I haven't been able to read posts nor post much myself lately, for I have been subbing at the small school where I taught for so many years. I have been enjoying all of the drama of the 5th and 6th grade students. They are so funny--and their comments, hilarious. We have been studying the slavery issue in social studies. The students couldn't understand why the slaves didn't steal a "boat" and go back to Africa. Of course, we discussed the feasibility of this plan! It is very difficult for a student of this age and experience to visualize how life would be in the 1800s. I tried to point out the differences of plantation living with that of today, but it is very difficult for them to understand a life without electricity and malls!

I have also been working with the special education students on the high school side. The teacher was so very organized and had a folder with plans and papers for each class. I didn't have to strain my eyes looking at a tiny square in a daily lesson plan book to try to decipher what in the world I was supposed to do. This teacher has to have the patience of Job in order to do what she does every day. She teaches Engish I,II,III, and IV; social studies; civics; speech; general math; algebra and science. She also has an advisory class and enrichment class.

The students were well behaved and very respectful. They just didn't work well and would assume a defeatist attitude before they would even try to grapple with the assignment. Much of my time was spent going to each different group and trying to help them understand a problem in math or a grammar exercise. One almost must do one-on-one teaching to get them to stay on task and to understand the object of the lesson. This routine has taken a toll on me and left me so very tired at night.

On Friday one of the enrichment classes performed for the student body. This is a blue grass music class taught by the art teacher. The performance was wonderful as the students played many different instruments and sang. One student that I had taught in the eighth grade made me so very proud. He is a very bright boy but so very shy that he wouldn't answer a question if he were called on to do so. Yesterday, he actually sang before the student body. How wonderful is that!

I must return to sub again on Monday. I will have to get all of my work finished this weekend and rest some to be able to deal with the many challenges of teaching. Keep me in your thoughts that I might always set a good example and be kind and understanding.

Comments:

Special Ed teachers are so special themselves. I have a friend who taught nonverbal children how to use sign language. Subbing will give you a lot of rewards but it is exhausting.

comment by elderjane on Apr 1, 2008 6:48 AM ()

That's the truth. I have been subbing entirely too much lately, but the school is having problems keeping subs. The kids keep running them off!

reply by angiedw on Apr 5, 2008 5:32 AM ()

Ahh, the special ed teacher! A miracle of nature... They are indeed special. I enjoyed hearing about your shy student who actually sang in for his entire school. Teaching is a special charge. I can see how you enjoy it and I think your students were especially blessed to have had you. Glad you're staying in contact with that world!!

comment by sunlight on Mar 30, 2008 7:13 PM ()

What fun!!

reply by sunlight on Apr 5, 2008 11:22 PM ()

This is my fourth year of retirement, and things have changed so very much. This senior class is the last class that I had personal contact with when I was teaching. I am now subbing with children of some of my former students--what a hoot! They have told their children about me and my escapades.

reply by angiedw on Apr 5, 2008 5:35 AM ()

Applause Applause for the great work you and all teachers do!

comment by marta on Mar 30, 2008 6:27 PM ()

You have to really love the kids and teaching or you will never last in the classroom. I have seen so many drop from the field.

reply by angiedw on Apr 5, 2008 5:36 AM ()

comment by frogfenatic on Mar 30, 2008 12:06 AM ()

wow, thank you! I hope that is one of the things that I leave behind me--fond memories of me with my students.

reply by angiedw on Mar 30, 2008 5:07 PM ()

That's a wonderful share, Angie, and a challenging time for you.

comment by jthoneydew on Mar 29, 2008 2:25 PM ()

I read a post asking if we felt certain things were worthwhile. I think that teaching is one of the noble professions if done well and in earnest, but it does take much out of one.

reply by angiedw on Mar 29, 2008 3:16 PM ()

best of luck to you, you sound like a wonderful teacher! I admire anyone who teaches and helps to form young minds.

comment by elkhound on Mar 29, 2008 9:28 AM ()

Mary, so many times it isn't forming the minds, it is reforming!

reply by angiedw on Mar 29, 2008 3:17 PM ()

I used to teach a class like that. I taught English I-IV, all the histories as well as speech and drama, plus we had a group that met each afternoon for counseling. I loved it though!

comment by teacherwoman on Mar 29, 2008 8:31 AM ()

You don't have time to get bored with the subject matter, for it is constantly changing and challenging you.

reply by angiedw on Mar 29, 2008 3:19 PM ()

That must be a wonderful, rewarding feeling to know that you are making an impact on students and helping to shape them. How exciting that must've been to see such a change in that shy boy you once taught!

comment by mellowdee on Mar 29, 2008 8:05 AM ()

I'm such a softy--I blubbered! I was so very proud of him, for I knew the difficulty that he had to overcome to achieve his moment.

reply by angiedw on Mar 29, 2008 3:21 PM ()

Hi again. Added you as a buddy.

comment by skysblog on Mar 29, 2008 7:53 AM ()

I've added you as well. Happy to see you here!

reply by angiedw on Mar 29, 2008 3:23 PM ()

Those kids are lucky to have you teaching them! It must be frustrating
to teach students who don't understand how things "used to be." Aren't history classes supposed to teach about the innards of slavery, etc?

comment by susil on Mar 29, 2008 7:28 AM ()

5th and 6th graders have limited experience and live in the moment. High school students in this area aren't much better. They are very limited in their experiences and cultural opportunities. It is similar to The Lost World. I played classical music every day, brought in art, read poetry to them, took them to theatrical performances, and taught a lot of history with my literature. They needed to understand the history of the period in order to appreciate the literature. I find that the newer teachers in the area are overwhelmed and are losing the battle.

reply by angiedw on Mar 29, 2008 3:29 PM ()

I truly admire what you are doing, Angie. I loved teaching, but once I retired, I could never find the courage to return as a sub. You are one special lady. And the rewards are not related to money.

comment by solitaire on Mar 29, 2008 6:18 AM ()

The money is certainly not a perk in subbing. I just miss the kids so much that I find myself going back too often. I think that perhaps this might be my last year of subbing; things are changing drastically and not for the good.

reply by angiedw on Mar 29, 2008 3:33 PM ()