I woke up at midnight last night and was wide awake. In a past life I would have gone downstairs and watched some TV and ate a bunch of food before trying to go back to sleep, but I rarely watch TV anymore and you know the problems I am having with food... so instead I passed the time on Face Book trying to leave a substantive comment on every post that I read. I have to say it was fun! I talked about which of the three stooges I would rather be, the difficulties of giving oneself a daily shot, and the public misconceptions about those of us living with illness. Finally around 2:45 am I was able to go back to sleep.
I say this for two reasons. First, so that you will understand why I commented on your FB posting last night that had nothing to do with me. Second, so that you'll understand I was tired. Unfortunately there is no rest for the weary (another great old saying)
I was tired when I arrived at work and my hips and legs were already aching. Then the day began. It was a long day filled with prepping for visitors, VIP guests, constant movement, precise management of resources, and no heat all morning*.
I was then blessed with a visit from a student who only comes a few times a trimester (this piece of information will become important in a minute). My lesson started with some student directed research followed by small group work (at this point the Superintendent comes in) and we start a turn and talk activity.
At this point I was physically wiped out, but I didn't want to make my school look bad so I kept pushing. Then the Superintendent starts talking to the kid who only shows up every once in a while....Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
Luckily I have the best 8th period class ever and they were able to complete a modified version of the lesson with little management on my part because I was forced to sit the whole period and try to recover. In fact they did so well I think they deserve a treat tomorrow.
Thing is, for the first time since going back to work in September I wasn't able to teach to the standard I set for myself. These kids deserve great teaching and I can now see how a day may come when I am not capable of being that great teacher.
Sigh...oh well. One day and one problem at a time right!
*Our school just completed a 10 million dollar boiler conversion. It was broken on the coldest morning of the real. I guess 10 million doesn't buy what it used to.
Dear Mr.Crump,
ReplyDeleteToday I was showing my mom all of my teachers and when I got to you I remembered that you once spoke about a blog, so I looked for it... and found this. I wanted to tell you that you're a great teacher and thank you for referring to your eight period class as the best haha. I really appreciate all of your efforts, and the fact that you try so hard for us to be your best and give your all, even if it means having little to no energy by the end of the day... From the moment i had you as a teacher I have never been disappointed or felt like the class was meant to be overwhelming like all my other classes... But a class that I’m comfortable in and feel like I have a great teacher to help me with any questions I have without making me feel dumb… When the day does come where you can no longer teach to the standard you set yourself to, please know that you've made a huge positive impact in my life and many other students life’s, you've not only taught me math and basic school things but also life lessons. It has been a blessing to have you as a teacher. Thank you so much for everything.