Sub Vision: Back to Back to School - Part II

So, it turned up a lot better than I anticipated. I arrived at the school with a heavy heart, to find out that my first period was a conference. I slowly crept out the office, and then quickly proceeded to the classroom. There were no visible instructions for my first day, but it looked like someone had been there and put up the current date. As I looked around to find more clues, the classroom door was opened, and a young, unfamiliar, teacher entered the classroom. Our surprise was mutual, but soon it became clear; he is the new teacher, and since his processing not completed I was needed there. Yet, he wanted to be in charge and run the class.

Well, I am not a big ego person, and for sure, I am not stupid not to see an opportunity opens right in front of my eyes. I am paid not to do the work; he is doing it, probably without pay. So, I readily agreed (not before checking with the office that it is OK), and offered my assistance; helping distributing papers, showing presence when needed, and even providing few highlights from my math teaching experience, and opinion about the importance of reading. Delightful four days of being on the side and looking with critical eyes at what he is doing.

The truth, however, was not as easy to swallow. I was actually listening with owe to the way this young, new, teacher was building methods and structure to create the foundation for his teaching. He had a good syllabus with clear instructions and explanations of what he expects of his students; everything that I have ever tried to achieve with my students, all written down and spelled out, good ideas, logically explained, expectations with consequences. I was impressed!

So here it is – there is a wounded ego after all… Was I unsuccessful because I didn’t do all these things? Did I not lay a strong, sound, foundation since the beginning? Was I not organized enough to have a stable system, one that my students were able to accept and follow, one that has clear expectations and consequences? Was my syllabus (I always had one) not clear enough?

I have to remind myself not to rush into self condemnation… I think of those nice two math coaches who supported me, years ago, during that tough semester. I was so excited on the first week, and boasted of how well I did with my students. They, knowingly, smiled and promised me – it will get worse! And it did - a lot worse…

My hope and wish for this young and new teacher is that his system, talent, hard work and excellent intentions will prove successful!