Thursday, October 20, 2005
The Letter
This blog is courtesy of Steve.
For my personal record for the fastest act of disrespect displayed by one of my students, I would have to award Serena. Serena was a new student in my class back in the late 80’s. On her first day with me, I welcomed her to the school, our team, and my math class. I escorted her to her seat and told her that I was available to help her with any questions she might have since she was new to the school. What do you think? How much nicer could I have been. Makes me want to hug myself.
About 5 minutes into the class I noticed Serena busily writing a note. I walked over to her and asked her for the note. Unknown to me was the fact that she had a friend in the class. At first she told me “no” which is always a dangerous thing to say to a teacher who is asking but really demanding that a student comply with his/her request. So I did what most behavioral specialists would have recommended in this kind of case – I snatched the note right out of her hand.
As I read the note it became very apparent why she didn’t want me to read her note. Now remember, Serena had only been in my class for 5 minutes. The first two sentences went something like this:
“Hey so and so, what’s up? This guy (that would be me) is a real a_ _ hole!”
That’s right; her impression of me after 5 minutes was a walking impersonation of a person’s backside. I asked her if she had been talking to my wife which completely sailed over her head. I promptly sent Serena down to the Dean which probably reinforced her opinion of me.
So there you have it – 5 minutes – disrespect. Can anyone top that?
For my personal record for the fastest act of disrespect displayed by one of my students, I would have to award Serena. Serena was a new student in my class back in the late 80’s. On her first day with me, I welcomed her to the school, our team, and my math class. I escorted her to her seat and told her that I was available to help her with any questions she might have since she was new to the school. What do you think? How much nicer could I have been. Makes me want to hug myself.
About 5 minutes into the class I noticed Serena busily writing a note. I walked over to her and asked her for the note. Unknown to me was the fact that she had a friend in the class. At first she told me “no” which is always a dangerous thing to say to a teacher who is asking but really demanding that a student comply with his/her request. So I did what most behavioral specialists would have recommended in this kind of case – I snatched the note right out of her hand.
As I read the note it became very apparent why she didn’t want me to read her note. Now remember, Serena had only been in my class for 5 minutes. The first two sentences went something like this:
“Hey so and so, what’s up? This guy (that would be me) is a real a_ _ hole!”
That’s right; her impression of me after 5 minutes was a walking impersonation of a person’s backside. I asked her if she had been talking to my wife which completely sailed over her head. I promptly sent Serena down to the Dean which probably reinforced her opinion of me.
So there you have it – 5 minutes – disrespect. Can anyone top that?
Comments:
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Thanks meowmix. Those were my first thoughts as well. And as far as fear, this generation lives in a time where they can bully their own parents by threatening to call a governmental agency and claim abuse.
Okay...scratching head...thinking back...hmmmmm.
No, I think you've got me there brother. I'm pretty sure that many of my students have that impression of me right away (although HOW I do not know as I am the proverbial ray of sunshine whilst teaching), but none of them have expressed that feeling by word or pen within the space of 5 minutes.
I have, however, been called every name in the book and have, at times, been tempted to correct the childrens' poor use of such language. I mean, if you're going to cuss somebody out, at least do it right!
And meowmix: when I went to school 20 years ago (okay 30), we were afraid of teachers too. I still am...you should see some of these people!
Blessing, brother! It's a joy, as always, to commiserate.
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No, I think you've got me there brother. I'm pretty sure that many of my students have that impression of me right away (although HOW I do not know as I am the proverbial ray of sunshine whilst teaching), but none of them have expressed that feeling by word or pen within the space of 5 minutes.
I have, however, been called every name in the book and have, at times, been tempted to correct the childrens' poor use of such language. I mean, if you're going to cuss somebody out, at least do it right!
And meowmix: when I went to school 20 years ago (okay 30), we were afraid of teachers too. I still am...you should see some of these people!
Blessing, brother! It's a joy, as always, to commiserate.
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