I would much prefer to teach/work at the high school level, but I'm embracing the challenges at the middle school level right now. I have subbed for most of the students at my mom's school where I work. The 6th graders have only been in school 2 months and are still being broken in, but most are well behaved. The 8th graders at this point in the year are still ok- not rambunctious and know-it-all's like they will be at the end of the year. The 7th graders however are TERRIBLE.
I have subbed for Mrs. C at my mom's school this year two days in a row. She had what has been dubbed the absolute worst 7th graders. These kids are the absolute lowest- 3 periods of math, 2 periods of English, and then PE. Some have 3 periods of English, 2 periods of math, and PE depending on how low they are and in which subject. Anyways, the kids are terrible. In Mrs. C's class I had about 10 jumping off desks (no joke), 10 yelling, and 10 running around the room. These kids steal and it is so blatantly obvious. The administration turns a blind eye. The teacher is scared to be in her own classroom with these kids.
The 3, 2, 1, schedule as it was dubbed by the principal was his ingenious idea to get all of the students to proficient by the end of the year. It didn't do that last year. Instead it burnt 2 teachers out who had 3 period classes. This year 8 teachers have 3 period classes. The kids are all monsters. In the math classes especially, I don't see anything helping. The students are just so exhausted after the first hour or so of math that they lose focus and the students aren't being taught more math than the regular classes. They are just working at a slower pace.
The 7th graders are all really rotten it turns out. The principal kept it quiet last year that the 6th graders were so bad because he gave them to his best friend, an English teacher, who just turns a blind eye; so word never got out. Now it is turning its head. The teachers are so upset they're asking the principal for a 7th grade assembly to remind students of the rules. The principal says he "doesn't know if we can do that." The teachers have a good idea to put the students in classes that are closer to their level. If they're really that low and badly behaved, put them in a VERY low class, but don't make it a place they want to be. Reintroduce electives like Home Ec that make the kids keep wanting to come back to school and not give up.
Last Thursday I subbed for a new math teacher at my mom's school. The first 2 periods the kids were wonderful (it was a 3 period block, but they have the last block with this teacher at the end of the day). When the kids came back to me in 6th period they all forgot where they sat, they were are loud, yelling, screaming, and refused to take their seats. I got right on the phone to call the office. I called everyone in the office and nobody picked up the phone. Finally I flashed the lights and they said "oh, the teacher wants to teach." I wrote on the whiteboard "anyone out of their seat or talking will automatically be sent out." That's how I handled it- I sent 4 kids to my mom's classroom, 3 to the big mean science teacher, and then one out on a suspension. The class quieted enough for me to take attendance, then since they were so loud I just put the assignment on the overhead because I couldn't talk to explain it to them. Usually kids will come to the desk seeking help, but none of these kids did. Nobody was working. They just don't care. The students were just starting to do problems like 2x-2=10 and so I know many didn't get it. It wasn't worth trying to teach when I had to raise my voice, talk over them, and police to make sure everyone stayed in their seat and didn't kill each other.
I didn't mention this woman's 4th period class had 16 kids with 14 rotten ones. I had to raise my voice and then remind them where they sat on the seating chart, then I said that anyone out of their seat would automatically be sent out. I came up with this policy after they were all running around even after class had started and I took attendance. I sent 3 of the kids who got up out of their seat without permission, and of course they didn't think I was serious, or forgot. At least in this class I was able to isolate the kids enough, then keep things humming along enough to teach the lesson.
The administration all turns a blind eye. The principal turns the other way anytime there is a problem and will not admit there is a problem. The assistant principal is a great guy, but the principal does not get along with him, so he can't dictate or say anything. He told me that he was "glad I survived and thanked me for taking on such a difficult mission" the other day. The dean of discipline is stuck in her office all day disciplining 7th graders and can't ever leave her office.
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Where I feel like I made a difference
Today I subbed for my mom's friend, the math teacher in the room next to her.
After a rocky start to the day with the really bad class, the day improved.
It was a pretty good day and one where I felt like I made a difference. The 2 pre-algebra classes were working on using the distance formula (Distance=Speed x Time or D=Velocity / Time). A lot of kids, perhaps due to apathy toward the subject weren't trying and thought me, being the sub would give them the easy way out and tell them the answer. Me? Do that? No. Never.
When a kid asked for help, I enthusiastically came over and asked them where they were having trouble. The kids told me and then sat blank wanting me to do the work for them. I said, "well, look, you have speed and distance given, now tell me what is missing." "Ok, so you are trying to find time, so what do you do?" The kids would ask inquisitively "multiply?" I'd ask the kids to explain why and walk me through the steps. They did and they'd come up with the right answer.
You know what? I could have taken the easy way out, but then I'd have felt bad for gipping them, but also not giving them the opportunity to prove they new how to do it.
After a rocky start to the day with the really bad class, the day improved.
It was a pretty good day and one where I felt like I made a difference. The 2 pre-algebra classes were working on using the distance formula (Distance=Speed x Time or D=Velocity / Time). A lot of kids, perhaps due to apathy toward the subject weren't trying and thought me, being the sub would give them the easy way out and tell them the answer. Me? Do that? No. Never.
