So, I've officially started my new job. Almost three weeks ago now. The first week was an intensive, ass-kicking training, and now-- its summer school. Yes, I said it. Summer school. But, for the most part, not to punish the kids. No, we are there to train them on How to Act in School.
How we Do Things Here. How to play games and show respect, responsibility, courage, curiosity, and integrity while doing their best. How to work hard and stay organized. How to sit. How to raise their hands. How to watch whoever is speaking at all times. How to train, like samurais, to go to college.
Here are some snippets from the last three weeks.
1. Yesterday, while in detention (which we call "refocus"), a 6th grade, low-income, minority student said to me "Talking in the halls is not conducive to a focused learning environment."
2. The kids, on the first day, jumped to their feet, put on their uniform shirts for the first time...and cheered.
3. The kids' big rebellion last year was using. Using mechanical pencils.
4. We are supposed to take "brain breaks" mid-class, which can mean suddenly doing ninja poses, moves from the evolution of dance, or tae bo for 30 seconds before returning to work.
5. People have already observed me teach multiple times and have given me feedback both orally and in writing to egg me on.
6. I have already collaborated and successfully made lesson plans with another intelligent human. Twice.
7. Pig dissection. Virtual human anatomy lab. A new touch-screen work computer.
8. A man from the medical school came to talk to the kids, looked out at all of us, looked back at the kids and said "Don't screw this up. You have an amazing opportunity, and these people-- they're here because they LOVE YOU. Don't forget that."
Where the hell am I?
