Teachers on this list (LONG).

[meboriqua at aol.com]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at y..., Melanie Brackney <ilovbrian_99 at y...> 
wrote:
> 
> I have a question for all the teachers on this list, there seems to 
be quite a few of you.  Do you truly enjoy your jobs?   I just want to 
hear from teachers themselves, do you really feel like you are making 
a difference?  Are you happy with your choice of careers?>

Okay, last night I wrote a very long explanation about why I love 
teaching and then my computer quit online so I lost it.  Here goes 
another try...

I grew up in the suburbs and went to a private high school and small 
liberal arts college (Vassar) where students always did their work, 
went to class, did their homework and very rarely caused problems.  
When I first started to teach, it was quite a shock.  I have only 
taught in the public schools here in NYC, and of the public schools, I 
have only taught in the alternative schools.  Alternative schools are, 
for the most part, for students who had trouble succeeding in the 
regular and very large high schools throughout the city.  Alternative 
schools have a bad reputation, in my opinion, as people seem to think 
they are hell, but they aren't.  Instead of teaching five 42 minute 
classes each day, in my school I teach three 1 hour classes.  Instead 
of having 34 students in each class, I usually have no more than 20.  
I know all of the kids in my school and all of them come to us at 17 
years of age and up.  I am given a lot of freedom regarding what and 
how I teach (my subject is English), and discipline is handled very 
well here (one fight and you're out).

Of course, there are many problems, like the neighborhood where I 
teach is known for prostitution and drugs and there is actually a 
crematorium nearby, which, when operating makes the entire area smell 
like what I imagine Auschwitz must have smelled like.  We have a lot 
of trouble with attendance because our kids do not like coming to 
school and often choose not to.  This has lead to us losing several 
classrooms this year because our building houses several different 
programs and some of them are expanding.  My assistant principal told 
me to expect to not have my room as well when I come back in 
September, something I am very upset about.  It can also be very 
difficult to get students motivated, as they would often rather 
giggle, gossip, or put their heads down instead of doing work.  Kids 
come to school both drunk and high and very often without a notebook 
or pen.  I have seen many teenage moms and more than one abusive 
relationship.  I have also had more than one screaming argument with 
students (I never knew I could actually turn into a student when I get 
angry).  It sounds terrible, but I love it.

The one and only reason I continue to teach is because I adore my 
students.  They are funny, interesting, and very much in need of 
people in their lives who care about them.  I know about their 
families, relationships, drug and sex habits, opinions and experiences 
with racism, violence and the police, and why they like rap music so 
much.  I've had students tell me "You did a good job with us," when 
they passed their English Regents exam in June, and our valedictorian 
thanked me by name in his speech.  The kids always ask about my 
boyfriend, our cat, my family, and have sworn to protect me if the 
need arises (which is a big compliment coming from them).  When I 
stand in front of my room and give an assignment and they start 
working, I feel great.  When we have a discussion that spills over in 
their next class because it was so intense, I love it.  When kids come 
looking for me to chat or to say "Miss!  I want to be in your class 
again!", I almost get teary eyed. 

Teaching is very hard work, and my first semester was a nigtmare of 
paper work and nasty attitudes of students who were testing me to see 
if I could handle it.  Not everyone makes it and I've seen quite a few 
teachers leave the system or at least leave the city for the suburbs 
(you couldn't double my salary to do that).  However, I was determined 
to make it through and to prove to myself and the kids that I was a 
good teacher.  It worked.  When I (and five other teachers) was 
excessed from my first school (being excessed is qutie common), most 
of the students signed a petition trying to convince the principal to 
keep me.

I don't think teaching is for everyone.  If you don't like the kids, 
you shouldn't teach because it's unfair to the kids.  I could only 
teach high school kids.  Younger children would push me over the edge.  
Do I think you should give a chance?  Absolutely!  I work very hard 
and get rewarded by having a summer vacation and students who would do 
anything for me.  And all this from a nice Jewish girl from Long 
Island!

--j