When a kid asked for help, I enthusiastically came over and asked them where they were having trouble. The kids told me and then sat blank wanting me to do the work for them. I said, "well, look, you have speed and distance given, now tell me what is missing." "Ok, so you are trying to find time, so what do you do?" The kids would ask inquisitively "multiply?" I'd ask the kids to explain why and walk me through the steps. They did and they'd come up with the right answer.
You know what? I could have taken the easy way out, but then I'd have felt bad for gipping them, but also not giving them the opportunity to prove they new how to do it.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Timeout
Yesterday I subbed for 6th graders at my mom's school. I had them for 3 periods. I do not like 6th graders, 7th, or 8th graders for that matter. I am subbing for this age level because my mom's school district is K-8, so high schoolers aren't an option. I do my best though- I'm firm on the kids like I would be with any other grade level. I also make sure to adjust how I talk around them etc. just because middle schoolers are different than high school kids. Not that I'd say anything bad, but it comes down to reasoning. High schoolers you can reason with, whereas middle schoolers have to be more forced, so I adjust my wording appropriately.
Anyways, I had the kids for 3 periods- 2 periods of math and 1 of science. There was one gal up wandering around, then she got an attitude with me a total of 3 times. The 2nd period I had her, she tried to tell me how to take attendance. My policy is if you're not in your assigned seat according to the seating chart, you are marked absent. She wanted to sit by her friend and not in her seat, so I marked her absent. She then was up talking and distracting everyone once we got down to work. I told her she better get to work or I'm sending her out. She said no, everyone else was causing problems. She told me she would cry on my shoulder. Finally I had enough and I said go to room 4. She told me she can't go to room 4 because it is the counseling center. I said well, they'd be more than happy to see you. She said no- there is probably no room there. I said they'll talk to you. I said go to room 4 now. She then said the teacher in room 4 was on prep. I told her that was pretty funny because I know for a fact that teacher's prep was 2nd period. She asked how I knew and I said something tells me that she has a class right now. I got on the phone and called my mom saying she would have a visitor. The class was wondering how I knew all this information and I said it was MY MOM'S CLASSROOM. Room 4 is my mom. They were all shocked. The girl went over to my mom's class and my mom met her at the door and said she heard that she was giving her son a hard time. The girl said no and it was everyone else in the class. My mom had a desk for her, sat her down there, and made her get to work. I caught the girl outside after school and she told me how mean I am and how mean my mom was to her. My mom just said that she heard she was giving me a hard time. We're mean teachers- the mean streak runs in the family.
Anyways, I had the kids for 3 periods- 2 periods of math and 1 of science. There was one gal up wandering around, then she got an attitude with me a total of 3 times. The 2nd period I had her, she tried to tell me how to take attendance. My policy is if you're not in your assigned seat according to the seating chart, you are marked absent. She wanted to sit by her friend and not in her seat, so I marked her absent. She then was up talking and distracting everyone once we got down to work. I told her she better get to work or I'm sending her out. She said no, everyone else was causing problems. She told me she would cry on my shoulder. Finally I had enough and I said go to room 4. She told me she can't go to room 4 because it is the counseling center. I said well, they'd be more than happy to see you. She said no- there is probably no room there. I said they'll talk to you. I said go to room 4 now. She then said the teacher in room 4 was on prep. I told her that was pretty funny because I know for a fact that teacher's prep was 2nd period. She asked how I knew and I said something tells me that she has a class right now. I got on the phone and called my mom saying she would have a visitor. The class was wondering how I knew all this information and I said it was MY MOM'S CLASSROOM. Room 4 is my mom. They were all shocked. The girl went over to my mom's class and my mom met her at the door and said she heard that she was giving her son a hard time. The girl said no and it was everyone else in the class. My mom had a desk for her, sat her down there, and made her get to work. I caught the girl outside after school and she told me how mean I am and how mean my mom was to her. My mom just said that she heard she was giving me a hard time. We're mean teachers- the mean streak runs in the family.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Awesome day
My mommy is sick today. She has a cold, but it is developing into something worse. She fears fluid is building up in her lungs. Being a certificated substitute, she called in sick and requested me as a sub. She went to the doctor and is there right now.
She called in at 9p.m. last night and less than a minute later I had a call asking me to sub for her. I accepted.
My mom even personalized her lesson plans- she started off "Dear Sonshine," ... and then ended with "have a great day! Love, Mom xoxoxoxo" She gave me her room keys, lesson plans, and papers to copy for the lesson.
I got up at 5:45, made breakfast, got dressed, and did my hair. I watched the news and browsed the net for a few minutes. At 6:15a.m. I left. Got to her school at 7:00a.m. on the dot. It was a nice drive. It was foggy, but I love that weather.
I arrived, signed in, made my photocopies, and was ready to roll. Class started at 7:30 and the kids got off at 11:30 because that is the normal Tuesday schedule. My mom has GREAT kids- seriously, no problems at all. It was so quiet in 3 of her classes, you could hear a pen drop. My prep was last period and I got to write my essay for Spanish. No homework now, score!
I left at 11:45, got paid for being there a full day; and was off to spend money.
