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I’m Trying Not to Take Bad Days at Work as a Personal Attack
In my life, I have more important things to worry about than my job
“He says. the best way out is always through.
And I agree to that, or in so far
As that I can see no way out but through.” — Robert Frost, “A Servant to Servants.”
I shouldn’t complain. As a third-year special educator in Baltimore City, work is going significantly better than it used to. It’s going way better than it was my first year. My students are objectively learning how to read and write better as well as other standards like determining the theme in a text.
There have been no altercations in my classroom, which is a much bigger point of growth than you think. Many outside observers think the classroom is going well when they look out the door because kids are in their seats. I don’t have students sitting or laying on counters and radiators anymore, which sets a big tone for the rest of the class.
I have learned a bit part of classroom management is not being nice or strict. It’s having a list of non-negotiables that is realistic and where you can pick and choose your battles. A big narrative for the classroom and probably for parenting, as well, is what you “let” your students do. Kids do what you let them do, I once heard.
