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The day from hell
Bob Gentilli, who teaches junior high social studies in Belleville, kept a journal in his first year of teaching. "Its main purpose is to help future educators gain insight into the world of teaching," he wrote in the introduction. He probably did not realize then just how insightful his observations would be as he discovered the rewards and pitfalls of becoming — and being — a teacher. This is the third in a series of excerpts. It covers his perspectives on teacher preparation and job hunting.
This was a day from hell. Seventh hour class started “World War III.”
I have been using a tape recorder in class to help me listen to my discussions. I use it to see how my questions are and how I am coming across to the class. Today we were discussing current events. We had a great debate on gun control. All sides were heard, although some kids took it to the extremes. (This class has a history of challenging behavior.)
After the third student did her current event, I took time out to look over their homework/notes from the chapter. When I was doing this, several kids got out of their seats and began playing with the tape recorder behind my back, making rude remarks on it.
I couldn’t believe it. How fast they struck!!
Well, I blew up. I slammed my fist on the side of the podium making a loud sound that got their attention. I did not stop there. I directed my attention and comments to the four or five kids who were playing around and out of their seats. I walked over to one and told him what he did wrong and told him to sit down!! I then turned to the class and told them this was the last straw.
“You have been doing this long enough, and that is it!”
As I was saying this, I could see one kid laughing behind my back. I kicked his desk, enough to get his attention Then, when it was silent, I pushed a desk alongside a wall and bumped the wall. That made a great sound that really shut them up.
I left the room to cool off and get a drink of water. You could see it in their eyes that they knew this man was not fooling around any more. I had felt so bad reacting this way, but you really get upset about it.
I know that I bust my butt for these kids — and what do I get?
• • •
Today was a much better day. The 8th graders took a 33-point quiz. I gave them all outlines to study during the weekend and informed them that they could see me anytime they wish if they had a question (none showed). I let them review their notes — this reinforces note-taking in class.
The great mystery is finding a way to meet the needs of all the kids in class, especially the non-motivated ones. I see them going home with no books. It must be nice until you get your grades. All kids at this age need to do to pass is just listen in class and do most of the homework.
I corrected their quizzes — not very good. I even stressed to them what to focus on when they study. I gave them an outline, gave them time to study their notes, and reviewed some of the questions that were on the test. Most younger kids don’t know the concept of studying. Most just study the night before.
The seventh-hour class today was much better. I put the hammer down even more with them. Anyone who gets out of their seat or talks out of turn will get an after-school detention with me. This way I can help with their homework. I gave two detentions. I spent 3½ hours correcting exams and working on the Civil War unit.
• • •
Not a bad day today. Things are going really well. I received a call from a mother who is concerned about her daughter. This is her second call, which is great. Again the topic of her nutrition and her boyfriend came up in the call. I told her that I would be extra-sensitive about watching her daily. She is at that age of experimentation. The daughter explained to me what was going on in her mind, and her religion was brought up. Her mother is forcing her into a religion she does not understand, and the daughter is challenging it. This is the stem of the rebellion.
• • •
No school today. Ice day. This is our third snow day. The next one we get will be added on at the end of the year. I still came to school and put in 4 hours. The other 4 hours were spent with a little R&R. I did miss the kids, scary!
• • •
Back at it. Kids are real restless and many are becoming real lazy about school. Tension seems to be building on their faces. I’m trying to ease up a little and give them some room.
• • •
Nice short week. Study hall was a little disruptive but I feel they need to loosen up a bit. I gave them some room to talk for awhile. I gave a teacher detention to a kid in 7th grade for talking. A teacher detention is one that is served with the teacher on our time. This kid has been a real problem for me. He thinks he is so cute and wants to be the center of things, like all kids do — he a little more than others. I have talked to his mother and she knows what he is like and offered no real hope to solve the problem. His grades are suffering, and he does not contribute in class. I do not like detentions. What should I do?
Part 4 : Pass them or hold them back?
Posted August 26, 1996