I really dislike middle school

I worked at Montgomery High School on Wednesday. It was another English language learner class. They were also on block schedule which I don't care for. Fortunately, the teacher had a video for them to watch, The Grapes of Wrath. I thought it was something some of the students could relate to. I was amazed that some of them were paying attention. Some of the others took the opportunity to talk. One of the great things I learned was the use of an effective hall pass. The teacher used this big computer box with her room number on it. If the students needed to go to the restroom, I had them carry the box. There were a few that changed their minds after I told them that was what they had to use. This is something I plan on using with my classes. There was a cool car show put on by the school at lunch which was fun to walk around and look at. I didn't particularly care for the school, which isn't surprising, since I didn't like the middle school last week.

I worked at my old school, Granger, yesterday. I thought it was going to be an easy day because when I got there, the secretary told me it was a minimum day. As I looked at his roll book, most of the classes had 6-10 students. But, I realized after the first class, that they were all disruptive students. However, 4 of the periods were good. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that the teacher left us The Simpsons to watch. 4th period had a couple of students I dealt with before. Foul mouthed and attitude problems. They are the kind of students that make teaching difficult. I was just glad it was a minimum day because I really couldn't see spending any more time with them.

High school is the best!

When I got to the school, they didn't know where I was suppose to be. After a few calls, I was subbing for a sub, which is kind of odd. The students were all English language development students. That means, they speak English, but their communications skills need improving. I had two classes for two periods each. We watched a Harry Potter movie. Periods 3/4 were able to finish the whole movie because I didn't give them the silent reading period. My 5th period class was a sound tech class which comprised of juniors and seniors. But instead of the History of Rock and Roll dvd, I let them watch Friday, which was an R rated movie. It was funny and the language was nothing they haven't used or heard. Another teacher came in and it didn't bother him, so we continued to watch it.

I ran into a student teacher who I went to school with, and lucky thing, because I was lost and he was able to show me where I needed to go. I really like the high school arena. Granted, sometimes some of the students act very childish, but at least they are not as sassy and disrespectful like some middle school students.

Why are some middle schoolers little punks?

Worked at Montgomery Middle today and the only good thing was that it was a minimum day. I couldn't even imagine teaching some of those classes for two hours. They are on block schedule. There were some nice students there, but there were some that needed a good spanking at home. Sassy! But I had my spies in the class, who wrote down the names of those who misbehaved. I will be working at the high school next week, and hopefully a majority of the students have outgrown their middle school ways.

Good times

I worked at two middle schools this week. I didn't particularly care for Chula Vista middle school. Even though there were some nice students there, there were also some very rude ones as well. Granted, I would never work at a middle school, however, I wouldn't mind working at Granger, the last school I did my student teaching at, which was the school I worked at today.

I had seventh graders today and things were going very well until the last period of the day. Every class was great! But then, at the end of the day, this last class had some disruptive students in it. It wasn't until I finally started writing names down that they stopped goofing around. It's sad that it had to come to that because all the other classes worked so well and were very receptive of me. And it was a short day which was great!

I did get to go see my old students. It's funny how a few months will change a person. Some of them looked different, but acted the same. I spoke with my master teacher and she told me that one of the trouble makers is going to be tested for GATE (Gifted And Talented). Which would explain quite a bit. I also stopped by just before I left to see some of the eighth graders. As I was walking out, one of my old students who got out of the Options program called my name. She was practicing in the drill team which I think is a great thing for her because she'll have to keep up her grade point average in order to participate. Overall it was a great day.

Two good jobs

I worked at two different schools this week: Southwest High School and Southwest Middle. I was at the high school at the beginning of the week and it went well. It was all 12th graders. They were all polite and courteous, although I did cut them a little slack and let them do things they normally wouldn't do, like eat. It's a descent size school and I wouldn't mind working there, but I just heard they might go on block schedule and I'm not sure I like that right now. 2 hours with the same kids??? And then if there's one student that absolutely ruins your day? I don't think so. LOL!

I was at the middle school today. They were all 7th graders. One great thing was that the teacher has a student aid, which helped out a lot. 4th period had the worst kids, who ruin it for the others. The teacher did stop by to pick something up, and he explained that he had taken over the class from someone else and that some students had either emotional or disciplinary problems. One girl talked very loud, even when I was standing near her desk. The majority of students were great though and some of them said I should teach English there. AS IF!!! It is a nice school, but I'm just not a middle school kind of teacher.

To sub or not to sub

One thing I hate about subbing is that the system calls at 5 am. I'd rather know the night before if I am working or not. I missed an early morning call, and then the system didn't call until after 8 for an assignment at 8:30. So am I suppose to get ready and just sit by the phone ready to go? I don't think so. I went to the market at 8:30, and when I got back, there were two more calls from the system. I did get an assignment for tomorrow.

I also got a confirmation from another district that my application for a teaching position is now in the English pool of applicants. I'm still waiting to hear from Sweetwater, but at this point, I'll take any position as long as it's a low performing school. But then again, I may switch to a low income school. I've got to look into this with the APLE grant people.

Repeat

On Friday, I went an subbed at the same school and class that I worked at on Monday. I thought it would be cool but since it was a longer day, I got to know some of the students better. Which could be a good thing, but there were a few students I'd rather not know. I got to see what kind of assholes they really were.