More Than A Class Room

I'm a fighter. It's very difficult for me to give up on something, to give in when I'm not ready to admit defeat. I suppose that I am one of those people that believe they know what's best. Let's forget the fact that I'm rarely wrong, that's not the point. The point is my attitude.
I am confrontational. And, I'll admit, I enjoy a good confrontation. I'm never purposely hurtful, but I am honest. Very honest. I'm not someone who will confront someone to embarrass them. I'll, if given the option, make it private.
Both of my boys take after me in this way. My husband is not what you would call confrontational. He's the stereotypical male that will hold something in until he just blows. He says that he'd rather work it out, and maybe sometimes he does. But while he's working it out, others around him walk on egg shells. I appreciate knowing where I stand with someone, and I always make it clear where someone stands with me.

I do believe there are people that need to know they can't get away with things, that someone will hold them accountable for their actions, for their words and for their attitude.

Teaching at a high school level, I get them a little late. Of course, that's my choice because I'm not a fan of little kids. But, by the time some kids get into high school, they're already use to what they can get away with.

For the last seven years I've been a sub. For the first 3 or 4 of those years my assignments were 'long term' and then I started taking on the 'difficult' classes. I'm alright with being given the difficult classes because for whatever reason, I'm able to relate to them.

The biggest reason for long term assignments are because a teacher quits...suddenly. I can definitely understand a teacher leaving the education field for the private sector because of the money. Teachers are so under paid it's insulting. What I can't understand are the teachers that just walk out. Yes, some kids get in your face, some kids ridicule you trying to get a laugh, some kids ignore you because they think they can, because it's worked for them in the past. Why? I'd like to know this too, but I see so many kids that have gone through 9 to 11 years of school being able to bully not only students, but teachers as well. Until someone refuses to be bullied, they'll keep at it.

I honestly believe it's an injustice not only to the student, but to the student's future teachers, future relationships, future job opportunities and future children, to not hold a student accountable for their actions in a class room. I understand that it's easier to ignore a student and to sometimes just try to make it through the class period. I understand trying to reach the kids who want to learn first, but allowing a student to disrespect you (the instructor), or other students is setting an example as well as a pattern. Not only for the student, but for your class room.

I can't tell you why I'm off on this tangent, but I am. Perhaps it's because I relate to a lot of the kids that are the problem. I was one of these kids and I'm thankful for the teachers that didn't turn their backs on me and consider me a lost cause. Perhaps it's because the teachers who do turn their backs on these kids and take the easiest way out really tick me off. Perhaps I just felt like letting off a bit of steam. And, whew...I feel better.