Downfall of Society Part 1

So, school has started and even though I hate doing it, going over rules and procedures is absolutely necessary in order to get things going in the right direction. Students have to know your expectations if you want them to live up to your expectations. One thing in particular that gets to me every year when I do this is the reactions that I get when I tell them to watch their language.

I tell them that I do not want to hear profanity in my classroom and they laugh and carry on and make it out like I'm some kind of goody goody. For anyone that knows me, they know that that is far from the truth, I just don't like hearing profanity. I personally do not use profanity, or at least I try not to, I do slip up from time to time but I don't see a reason to use it all the time. The students I have will use profanity in almost every conversation and never think twice about it or have any concern about who is nearby.

I could go on and on about this but I think you get my drift. I guess part of my problem is the fact that they don't care who is around, I think they should at least show respect to people of authority and watch their mouth.

OK, I'll get off that soap box, mainly so I can use it to wash their mouths out.

Stay tuned for for future posts on this topic regarding facial peircings and wearing hats in buildings.

Depression, confusion, fear and excitement

Only teachers understand this. It's time to go back to work. There is a certain amount of depression at this time of year. For one, it seems like just when you start to get things done around the house it's time to go back to work. You also have to start looking at your "work clothes" that you haven't worn in 2 months and realize that your a$$ has grown over the summer and you need to go get new clothes.

Next there is confusion and fear. What will I teach this year? What will my students be like? Will that t*#d that failed be back to cause me grief? Will the new principal bug me with walk throughs or just let me teach? How long will the line for the copier be? How long will I have to print things at home before our new order gets shipped?

And there is a little excitement, I consider many of my co-workers good friends but after spending every day together for 10 months I don't hang out with them over the summer so I'm excited to see them. I'm excited about trying a few new ideas had over the summer.

It's a very emotional time of year and even though I've been back to coaching for a week and have our first game tonight, part of me is already looking forward to Thanksgiving Break.