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January 20, 2003
A quote from one of
A quote from one of those nambypamby books I had to read during the summer: "A good teacher has an undefineable quality, a 'with-it-ness' that enables them to know what is going on, even behind their back."
I can define it, just by what it isn't. I don't have this 'with-it-ness'. I'm one of those guys who walks into doors, forgets appointments, orders Chinese food without ever noticing that the restaurant is called Wong Foo. I am the antithesis. I have 'without-it-ness.'
My kids sneak out of the room when I'm writing at the board. Objects are thrown, shrieks are emitted, materials are destroyed or stolen. I know that some of them feign ignorance of basic concepts just to sidetrack me. That's easy, just show me something shiny. The majority of students failed my midterm, the majority are failing. I gave them all an opportunity to correct their tests, they took the opportunity to cheat. I see other teachers with the lovelies, some have a modicum of control, others don't. I'm a don't.
I have three weeks until a week's vacation. I will make it. I hope.
Posted by G at January 20, 2003 03:21 PM