Friday, November 11, 2022

Five More Minutes

For my extra period assignment last Thursday, I ended up going back to the ceramics class

(We are far enough into the school year now that the sub shortage is being felt. Every day there are at least two teachers who aren't covered by their very own sub, so these classes are covered by other teachers who have conference periods. And by subs on the conference period of the teacher we're covering.)

Mr. P had an IEP meeting, so he hadn't quite left during the passing period. Lou walked in, saw that he was leaving, and protested. "We have a sub?!?"

Me: "Lou. It's me."

And suddenly it was okay. Lou came over and gave me a huge hug. Mr. P was amused by all of this.

I only once briefly mentioned Lou before, so allow me to explain. I met Lou that week in the ceramics class. Then Lou was in the success seminar. I did not realize his pronouns were he/him, so I misgendered him when I mentioned him previously (giving him the blog moniker of Louise). 

Some students actually like me. When they give me a chance, they realize I'm there to help them, and I only give battle when they fight me. 

Mr. P went to his meeting. Class started. As it was ceramics, the students had things to work on. Lou had a chance to question me.

I hadn't seen him since I left the success seminar class, but I had seen some of his classmates. He asked where I had been. I told him I'd been around.

People are surprised to learn that I work every day. They may not see me for days or weeks, and they don't get that I'm just elsewhere in the district. 

Mr. P's meeting didn't go the whole period. He was back in a little over a half hour. So I packed up to go...

"No. Ms. A. You can't leave yet. You have to stay."

Technically, I was contracted for the full period, so I could stay. But teachers don't really need a sub hanging out. 

"Mr. P, can't she stay for five more minutes..."

Mr. P said I could. I agreed.

And Lou timed me. Did he talk to me for five minutes? No. He was working on the day's project (they were practicing making coils). But when I thought he wasn't paying attention and made a move to go, he told me time wasn't up yet. 

I stayed until he said I could go.

Will I see Lou again? So far, I don't have any other of his classes booked, but I'm only booked up through November. I do get around.

28 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks. I should try to find more of these, I guess.

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  2. It’s nice when they actually appreciate you.

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  3. That's sweet. Makes me wonder if he is in need of a mother figure in his life. Just having you in the room was enough for him. That's sad. Not that you aren't a great sub! I mean to want you there, yet not interacting, just your presence.

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    1. I don't think so. He has mentioned his mother. She's a force in his life.

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    2. Well, good for her, and good for him! The students need more of that.

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  4. Kind of a nice refresher from some of your other stories these past few weeks!

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  5. For this story, I wish I was a psychologist. He just wanted your presence. Perhaps he hasn't had a lot of acceptance in his life and senses acceptance from you. Interesting.

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    1. That makes sense. We kind of came to an understanding. I kind of know where he's coming from, and he does appreciate that.

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  6. Aww that's really sweet that he wanted you to stick around! :)

    Hope you have a good weekend ahead of you :)

    www.awayfromtheblue.blogspot.com.au

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    1. It was different, that's for sure. Thanks, you too.

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  7. Would there be possible way of posting some ceramic pieces?
    Coffee is on and stay safe

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  8. How sweet!
    It feels good to be appreciated.

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  9. My wonderful profession continues to struggle. Didn't know this about subs.

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  10. What high praise, if unconventional. lol

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  11. How sweet. I can see where kids would give subs a hard time and not a chance but I am glad to see that Lou gave you that chance for whatever reason.

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    Replies
    1. Sometimes things click. Mostly not, but sometimes.

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  12. That is so interesting how he timing you without said a word to you. Children are sometimes full of cool ideas.

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  13. You should be very proud to have made such an impression with Lou. He obviously likes and respects you.

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  14. I used to paint ceramics. I still have pieces I like and display. Post school though. No Lou, but a loo somewhere.

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