Went to Burger King for some chicken tenders I had been craving, then hit up the outlet mall. I got $50 in new designer underwear... haha... can't believe I'm admitting that. It was $5.00 a pair versus $20 elsewhere. I also bought some new black jeans with a brown wash in my size for $9.99 at Aeropostale. I got a pair of low rise, dark blue jeans at Abercrombie & Fitch for $19.99. That was my first purchase at Abercrombie. Now I feel all cool, trendy, and in. I was considering going all out and buying a pink polo and popping the collar, then getting a new pair of sandals- then I'd really be in. That might too much of an extreme change at once.
I was out of the outlet mall (that is 38 football fields long) within an hour. I got home at 2:30. I still have a full day ahead of me! HECK YES!
She called in at 9p.m. last night and less than a minute later I had a call asking me to sub for her. I accepted.
My mom even personalized her lesson plans- she started off "Dear Sonshine," ... and then ended with "have a great day! Love, Mom xoxoxoxo" She gave me her room keys, lesson plans, and papers to copy for the lesson.
I got up at 5:45, made breakfast, got dressed, and did my hair. I watched the news and browsed the net for a few minutes. At 6:15a.m. I left. Got to her school at 7:00a.m. on the dot. It was a nice drive. It was foggy, but I love that weather.
I arrived, signed in, made my photocopies, and was ready to roll. Class started at 7:30 and the kids got off at 11:30 because that is the normal Tuesday schedule. My mom has GREAT kids- seriously, no problems at all. It was so quiet in 3 of her classes, you could hear a pen drop. My prep was last period and I got to write my essay for Spanish. No homework now, score!
I left at 11:45, got paid for being there a full day; and was off to spend money.
Went to Burger King for some chicken tenders I had been craving, then hit up the outlet mall. I got $50 in new designer underwear... haha... can't believe I'm admitting that. It was $5.00 a pair versus $20 elsewhere. I also bought some new black jeans with a brown wash in my size for $9.99 at Aeropostale. I got a pair of low rise, dark blue jeans at Abercrombie & Fitch for $19.99. That was my first purchase at Abercrombie. Now I feel all cool, trendy, and in. I was considering going all out and buying a pink polo and popping the collar, then getting a new pair of sandals- then I'd really be in. That might too much of an extreme change at once.
I was out of the outlet mall (that is 38 football fields long) within an hour. I got home at 2:30. I still have a full day ahead of me! HECK YES!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Some stories from my new job
Some recent substitute experiences:
I got up at 5:45 to go sub. I was at a different school than my mom- another middle school. My mom had to be at school at 7 and I had to be there at 7:30, so I let her off and took the car. I had a half day assignment. I was subbing for PE. I was told to go out to the locker room and just hang out. The first thing I noticed walking in was a sign on the door that said "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem" in reference to the Kenny Chesney song. The teacher was playing country music and signing along. It was pretty funny. We talked about how we both like country music and KKGO (GoCountry 105). Then I told him about going the college I go to. When the other PE teacher came, he said now it was time for breakfast and they brought out cereal bowls, cereal, and milk and offered me breakfast.
After the 1st period, the guy asked me if I want to be the regular PE male sub whenever they need a sub in PE. The district requires if it is a male PE teacher or male PE class that there is a male teacher. He said they have a hard time finding guys to sub for PE. I find that somewhat hard to believe- it was easy!
Overall subbing was very easy. I had duty outside every period to make sure the kids get into the locker room. The kids had to run 3 laps around the field and I marked their names down each time they went around. Easy day. I was done at 10:30.
A recent Thursday:
I had just about the worst day of substituting thus far. I had really small classes, but the lowest performing kids at the middle school. They were a handful. I had a class of 8 with 4 troublemakers, a class of 12 with 6 troublemakers. I ended up separating the kids and giving them new seats for the day. I had to walk around constantly to remind them to be quiet or to work on their assignment. I subbed for a language arts class. I had most of these kids 2 periods because they have a double block of English because they need extra help in it. It was a LONG day!!! Let's leave it at that!!! I had a bad headache by the middle of the day and no Tylenol. I drove my mom's car. I let her off at school and continued on to the school I was subbing at. My mom doesn't keep Tylenol in her car; but I do mine. I have dental floss, Tylenol, lotion, hand sanitizer, and just about everything else I'd need.
Subbing for PE again at that same school I mentioned above:
I subbed for PE again today. It went well and I met a lot of other subs- one of my mom's former students about 15 years ago and a former home economics teacher from Texas/Arkansas. One sub had subbed for my mom many times before and she was nice to talk to- she was also a PE sub today. The PE teachers were very friendly again. The only problem was I had 2 terrible classes. The first was just bad 7th graders. The 2nd class was 50 special ed students. My dad teaches special ed and says 1 regular student is the equivalent to 3 in special ed. It was wild. It was like there were 150 of them. Just telling them to run around the field they took off in 10 different directions and I was a lot more visual in my directions this time telling them to go in a circle and motioning the direction and walking in that direction.
I love subbing for PE- make me mad and run a lap. No, I don't care you just ran 3; you aren't behaving, so take a lap.
