Summer school. Integrated math 3. (This is the equivalent of algebra 2.)
They had work to do, but mostly they were in discussions. Video games. The softball team. Various events.
As it was the first week of summer school, the main office hasn't quite closed for the summer. Various other staff have been spied coming and going.
"Hey, it's Ms. B!"
I've mentioned Ms. B before. She's probably the strictest assistant principal, feared by most of the student body. She retired at the end of this past school year, so the kiddos were surprised to see her.
They called out to her, so she turned around and poked her head in.
"What class is this?"
They told her.
"You all don't seem to be IM3-ing too much." She turned to me. "Who's the teacher?"
I told her.
"Ah, so you're all getting a break from Mr. N."
In that instant she went from scolding to understanding.
During the regular school year, Mr. N teaches the AP calculus classes. He also teaches an honors level IM3. He's tough. And he works them hard.
Even the administration appreciates a respite from a tough teacher.
It's good that kids are getting worked hard. One thing I complain about (silently I might add) is that I feel a whole generation of kids is growing up unprepared for 30 years of drudgery in the career of their "choice," and yes "drudgery" is the word that best suits it. And they are also unprepared to meet the "wall of nobody cares." It's not a real wall, but a metaphorical one. It's the wall adults deal with when they say "I'm hungry and I have no money" and the wall responds, "nobody cares." The U.S.A. is going to become very inhospitable to people who have no privilege, money, and who value personal freedoms in the very near future.
ReplyDeleteThat's a hoot! The principal being sympathetic toward those students. I see the possibility for some great characters in Mrs. B and Mr. N.
ReplyDeleteGood to have a reputation of being a tough teacher over being a softie I would think.
ReplyDeletebetty
That was a surprising response.
ReplyDeleteI always appreciated the tough teachers for my kids!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's good when the teacher challenges them.
DeleteThose poor kids. There's nothing worse than a teacher who won't let up. They're probably glad for the respite, however brief it might be.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice story. The caring ones are the toughest. Be well, and thank you for your good works.
ReplyDeleteHe works them hard, but they know the subject when they're done.
DeleteSometimes the most feared are the most loved by some kids. So I think.
ReplyDeleteI remember having a maths teacher who terrifed the socks off the class. The year after I had her my prents got me maths tutoring with her. Learnt she was tough but really did want us to achieve our best.
ReplyDeleteRETIRED and missing it already! Probably cleaning out her office. I know there is no way I could make it in school these days. Things have changed so much...subjects have changed.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the school wasn't quite closed as the office was finishing up for the year. I'm sure she was finishing up final things.
DeleteYou have to respect a teacher that inspires a certain level of fear!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah ;)
Delete