Tonight...

I'm kind of feeling under the weather; there are three weeks left in the semester, and I am kind of feeling the pressure.

Fourth block is still the most challenging I have; today, we actually had to stop class, and restore order because of the same three students. Now, granted, they are seniors, I am fighting a whole lot of inertia with this class, some of which is of my own creation through a perfect storm mix of inexperience, less than prime teaching time and unrealistic expectations. However, I still, even this late in the semester, I am still hoping, as irrational as that might be that I will get through to them.

The funny thing is, individually, they will each work for me. It is the collective of them that is at issue. I've tried separating them; they simply yell across the room. I've written referrals; they are in ISS for a day, and are back to their antics the next day. Don't get me wrong; they've learned with me as well; I'm just sure they could have gotten so much more separately than they did together.

Maybe it is time to get to the end of the semester and hope that I've given them something that will stick with them and be of value. Anyway, it is time for the evening routine, and then some shut-eye.

G'night Folks!
The Beginning Teacher