I got up at 5:45 to go sub. I was at a different school than my mom- another middle school. My mom had to be at school at 7 and I had to be there at 7:30, so I let her off and took the car. I had a half day assignment. I was subbing for PE. I was told to go out to the locker room and just hang out. The first thing I noticed walking in was a sign on the door that said "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem" in reference to the Kenny Chesney song. The teacher was playing country music and signing along. It was pretty funny. We talked about how we both like country music and KKGO (GoCountry 105). Then I told him about going the college I go to. When the other PE teacher came, he said now it was time for breakfast and they brought out cereal bowls, cereal, and milk and offered me breakfast.
After the 1st period, the guy asked me if I want to be the regular PE male sub whenever they need a sub in PE. The district requires if it is a male PE teacher or male PE class that there is a male teacher. He said they have a hard time finding guys to sub for PE. I find that somewhat hard to believe- it was easy!
Overall subbing was very easy. I had duty outside every period to make sure the kids get into the locker room. The kids had to run 3 laps around the field and I marked their names down each time they went around. Easy day. I was done at 10:30.
A recent Thursday:
I had just about the worst day of substituting thus far. I had really small classes, but the lowest performing kids at the middle school. They were a handful. I had a class of 8 with 4 troublemakers, a class of 12 with 6 troublemakers. I ended up separating the kids and giving them new seats for the day. I had to walk around constantly to remind them to be quiet or to work on their assignment. I subbed for a language arts class. I had most of these kids 2 periods because they have a double block of English because they need extra help in it. It was a LONG day!!! Let's leave it at that!!! I had a bad headache by the middle of the day and no Tylenol. I drove my mom's car. I let her off at school and continued on to the school I was subbing at. My mom doesn't keep Tylenol in her car; but I do mine. I have dental floss, Tylenol, lotion, hand sanitizer, and just about everything else I'd need.
Subbing for PE again at that same school I mentioned above:
I subbed for PE again today. It went well and I met a lot of other subs- one of my mom's former students about 15 years ago and a former home economics teacher from Texas/Arkansas. One sub had subbed for my mom many times before and she was nice to talk to- she was also a PE sub today. The PE teachers were very friendly again. The only problem was I had 2 terrible classes. The first was just bad 7th graders. The 2nd class was 50 special ed students. My dad teaches special ed and says 1 regular student is the equivalent to 3 in special ed. It was wild. It was like there were 150 of them. Just telling them to run around the field they took off in 10 different directions and I was a lot more visual in my directions this time telling them to go in a circle and motioning the direction and walking in that direction.
I love subbing for PE- make me mad and run a lap. No, I don't care you just ran 3; you aren't behaving, so take a lap.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Trying to get me to stay
I work at my old high school and love it for many reasons. I like the kids I tutor, the teachers I work with, the laid back atmosphere, my coworkers like Gaby, and that by working there now it may make it easier to possibly get a teaching job there. I shouldn't have problems getting a teaching job since I have connections since my parents are teachers.
The thing I hate that is as of late overshadowing my job- THE PAY. It is $10.00 an hour. When I graduated high school 3 years ago, $10 was good considering minimum wage was $6.75. Minimum wage is now $8.50. I have never received a raise. The school district and 2 idiot board members voted against a pay raise for tutors that would have raised our hourly pay to $12-15 an hour based on college units and experience. Last year every person in the district EXCEPT TUTORS got a 6.6% raise. Tutors in the district next to us and less than a mile down the road make $15 an hour. Another district in the area just raised tutors salaries from $9.75 to $10.75.
I am 3 years into my college career and could easily find a better job paying a lot more. I could make $14.50 an hour being a campus supervisor at a school (only need a high school diploma), $11.75-$14.75 being an instructional assistant (only need 2 years of college) or I could go out of the educational realm completely. All of these above jobs would work around my school schedule because they have morning or afternoon hours. If I work for more than 4 hours a day at either, I get health and retirement benefits as opposed to no benefits with my current job. I could get other tutoring jobs for private companies (think Sylvan) and make $15 an hour or better.
I could be a bank teller, despite the fact I loathe math, but could make $10.00 or so an hour to start and there is plenty of room for advancement. I could apply to be a checker at the grocery store and make $14 an hour or so and they have a nice benefits package. There is also room for advancement there. There are a bunch of other things I could do with my talents too.
Money is the biggest issue. I feel slighted by the school district for not receiving a raise. I know that I deserve a raise... 3 years... more experience? I am saving money for many things right now including a car, vacations this summer (Chicago with friends, perhaps a trip to Vegas or two), and a house. I only wish I could afford a house payment right now where I could get in on this housing slump. I don't have to work, but like to work to keep busy. My job is purely for keeping me busy and spending money. I guess I'm to the point where I'm greedier and want more money. Part of me is wanting to branch out and try new things. I am going to start subbing in my mom's school district this month as a matter of fact to try new things and make $125 a day. I really just want to experience other things though, things that pay more.
