What I've learned thus far...

In response to this weeks blog, I have to admit that I've learned a lot since the beginning of school. I have experienced many different emotions such as joy for being able to help a student solve a problem or change their negative mindset. I've experienced a melancholy mood after working for unprepared teachers who have no teaching skills and are in the profession for a paycheck. On these days I find myself wondering how they got the job and have maintained it for years. Just this week, I worked as a Spec. Ed teacher, in a classroom with a Lang. Arts teacher who claimed that I didn't help her manage the students. Well, she yelled at them enough for both of us and used demeanoring tactics that degraded and embarrased some of the students. I felt sad for the kids and just didn't have a lot to say since I wasn't in agreement with her classroom management and treatment of the students. At any point, when my AP questioned me, I told him she was crazy and not telling the truth. Up to this point, not once has a teacher made a complaint about me, so my AP knew it was a bogus statement.

I've learned that when teachers are ineffective, they try to cover up and try to make others look bad. However, I will not hold a grudge, because she isn't worth it and life if too short.

Overall I have learned that being an effective teacher requires patience in dealing with students who will test your last drop of patience, other teachers who didn't attend NTI and think they know it all and lazy Administrators. I've learned that when others see your level of expertise, they become threatened by your professionalism and capabilities. I've learned that the Administration is vital to the success of a school and that even if they don't acknowledge your emails, never give up. I've learned that persistence overcomes resistance. I say all of that to say that it has been a real journey working as a Stellar sub in this school and I'm thankful for the experience given. I know that God has given me this position because He is preparing me for the next level in life. I've learned to toughen up and never let your feelings get in the way. At the end of the day, we still have loved ones who think the world of us....