Well, my Spring break is over, but it was very restful and busy at the same time. I refused to do any work the entire break because I thought I'd go crazy with it if I did. (Feliz Cinco de Mayo, by the way.)
Since I've been back, I like to believe that I've continued to praise the students who've been pulling off C's (even D's for some kids who were straight F's before) and rejoicing in the fact that the last test I gave in both my Spanish 1 and Spanish 2 classes there were only 4 F's in Spanish 1 (between 50 students and 2 classes), which were only the kids who a) refused to take the test or b) never show up to class, and 1 F Spanish 2 which came from a kid who does nothing in class but put his best Spanglish effort into the test. There weren't a lot of A's, but some are better than none, and again, I'll settle for 4 A's per class if I'm getting less than that in F's. That made me happy, and I let them know that. So I think they've started really giving it their all (more people turning in homework, even if not all that regularly), more people at least attempting tests and quizzes when they really have no idea what's up because they tuned out so much at the beginning of the year. Honestly, effort is all I've ever really asked for, and I'm glad I'm finally getting it.
If only I could manage their bad behavior as well as I've started managing their studies. They make me a little enojada from time to time.
I'm at the point now where I'm kinda worried that they won't ask me back next year. Some of my grades have been deplorable, and I don't know if they're going to contribute that to my lack of skills, or if they are going to go with their gut that the freshmen/sophomore classes on a whole are really horrible this year. Of course I'd also use them not asking me back as an excuse to return to my wonderful island and see my family and pets. My old high school is ALWAYS looking for teachers ('cuz the pay is crap), and I wouldn't mind working there for chump change because I'd have a car, a rent-free home (of course I'd chip in on electric and gas bills), and white sandy beaches. But I also don't want to end up as the person who couldn't hold a job for more than one year. We'll see.
I'm still debating if I'd even come back if they asked me back. I've been so burnt out this year. I guess they say it's always hard for a first year teacher, but I'm still having difficulty with being unappreciated on all levels. Maybe it's not so bad as it was earlier in the year, but I think I'm still feeling the lingering effects. It's HARD being a teacher. Hard. And I'm not sure if I'm cut out for it. And did I mention a billion times that the pay sucks? I have big dreams of traveling and seeing the world, but with my salary, I can't even afford a car yet (especially since I'm paying back student loans). Vacation is just a far-fetched dream. Maybe I'll give it at least another year. I should be completely sure of what I want to do after that.
Who knows?
1 comment:
If they asked you back, you should take it. Yes, this course has been tough, but you learnt how to improve it. Next year you'd have that on mind since the very first day.
You seem concerned about your salary (so am I). You should look for a free-lance Spanish-to-English translator job. Sure you can find it and sure you can do it.
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