My boss was talking to me the other day and she adores me. I can do no wrong. I made it a point to tell her months back that I was seriously considering leaving the high school. She said she understood, respected that, said she'd love to write me a letter of recommendation, and asked if there was anything she could do to get me to stay. Among the things thrown around included giving me "extra" hours- like if a kid needs extra help in 1st period I can come in early to help him. Other things included making me lead tutor. I already do the job of the lead tutor since I have been there for 3 years I know all the ins and outs. Those aren't real incentives, but she can't really do much more- it all lies in the hands of the district, and so she can try to get me to stay, but it is going to be hard.
The thing I hate that is as of late overshadowing my job- THE PAY. It is $10.00 an hour. When I graduated high school 3 years ago, $10 was good considering minimum wage was $6.75. Minimum wage is now $8.50. I have never received a raise. The school district and 2 idiot board members voted against a pay raise for tutors that would have raised our hourly pay to $12-15 an hour based on college units and experience. Last year every person in the district EXCEPT TUTORS got a 6.6% raise. Tutors in the district next to us and less than a mile down the road make $15 an hour. Another district in the area just raised tutors salaries from $9.75 to $10.75.
I am 3 years into my college career and could easily find a better job paying a lot more. I could make $14.50 an hour being a campus supervisor at a school (only need a high school diploma), $11.75-$14.75 being an instructional assistant (only need 2 years of college) or I could go out of the educational realm completely. All of these above jobs would work around my school schedule because they have morning or afternoon hours. If I work for more than 4 hours a day at either, I get health and retirement benefits as opposed to no benefits with my current job. I could get other tutoring jobs for private companies (think Sylvan) and make $15 an hour or better.
I could be a bank teller, despite the fact I loathe math, but could make $10.00 or so an hour to start and there is plenty of room for advancement. I could apply to be a checker at the grocery store and make $14 an hour or so and they have a nice benefits package. There is also room for advancement there. There are a bunch of other things I could do with my talents too.
Money is the biggest issue. I feel slighted by the school district for not receiving a raise. I know that I deserve a raise... 3 years... more experience? I am saving money for many things right now including a car, vacations this summer (Chicago with friends, perhaps a trip to Vegas or two), and a house. I only wish I could afford a house payment right now where I could get in on this housing slump. I don't have to work, but like to work to keep busy. My job is purely for keeping me busy and spending money. I guess I'm to the point where I'm greedier and want more money. Part of me is wanting to branch out and try new things. I am going to start subbing in my mom's school district this month as a matter of fact to try new things and make $125 a day. I really just want to experience other things though, things that pay more.
My boss was talking to me the other day and she adores me. I can do no wrong. I made it a point to tell her months back that I was seriously considering leaving the high school. She said she understood, respected that, said she'd love to write me a letter of recommendation, and asked if there was anything she could do to get me to stay. Among the things thrown around included giving me "extra" hours- like if a kid needs extra help in 1st period I can come in early to help him. Other things included making me lead tutor. I already do the job of the lead tutor since I have been there for 3 years I know all the ins and outs. Those aren't real incentives, but she can't really do much more- it all lies in the hands of the district, and so she can try to get me to stay, but it is going to be hard.
Monday, November 5, 2007
KNOTTS BERRY FARM!!!
My friend Gaby and I chaperoned a trip to Knotts Berry Farm for the kids we tutor. We didn't have to ride the bus, so I drove... here's some highlights from the trip. This was seriously one of the best nights I've had in a long time. We had tons of great conversation, lots of alone time (relatively speaking- we were in line with others, but just her and I), and of course the rides. We got on 10 rides... all the roller coasters we wanted and more. Gaby is one of my best friends and we don't get enough time alone together to talk and catch up, so this event was AWESOME.
Friday was condom day in my human reproduction class- the teacher went condom crazy and gave out hanfuls to everyone. I don't need them and so put them on my front seat with the plan of throwing them out. When she got in my car, I said to her "let me move my condoms" and she began laughing hysterically and said how she was not sure she wanted to ride with me anymore since I may have all these dirty things lined up. Then she went on about her being a girl, me being a guy, stuff happens when you're alone like in a car. Cars are the perfect place for something bad to happen. That was a good source of laughter for 10 minutes and we both talked about how we're a bit inexperienced with those... hahaha.... It was awesome, she was taking them out unrolling them and saying she'd never felt one before. She was asking if I'd ever used one, stuff like that. For the record NO... there's been no need.
I am always cold. I freeze easily... or used to. The weather was cold when we arrived, but I warmed up and shed my hoodie by 9:00p.m. That is very unusual for me.
I don't usually scream on rides, but Gaby told me to. I did. She got a big kick out of that. I do scream like a girl. I was amused that Gaby giggles on the rides. It is too funny. She doesn't scream. She giggles. She's special.
While in line for Silver Bullet, there was a guy and his girlfriend making out and really getting into it. His hand was up her shirt- you could see everything including her belly button and bra. He was playing with her breasts. She was a hot girl, I'll admit, I didn't mind the show, but Gaby did. She told me how disgusting that was. We're not students- we're tutors, so technically we have more power over these kids and I did look a good 5 years older than he did. I decided to exert my authority and went up to them and said "aaaaaaaaaaaahem... this is a school function, so try to keep it PG." The guy looked at me obviously embarrassed and didn't say anything. I think his girlfriend was more embarrassed. They did stop.
