Year 3 of my time as a big boy teacher has come to an end and I must say that I have learned so much. This is no surprise as I have been warned this would be the case. “Teachers are learning just as they are teaching.” It’s why teachers are labeled philosophers. God knows I’m feeling it every day. I’m always learning something new and figuring out the best way to teach it to the next flow of students.
I have a month and a half left of school and then my students will be able to enjoy the fine relaxation of the summer holiday. Sure, I’m contractually obligated to do the summer camps, but I’m looking at the prize at the end of it all: New Zealand. That’s right. I’m planning my trip to the Land of the Long White Cloud. Or would “Middle Earth” sound better. Either way, I am beyond excited to go as it has been on my list of places to travel to.
It is amazing how life works. The moment when the past meets the present. What do I mean? Oh, it’s quite amusing; I was just reminded of my past as a shithead teenager. How? Well, how else does karma work? I have a fifteen-year-old who acts EXACTLY like I did when I was fifteen-year-old. And I do mean EXACTLY LIKE ME.
Sorry for the month-long absence, but I wanted Philadelphia to have my undivided attention – out of my studies, of course. While I finished most of my work beforehand, the only thing I had to do was my threaded discussion which took me no time at all. I had missed my city for such a long time and I wanted to see what changed and what remained the same. Short answer, a lot.
In three more days, the students will be home having a long well-deserved rest as they bring in the Chinese New Year. They are extremely excited and they should be. They have been working extremely hard for these last five months and – let me tell you – World Literature and Economics have been a real doozy for them. I can attest to the World Literature part; teaching it has been quite a welcoming challenge. But, now, it is time to enjoy the next marvel…Philadelphia.
Last year, China lifted the travel ban for obvious reasons, i.e., tourists make up most of their revenue. It doesn’t matter because I finally get to travel to different countries during holidays. At first, we were all hesitant about it because we didn’t really trust them (the government) so our boss volunteered as tribute. as he wanted to visit his family. He left and came back safe and sound so now we are all traveling to different places. For me, it’s Barcelona.
So, I have two new students in my Grade 9 class and two in my Grade 8 and with it brought a whole new set of challenges. However, it wasn’t as bad as my previous student. She was a total nightmare and all my students hated her. Even Jack-Jack didn’t like her – and he likes everyone. Anyway, I would like to focus on the two that I’m responsible for.
It’s finally happening. Sunday is the day I start my Master’s Program in English and Creative Writing and I couldn’t be happier. I finally get to go back to school and be a student – not a teacher. Well, I’m still a teacher but…you know…I already gave this song-and-dance. Instead, let me talk about why I have been so tired these last two weeks.
Well…it happened. I finally snapped at a student who was my own. I didn’t think it would happen. I thought I had a handle on my temper, especially since I was dealing with teenagers. Moreover, I was dealing with my usual group of teenagers so I didn’t think that would have been the case. But, alas, here we are.
Well, it’s finally here. Back at school, this time, I’m a homeroom teacher. However, I must say, the first two days as a homeroom teacher as been pure chaos for numerous reasons. But, first, a confession. Nothing bad, just a reason behind my decision of becoming a homeroom teacher.