The appearance of stability has become far more difficult this year. On a staff retreat the weekend before reporting back I managed to take nasty fall which resulted in a broken knee cap, arm, wrist, and 10 stitches. It was embarrassing to say the least, especially when it was my boss who drove me to the ER.
So far I have struggled to keep my emotions in check. The frustration of doing the smallest daily rituals builds and explodes, at targets like copy machines.
Hobbling, pegging, or rolling around school with a crutch and an arm sling gets a lot of questions. I started lying to people the first day because I was already fed up with the questions. My standard go to was that I got into a fight with a bear. I move on immediately to avoid follow up interrogation. This worked so well that when school started, that's what other teachers told their students. Most believed it.
Unfortunately, teaching with two limbs is exceedingly challenging. The energy needed to do anything is higher, making exhaustion and grumpiness all the more common. Taking attendance by walking over to the clipboard, holding the clipboard in a broken arm, then writing and submitting on the computer should not be hard. So far, despite what is going on inside, I think my game face has been on.
In a weird way though, my gimpyness has become an asset for classroom management. Each period starts the day by rising to their feet when I come in, I say "Good morning/afternoon scholars, please grab a seat finish your 'Do Now'" all with a smile and in a non-domineering manner. It is a positive start to the period, and gets the students immediately on task. Last year there were always one or two students who didn't pay attention, or had to be chided for sitting until they stood. This year, none. They know that if the guy with the broken knee is standing and wishing them a good day, they better be standing in return. Discipline problems are also now nonexistent.
The year thus far seems successful for two reasons. One, students are intuitive and know that when someone is hard up, now is not the time to slack off or be disruptive. The other reason is that I'm not new anymore. The kids know me, or know another student who will vouch for me. On Thursday one of my difficult students from last year gave me a public compliment. I looped with my students from last year who have been excited to see me. I am one of only two sophomore teachers they know, causing me to quickly become more students' rock. Already I have formed great bonds with students I didn't have had last year.
Because of this, I don't need to be a Daniel Day Lewis, only a Keanu Reeves. This year feels more like a give and take. I make their day, they make mine. Both sides are happy to be here and are willing to show it. Happy students, happy teachers, happy growth scores. It's going to be a good year. Just keep smiling.