We got to talk about everything in lines and the lines were long enough we got plenty of talking in. We talked about work, school, family, friends, life, and more.
I enjoyed singing in the car to every song. Gaby likes my singing or so she says. My rule is if you're in my car, you have to hear me sing. I have no problem belting out in song. I do a dang good job, if I do say so myself... "I hope you know, I hope you know that this has nothing to do with you, it's personal myself and I we've got some straightening out to do and I'm going to miss you like a child misses their blanket cuz I've got to get a move on with my life..." you get the picture... I'll sing anything including Fergie's "Big Girl's Don't Cry."
I didn't get to bed until 4:00a.m. even though the park closed at 1:00a.m. No. Don't get any dirty ideas. Between 1 and 2a.m. Gaby and I drove home. Between 2:00-2:30 I was in the Jack in the Box drive through getting a big cheeseburger. From 2:30-3:30 I was talking with my mom about her bad experience with her school on that field trip. I didn't see her at all that night even though we were on the same field trip. Then I had to bathe and get ready for bed between 3:30 and 4 cuz I can't go to bed dirty.
Friday was condom day in my human reproduction class- the teacher went condom crazy and gave out hanfuls to everyone. I don't need them and so put them on my front seat with the plan of throwing them out. When she got in my car, I said to her "let me move my condoms" and she began laughing hysterically and said how she was not sure she wanted to ride with me anymore since I may have all these dirty things lined up. Then she went on about her being a girl, me being a guy, stuff happens when you're alone like in a car. Cars are the perfect place for something bad to happen. That was a good source of laughter for 10 minutes and we both talked about how we're a bit inexperienced with those... hahaha.... It was awesome, she was taking them out unrolling them and saying she'd never felt one before. She was asking if I'd ever used one, stuff like that. For the record NO... there's been no need.
I am always cold. I freeze easily... or used to. The weather was cold when we arrived, but I warmed up and shed my hoodie by 9:00p.m. That is very unusual for me.
I don't usually scream on rides, but Gaby told me to. I did. She got a big kick out of that. I do scream like a girl. I was amused that Gaby giggles on the rides. It is too funny. She doesn't scream. She giggles. She's special.
While in line for Silver Bullet, there was a guy and his girlfriend making out and really getting into it. His hand was up her shirt- you could see everything including her belly button and bra. He was playing with her breasts. She was a hot girl, I'll admit, I didn't mind the show, but Gaby did. She told me how disgusting that was. We're not students- we're tutors, so technically we have more power over these kids and I did look a good 5 years older than he did. I decided to exert my authority and went up to them and said "aaaaaaaaaaaahem... this is a school function, so try to keep it PG." The guy looked at me obviously embarrassed and didn't say anything. I think his girlfriend was more embarrassed. They did stop.
We got to talk about everything in lines and the lines were long enough we got plenty of talking in. We talked about work, school, family, friends, life, and more.
I enjoyed singing in the car to every song. Gaby likes my singing or so she says. My rule is if you're in my car, you have to hear me sing. I have no problem belting out in song. I do a dang good job, if I do say so myself... "I hope you know, I hope you know that this has nothing to do with you, it's personal myself and I we've got some straightening out to do and I'm going to miss you like a child misses their blanket cuz I've got to get a move on with my life..." you get the picture... I'll sing anything including Fergie's "Big Girl's Don't Cry."
I didn't get to bed until 4:00a.m. even though the park closed at 1:00a.m. No. Don't get any dirty ideas. Between 1 and 2a.m. Gaby and I drove home. Between 2:00-2:30 I was in the Jack in the Box drive through getting a big cheeseburger. From 2:30-3:30 I was talking with my mom about her bad experience with her school on that field trip. I didn't see her at all that night even though we were on the same field trip. Then I had to bathe and get ready for bed between 3:30 and 4 cuz I can't go to bed dirty.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Excited for a long day
I will be up at 6:30a.m. tommorow. No surprise there. I have class at 9:00a.m. 30 miles south of me. The class ends at 12. I plan to treat myself to a relaxing lunch wherever I go.... go in... sit down... relax... breathe... reflect. I have class from 2:00-5:00p.m.
At 5p.m. I'm going to RUSH to the high school. I am picking up one of my best friends, Gaby. We're going to chaperone the Knotts Berry Farm field trip for all the students in the program I tutor for. I'm looking forward to the car ride with her, talking, getting to catch up, stuff like that, me singing at the top of my lungs to the songs on the radio, Gaby laughing, and just talking about random stuff. I really want to talk since we haven't had much real alone time since we met for lunch in July to talk.
We hope to be at Knotts by 6:30. We're going to eat with the teachers we work with. It'll be awesome. Then after dinner we'll have 5 hours or so to kill riding some rides. All the roller coasters that spin, go upside down, give you that sense of vertigo, you know the deal. We're going to hang out with Mrs. F who we work with and go on rides together. I'm excited, hopefully Mrs. F won't chicken out on the rides.
The night ends at 1:00a.m. I'm sure we'll be hungry, so that'll mean a late night snack somewhere. We'll probably get home about 2:00a.m. Then, knowing me I'll be up at 9:00a.m. or so the next day.
