It is not THAT bad!!

In the previous post, I talked about my first few experiences as a supply teacher. There was very little positive content in that post! I'd like to balance that out with this post.

I believe, with any new job, there is a period of adjustment. The first few days are naturally overwhelming. It helps when there is a stable work location with a standard schedule. With supply teaching, one needs to adapt to a new location and a new set of expectations every single day. That is the challenging and the frustrating part that I dwelt on!

Then my incredible friends from around the world read the post (which I requested them to read) and as usual, they were supportive and real with their feedback. So, here is the other side of my new job!

Last week, I focused on my work and not on the location or the schedule. 

Tuesday, I was with the same Grade 4 students for almost the entire school day. It felt “normal” for a change, but I ended up sending 2 students to the office which I swore I would rarely do. Given the circumstances, it wasn’t a bad call! I needed to remove the obstacles to learning even if for a few minutes!

Wednesday, I had to do "prep payback" and was in 5 different classrooms for that school day. It was all Primary classes. I was in 2 French Immersion and 2 English track classrooms, and finished with a Kindergarten classroom for the last 2 periods. I got to remember some French and teach some poetry. I also got to sing and got a hug from the most "notorious" kinder I was warned about!

Finally, on Friday, I was at an inner city Middle School. I met a teacher who runs the pizza lunch program there and who is trying to start a Robotics program for students at that school. It was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time! He is a good guy who has a long way to go! 

And I realize that I have a long way to go as well before I can make a difference of any sort. I need to look at the positive experiences and keep the goal in mind. One day, I will have a classroom of my own and I will feel at home. Meanwhile, I get to be a guest and drop by many different classrooms and visit with many students. Each visit is a learning opportunity. It is not a bad gig at all!

What the heck was I complaining about?!