students dictate my attitude in the classroom.