Tuesday ended up being my last day in the middle school math class.
I found out that it was my last day 2nd period.
It was a strange interim position. One teacher left. They found a replacement very quickly. (This is all a long story, but suffice it to say that it is a happy story for all concerned.) Because everything was up in the air, we didn't tell the kiddos exactly what was going on.
That would have been chaos. 8th graders aren't too happy with uncertainty. So, rather than freak them out about it all, I didn't tell them much.
And on my last day, I didn't say anything. I conducted class as normal. When they asked about tomorrow (do we have homework tonight? when will you pass out our syllabus?), I answered as truthfully as I could. And continued with the lesson.
Then, after I had them clean up and we had two minutes left of class, I dropped the bomb. This was goodbye. (But not a permanent goodbye as I'm at the school all the time and am likely to see them in their other classes all year long.)
I expected cheers. (A few of them did not like me much.) So, it was nice when they didn't. But many of them were happy to see me go.
Well, for now. They'll be seeing me soon, I'm sure.
At least you're not saying goodbye to your blog followers. :-)
ReplyDeleteNope. Not today at least.
DeleteI bet they liked the consistency at least; at least they knew for that time you were going to be there as their substitute teacher. They knew what the expect of you, rather than the "fear of the unknown" if they had a constant stream of substitute teachers in before the permanent one came on.
ReplyDeletebetty
I've seen the classes where they have a succession of subs. As long as I was able, I was going to stick around so they didn't get that.
DeleteAt least they didn't all cheer or anything.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine. My 3rd grade was a weird one, went through tons of subs since our teacher was out for maternity. :)
ReplyDeleteThat does happen, although around here they try to get one sub to cover the whole maternity leave. Doesn't always work out, of course.
DeleteSuch a sad/happy day, and it was filled with all sorts of emotions. It is almost 100% sure you will be back sometime soon. Subs get that on occasion.
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough, I haven't been back to that school since that day. But it's only been a week.
DeleteMost of the time, I liked the subs better than the regular teachers. I'm sure there were many who were sad to see you go, but it's not like they can show it.
ReplyDeleteI know my grands do not like it when the continually have a sub. They like consistency! I do too. Maybe they get that from me! LOL
ReplyDeleteYep, most students don't like the sub.
DeleteYou handled it the right way. It will be beneficial for the students to have consistency.
ReplyDeleteI don't think everyone was happy to see you go, but kids can't show their sadness in front of the other kids.
ReplyDeleteSunni
http://sunni-survivinglife.blogspot.com/
We'll see. The next time I see any of them will be the test.
DeleteI have said goodbye to kids and done a little Irish jig of joy and other times I have had a little cry. Kids are just the same. Good luck with the next lot.
ReplyDeleteYeah, there were a few I was glad to not have to see the next day.
DeleteThere's a real art to telling students goodbye, apparently. I had never thought about it. The ones who were happy to see you go were probably the ones who needed you the most.
ReplyDeleteProbably. I think the teacher they hired is pretty good, so I believe they're in good hands.
DeleteThat's great they were able to find the new teacher so quickly. Hope where you're heading next is a position you enjoy :)
ReplyDelete