Thursday, high school math. I was fully settled in for the day. The co-teachers had the classes handled, and I was just trying to stay awake.
The bell rang to dismiss third period. The classroom phone rang.
The secretary needed me to go and cover another class. The English teacher had something come up and had to leave. Would I be able to? As she talked to me, someone said something in the background, and the secretary informed them that she had it covered.
This is not the first time I had to switch gears in the middle of a day. And the classroom wasn't far from where I was, so I headed on over.
I got there at about the beginning of fourth period. Security was there, one of the assistant principals was hovering (although she was closer to the staff restroom where I assume the teacher went) and the classroom was filled with students.
I know the drill. First, I needed to figure out what they were working on. They told me they had an assignment in Google Classroom. Great.
Then, I needed to figure out attendance. They were seated in tables, so I went table to table to see who was missing.
The class informed me that the teacher had left the room in tears, but no one knew why.
While in the middle of attendance, Ms. B returned. I informed her I would remain in the class for the day, and she gave me a rundown of what the classes were working on. But before she left, she had to explain to her daughter what was happening so she wouldn't worry. Ms. B's daughter? A student in that very class.
(I don't really want to go into details here, so suffice it to say that Ms. B's son had an upset at his school, and she needed to go and pick him up.)
Luckily, the class was honors English, albeit ninth grade. So, I didn't really have issues with them once things got settled. And they got settled rather quickly.
At least I was in a position where I could take over. These things do occasionally happen.
I’m glad you were able to take over the class.
ReplyDeleteMe too. I ended up where they actually needed me for the day.
DeleteI cannot imagine teaching in today's environment. Glad some people like yourself still do.
ReplyDeleteIt's different. I don't know if I'd want to start out today, but as it's something I know, I don't mind continuing to do it.
DeleteLucky you were there.
ReplyDeleteIt's good you were able to handle things for the teacher and how scary for her daughter in the class!
ReplyDeleteHope that you are having a good week :)
Away From The Blue
She didn't look scared. I'm sure she knew her mom would let her know what was going on as soon as she could.
DeleteFortunate you have the experience to switch gears just like that.
ReplyDeleteI've done this sort of thing before. A few times. As long as I don't freak out and instead go with the flow, things tend to go the way they need to.
DeleteJust when the school thought it had enough staff to go around! I hope Mrs B and her son (and daughter) are okay. It's always traumatic when a parent is at work and you get one of *those* calls from your kids' school.
ReplyDeleteHope all’s well with the tea her and her son.
ReplyDeleteYou are very good at adapting to all situations, they are lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteI can't help wondering if the son has special needs. But anyone can have a bad day. In fact, something like those annoying alarm bells can trigger or increase my anxiety depending on the situation. Whatever the case, I'm also glad you were there and hope all turned out okay. Be well!
ReplyDeleteI don't think so. I didn't want to go into details on the blog, but it was completely understandable that he would have been upset.
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