So what you see here in this journal are the frustrations I can reveal, and vent. Are all the students useless? Far from it, but the ones acting out are certainly very difficult. Can I handle them? Sure, one at a time, but I've got 5 to 7 of them in every class. Am I making this work?
I'm spending my own money for any sort of supplies.
In Silicon Valley, the only presentation technologies I have are a whiteboard and a photocopier. Can't find the money for an overhead projector, still working on it.
Over 20% of my students are ESL, we don't have an ESL program.
etc. etc. etc.
It gets old. I'm doing what I can, but it's really tiring. The system (current bitch) also has "Professional Development" days during the student vacations. I'm working at least 3 hours every weekend trying to stay on top of things.
Monday, I gave a requested review of material, so students could retake a test. The number of failing students, out of 120: 60. Number in the study session, after having it mentioned? 0.
It is the school, of course. It's also, frankly, my problem in that teaching at this level is too much discipline for me. So, to answer your question, yes, it's me.
I can walk out of this job and double my salary on a yearly basis doing network contracting. If I thought I was making a real difference, that wouldn't have a big pull--but what I'm mainly doing is discipline issues.
And then I get the stories of these students, and what's going on...well, it's easy to see why school is a minor concern, especially a science class they're not prepared for adequately but required to take.
Enough. Going to go get some sleep. Strangely enough, one of the harder things is the 6AM wakeup for this.
Re: No;
I'm spending my own money for any sort of supplies.
In Silicon Valley, the only presentation technologies I have are a whiteboard and a photocopier. Can't find the money for an overhead projector, still working on it.
Over 20% of my students are ESL, we don't have an ESL program.
etc.
etc.
etc.
It gets old. I'm doing what I can, but it's really tiring. The system (current bitch) also has "Professional Development" days during the student vacations. I'm working at least 3 hours every weekend trying to stay on top of things.
Monday, I gave a requested review of material, so students could retake a test. The number of failing students, out of 120: 60. Number in the study session, after having it mentioned? 0.
It is the school, of course. It's also, frankly, my problem in that teaching at this level is too much discipline for me. So, to answer your question, yes, it's me.
I can walk out of this job and double my salary on a yearly basis doing network contracting. If I thought I was making a real difference, that wouldn't have a big pull--but what I'm mainly doing is discipline issues.
And then I get the stories of these students, and what's going on...well, it's easy to see why school is a minor concern, especially a science class they're not prepared for adequately but required to take.
Enough. Going to go get some sleep. Strangely enough, one of the harder things is the 6AM wakeup for this.