"...and TOTALLY redeem yourself!!!" (that's supposed to sound like Harry Dunne)

Okay, so I feel guilty for being so mean about my students last week. Everybody has their days right? Well, Friday was mine. And although I like to make fun of my students for silly things like spelling errors (“theretining” = threatening) and a complete lack of motivation, I really do love them.

I love those “light bulb moments” when a kid finally gets a concept and his whole countenance changes. He’s so proud of himself and I’m so proud of him.
I love it when a girl really connects with the literature because she relates to a character. (This happens every spring with Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.)
I love it when my students pass the UBSCT.
I love it when the rowdy boys make their computers talk, and I love that I have to pretend to be offended at the inappropriate robot-voice innuendo.
I love watching my sophomores mature throughout the year.
I love it when the boys and girls actually sit next to each other and have real conversations. (No flirting, no texting, really talking)
I also love watching the awkward love-struck glances across the room when they think they’re being sly.
I love working one-on-one with a kid before school, during lunch, and after school to get her to pass. I’m serious. I love it when both of our hard work pays off.
I love going to after-school events and being surprised at who is holding hands with whom.
I love seeing my students after Christmas break and realizing that I missed them.
I love it when I compare literature to movies or TV shows and they all look at me like I’m breaking the rules.
I love it when past students stop by or email me to see how I’m doing.
I love teaching them homophones and hearing them giggle when I ask them what the root word “homo” means.

And the list goes on. Yes, I have to put up with immeasurable amounts of crap, but it really is worth it.

Comments

Brad said…
This post is my wife selling out. The guilt of society to make her publish a nice post. The previous post made me jump up and yell "I love my wife!!" The real Michelle is the previous post. She made a stamp for me at home that says:
1- You are lazy!
2- Is that a pube or chest hair?
3- I am not your maid.
4- She's your daughter too.
5- Did you smuggle something home from the mortuary in your colon?
and last but not least
6- I can't breathe, get off!
She's a sellout, but I love my wife!!
Markelle said…
oh my gosh your hubby is hilarious...yes you may have been inspired to write something nice out of that stupid emotion--guilt BUT I totally felt your sincerity and think your post was REALLY cool.
Laurel said…
That is such a great list! And while I think Brad is absolutely HILARIOUS and I can actually hear BOTH of you guys saying those things, you're not selling out in the least bit. :) I know how much you love teaching [most of] your students.
Blaine said…
I fing love Brad Walker. So funny.
I also loved both of your posts because they are both exactly how teachers (and I'm sure parents) of teenagers feel all the time. While sometimes it feels so tiring and thankless, it's also the most rewarding job ever. (Except when the counselors override authority.) I love you!
Blaine said…
Oops... this is Alicia. Blogging on Blaine's laptop while he is upstairs comforting crying-not-sleeping-Jake. It's his turn. And my turn to blog my face off.
Scott and Megan said…
um can I just say I belong to the coolest family EVER on the planet! You are hysterical Michelle and Brad's follow up list of stamps was priceless! What a riot! I can relate somewhat in thinking about patients...now there's a blog entry for ya! Yikes! Love you and am waiting for a last minute favor to take Kaiya!
Angie Berrio said…
I'm gonna take your post at face-value and say I feel the same way. :)

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