Magical Moments in Teaching: That Make Me Smile, Cry and Laugh

Deep in my heart I am an educator; I love to teach. Recently, I was reflecting on why I have not finished my book about learning and developmental stages. Somewhere, I hit a writing block. I thought about my passions; I know I am a teacher geek. I love to see students make connections and I enjoy creating the vehicles or conduit of those connections. I have decided to write about my teaching for a while, those magical moments that made me smile, cry and laugh.  

LAUSD- Peary Middle School, Gardena California #1

When I was a new teacher in 1992, my first assignment was to take over midyear for a long-term sub that was horrible. Yes, horrible. His name was Mr. Cunningham. He described himself as a businessman yet here he was teaching Learning Disabled students in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). In conversation, Mr. Cunningham constantly self-promoted his business endeavors.

When I as hired to take his place I was told that the classroom was out of control. The students did not stay in their seats or the classroom. This classroom 69B often disturbed the surrounding classes. The Dean of Students was completely overwhelmed by constant streams of request from this particular classroom. It did not seem like an easy chore to come in and revamp an ongoing unstructured class.

 The first action I took was to observe the classroom in session. I needed to see the lay of the land. The students did know who I was or why I was in their classroom. I seated myself quietly in the back of the room. The classroom was decorated in as many posters as one room could hold! Visually, I was over simulated as I waited for class to start. (Note to self- overkill on the visual stimuli. More is not better) 

The classroom atmosphere was loud and boisterous. The students seemed nice enough but were not following any of the directions of the teacher or the classroom aide. No agenda of direction was on the board. Books and materials seem to be missing or scarce. Procedure seems to be lacking for classroom discussions, talking or appropriate language between peers and staff. Many jokes were told and no class work or teaching took place. Students openly discussed the waste of time.

At one point after lunch, Mr. Cunningham fell to sleep at the drafting table that served as his desk. It was truly a sad situation.

TO BE CONTINUED...