Thursday. Second period. I was back at the continuation high school for the first time since March.
It was a pretty typical class for this teacher. He teaches social studies, so the class is a mix of world geography, world history, U.S. history, and government. I have covered this class many, many times.
There was one group near the back who were having some random conversations, but mostly the class was working (or appearing to work). They all have different online assignments, but some get so sucked into their phones.
Towards the end of the period, one of the students asked me if I had subbed at one of the other high schools in the district. The continuation high school is where the students from all the district's high schools end up if they are deficient in credits and in danger of not graduating. When they first get to the school, they all recognize me from when I subbed their "home" school.
So, of course I had subbed at this student's "home" school.
The boy remembered me. He then told me that the students were scared of me.
The boy explained that when he had me in class, one of the other students had told him that I was a strict sub and that I would kick misbehaving students out of class.
I had no idea.
I mean, I don't often send students out. I don't have to.
Most days I feel like a pushover. I feel like I'm letting them get away with so much. But then again, most days they're doing what they need to do and aren't being a problem, so there's no need for me to get on their cases.
So, to hear that students fear me? I'm dubious.
But still, it was a nice thing for him to say.
One time, when I worked in an office around 30 years ago, I had a disagreement with a coworker and she said that I acted like I was better than everyone. In my mind I felt like such a wallflower with no confidence. We don't always know how people perceive us!
ReplyDeleteVery true.
DeleteIs it better to be lived or feared?
ReplyDeleteAs a sub? Feared. Loved is great, but that works way better for the full time staff.
DeleteIt is good to HAVE that reputation.
ReplyDeleteIt is. But I don't believe it.
DeleteI'm sure the student was exaggerating. Their definition of strict also probably includes "will kick students out for throwing chairs".
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how we perceive ourselves vs. how others perceive us. Remembering how subs were treated in some of my classes, I think I would pick fear over love.
ReplyDeleteAs a sub, definitely. Apparently, I am strict enough. That's a relief.
DeleteAWESOME! Although he must not fear you too much or he wouldn't have said it to your face. That's a good rep to have if you're a sub.
ReplyDeleteVery true. Of course, the continuation high school is a bit more laid back in certain ways.
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