At 5p.m. I'm going to RUSH to the high school. I am picking up one of my best friends, Gaby. We're going to chaperone the Knotts Berry Farm field trip for all the students in the program I tutor for. I'm looking forward to the car ride with her, talking, getting to catch up, stuff like that, me singing at the top of my lungs to the songs on the radio, Gaby laughing, and just talking about random stuff. I really want to talk since we haven't had much real alone time since we met for lunch in July to talk.
We hope to be at Knotts by 6:30. We're going to eat with the teachers we work with. It'll be awesome. Then after dinner we'll have 5 hours or so to kill riding some rides. All the roller coasters that spin, go upside down, give you that sense of vertigo, you know the deal. We're going to hang out with Mrs. F who we work with and go on rides together. I'm excited, hopefully Mrs. F won't chicken out on the rides.
The night ends at 1:00a.m. I'm sure we'll be hungry, so that'll mean a late night snack somewhere. We'll probably get home about 2:00a.m. Then, knowing me I'll be up at 9:00a.m. or so the next day.
Monday, October 29, 2007
I was Crankin' That Soula Boy at work today
Yes, it was a bet between my coworker and the rest of the students. I was suckered into it, so spent this weekend practicing. It was sooooooooo fun, embarrassing, and yet a mess at the same time.
This was soooo organized and this teacher has a lot more skill than I do... haha... even after I practiced with the instructional video
Now for the video...
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Work
Work has been fun the past couple days...
I haven't been in the classroom tutoring this week. I've been out doing administrative stuff and showing the coordinator of the program how everything is done. I was originally not looking forward to it, but it is a nice easy break from the classroom. The training someone to do stuff I already know how to do is monotonous and boring.
On Monday the coordinator treated me to lunch at Del Taco for helping her.
On Monday time cards were also due and I got a little "extra" time for helping the coordinator on Monday. Try 9 instead of 6 hours. Yay!
On Tuesday a freshman got an "A" on his math test. Apparently math is his worst subject and he failed it several times in middle school. Now let me go into a little background. I know who the kid was and his mom since I'd seen them at the gym many times. She is one of those woman who comes off looking really arrogant with her nose stuck up a mile in the air and looks like she could take on any man or woman who comes near her. She would give me mean stares at the gym before I started tutoring her son, then she would say hello when I saw her at the gym. Anyways, the reason I bring up the fact she looks so unfriendly is that yesterday she brought in cookies for all of us tutors. Two of us sat down basically with a group of 4 kids, including her son, who is in the same math class and helped them go over everything. That was the first time anything like that has happened.
On Saturday I am hopeful that my coworker Gaby and I can have lunch. I love our little lunch dates as we call them. We try to get together at least once a month to have lunch. We haven't had lunch together since July because she works close to 60 hours a week, goes to school full time, and so basically has no life. I love sitting, talking, catching up, all the random stuff, so I'm looking forward to it.
I haven't been in the classroom tutoring this week. I've been out doing administrative stuff and showing the coordinator of the program how everything is done. I was originally not looking forward to it, but it is a nice easy break from the classroom. The training someone to do stuff I already know how to do is monotonous and boring.
On Monday the coordinator treated me to lunch at Del Taco for helping her.
On Monday time cards were also due and I got a little "extra" time for helping the coordinator on Monday. Try 9 instead of 6 hours. Yay!
On Tuesday a freshman got an "A" on his math test. Apparently math is his worst subject and he failed it several times in middle school. Now let me go into a little background. I know who the kid was and his mom since I'd seen them at the gym many times. She is one of those woman who comes off looking really arrogant with her nose stuck up a mile in the air and looks like she could take on any man or woman who comes near her. She would give me mean stares at the gym before I started tutoring her son, then she would say hello when I saw her at the gym. Anyways, the reason I bring up the fact she looks so unfriendly is that yesterday she brought in cookies for all of us tutors. Two of us sat down basically with a group of 4 kids, including her son, who is in the same math class and helped them go over everything. That was the first time anything like that has happened.
On Saturday I am hopeful that my coworker Gaby and I can have lunch. I love our little lunch dates as we call them. We try to get together at least once a month to have lunch. We haven't had lunch together since July because she works close to 60 hours a week, goes to school full time, and so basically has no life. I love sitting, talking, catching up, all the random stuff, so I'm looking forward to it.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Current grumbles
I loathe my sister. That's putting it nicely. The thing acts so immature. She doesn't think about others. She is so childish in comparison to me. I don't mean that in that she is playful. I mean she acts like a child. She is so hard to have a conversation with because she has no interests. I hate how the thing has to wake everyone up in the house at 5:30a.m. to announce she needs to get to the train station.
Moving on...
I am currently wondering about work...
I have had several job offers recently... to tutor at my mom's school... to sub in my mom's school district... to work at Kohls... to work as a bilingual aide. Kohls is crossed off the list since I don't want to work in retail. I don't want to tutor at my mom's school... though the pay might be better, I don't want to be permanently attached to my mom. I could be a bilingual aide, but that doesn't really interest me; although I could put my Spanish to good use. I did accept a position to sub in my mom's school district 2 days a week. That will give me time to make some extra money... about $150 more a week!!! I'll get to sub for my mom and her friends... good stuff. Plus, I will probably use some Spanish since her district is 98% hispanic.
