Mr. F, my replacement in the vacant middle school English class, arrived bright and early on that Thursday. I gave him the run down of what he was walking into. (The sub caller gave us an overlap day. We needed it.)
He had done his student teaching last school year. As such, he knew all the teachers in the English department, and he was familiar with the routine. I saw him interact with the classes, with the school staff, and with the other teachers in the department. I could tell that I was leaving the class in good hands.
I expected the students to be happy to finally have a settled teacher. But they're middle schoolers. Even though they knew this was coming, they're not fond of change. Although, I figured the eighth graders, the classes that had been so oppositional to me, would be happy to see the back side of me.
One boy, who had been one of my challenges, had fear in his eyes when he asked me, "Is he..." gulp, "gay...?"
Like that even came up in our conversation...
I don't remember exactly what my response was, but it was along the lines of, "I don't know. It doesn't matter."
I know he's a gamer and likes death metal as he told the kiddos that. Anything else...
However, London in sixth period had a totally different concern. "How old is he? He looks twenty."
Um, he's probably about that. He just finished student teaching. But that wasn't my answer.
"It'll be fine. Don't worry."
And it will be fine. And now I'm free...
good luck to Mr. F.
ReplyDeleteHe's got this. A week later, and he's still stoked to be there.
DeleteI second what songbird said. Good luck to Mr. F. Should be interesting if you end up subbing in that classroom down the line this year.
ReplyDeletebetty
He's going to have his hands full with the eighth graders, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteMiddle schooler most be tuff bunch for any teacher.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
Hope Mr F was able to settle down well in the class, especially with the eighth graders!
ReplyDeleteA week in, and he's being challenged by them. At least it's less than half the day.
DeleteMiddle schoolers can be such a challenge huh. They should definitely be able to relate to him if he's a gamer though :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, that should help a bit. The girls didn't say they were gamers, though, so that won't help there.
DeleteLoved the statement, "FREE AGAIN".....haha I would be the same way only worse. Kids think the funniest things and some how have not learned yet that they should not always voice their questions.
ReplyDeleteAlas, the gif I used (of Calvin from Calvin & Hobbes flying away) isn't working...
DeleteFreeeeeeeeeee!
ReplyDelete