I could sub more days and that is where the dilemma lies... do I want to continue tutoring at the high school...? I have been told many times "I'm doing a kick ass job and am so helpful." I definitely like the praise because, who doesn't like feeling like a god who can do no wrong? I just feel worn down there- not worn down in the sense that they're working me really hard. I just feel worn down in that every other person in the district got a 6% raise. The only people who didn't were tutors. Now EVERY person makes more in the district than tutors. The cafeteria ladies get $12 an hour. A tutor vs. cafeteria lady... both are important... don't get me wrong... but I feel academics is a little more important. I could apply for any other district job like cafeteria worker, campus supervisor, etc. and get more money. I love working with the kids- particularly high school level. I am giving 110% like I always do, but have never received a raise. I've seen in neighboring districts tutors are now getting $13-15 an hour... am I? No.
I made it a point at our meeting at work last week to say I wanted less duties. I said no to being a lead tutor because no extra pay was involved and I already did the duties of the lead tutor... they don't call me a god for nothing. So I was asked to do a lot of things and I said unless I'm getting paid more, no. The coordinator said she understands I'm busy and in my senior year, so said it was no big deal. However it is taking 3 people to pick up the tasks I used to do. So-be-it. I must sound greedy, but I feel like I can do less and get paid for it, why not?
I don't want to leave the high school I don't think because my best friends are my coworkers. I love them all to death. Love, love love. They're all great people and they care for the kids just as much as I do. They're my age and I need interaction with people my age. I also want money. I want to feel rewarded with money. I just don't know... I kind of want to stay at the high school because I'm comfortable- know all the teachers, students, etc. etc. It would probably make it easier if I tried to get a job there after I graduate.
I don't know if it is I'm afraid to try something new, step out of my comfort zone, fail, lose friends, lose connections, making less money, stuff like that. Maybe I need to explore this post some more when I have time to write about jobs I've considered applying for lately, etc. etc. Maybe get some support... ideas... feedback...
One thing I don't like about subbing is that I won't know a lot of people in the school I'm at and so it makes it harder to build relationships, connections, etc. etc.
I don't know... this post was kind of typed of fast and convoluded, but I wanted to flush out some ideas in my head.
Moving on...
I am currently wondering about work...
I have had several job offers recently... to tutor at my mom's school... to sub in my mom's school district... to work at Kohls... to work as a bilingual aide. Kohls is crossed off the list since I don't want to work in retail. I don't want to tutor at my mom's school... though the pay might be better, I don't want to be permanently attached to my mom. I could be a bilingual aide, but that doesn't really interest me; although I could put my Spanish to good use. I did accept a position to sub in my mom's school district 2 days a week. That will give me time to make some extra money... about $150 more a week!!! I'll get to sub for my mom and her friends... good stuff. Plus, I will probably use some Spanish since her district is 98% hispanic.
I could sub more days and that is where the dilemma lies... do I want to continue tutoring at the high school...? I have been told many times "I'm doing a kick ass job and am so helpful." I definitely like the praise because, who doesn't like feeling like a god who can do no wrong? I just feel worn down there- not worn down in the sense that they're working me really hard. I just feel worn down in that every other person in the district got a 6% raise. The only people who didn't were tutors. Now EVERY person makes more in the district than tutors. The cafeteria ladies get $12 an hour. A tutor vs. cafeteria lady... both are important... don't get me wrong... but I feel academics is a little more important. I could apply for any other district job like cafeteria worker, campus supervisor, etc. and get more money. I love working with the kids- particularly high school level. I am giving 110% like I always do, but have never received a raise. I've seen in neighboring districts tutors are now getting $13-15 an hour... am I? No.
I made it a point at our meeting at work last week to say I wanted less duties. I said no to being a lead tutor because no extra pay was involved and I already did the duties of the lead tutor... they don't call me a god for nothing. So I was asked to do a lot of things and I said unless I'm getting paid more, no. The coordinator said she understands I'm busy and in my senior year, so said it was no big deal. However it is taking 3 people to pick up the tasks I used to do. So-be-it. I must sound greedy, but I feel like I can do less and get paid for it, why not?
I don't want to leave the high school I don't think because my best friends are my coworkers. I love them all to death. Love, love love. They're all great people and they care for the kids just as much as I do. They're my age and I need interaction with people my age. I also want money. I want to feel rewarded with money. I just don't know... I kind of want to stay at the high school because I'm comfortable- know all the teachers, students, etc. etc. It would probably make it easier if I tried to get a job there after I graduate.
I don't know if it is I'm afraid to try something new, step out of my comfort zone, fail, lose friends, lose connections, making less money, stuff like that. Maybe I need to explore this post some more when I have time to write about jobs I've considered applying for lately, etc. etc. Maybe get some support... ideas... feedback...
One thing I don't like about subbing is that I won't know a lot of people in the school I'm at and so it makes it harder to build relationships, connections, etc. etc.
I don't know... this post was kind of typed of fast and convoluded, but I wanted to flush out some ideas in my head.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
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