Flowers Are A Girl's Best Friend...

Today was a tough day.  A class of 17 students with differing ability levels can be difficult in and of itself, but when all 17 students also have disabilities, it can become exhausting.  No matter how hard I tried, I just could not get my kids under control during our resource period.  I was so frustrated that I ended up handing out 7 detentions.  Hopefully when we meet again, I'll be able to split the group up and work in two separate rooms: one group with me and one with my tutor.  My hopes are that with the smaller group sizes, we'll be able to manage their behaviors a little better.  We'll see.  I'll keep you posted.

So anyways, like I had said, today was pretty tough.  I was down in the dumps and pretty much just annoyed all around... until I found this on my desk:

At first, I had no idea where it had come from or who it belonged to.  Not too long after I found it, one of my favorite students from two years ago came into my room and told me that they were from him and for me.  I gave him a hug and asked him what they were for.  He then said, "Miss, you're still the best teacher I've ever had.  That's why I got them for you.  Thanks for always being there."

He was a student, who we'll call Sonic because of his silly spiky hair, who couldn't read at all, but with my help his freshmen year was able to become extremely successful and make honor roll despite his learning disability.  I called him my golden child; he could do no wrong in my eyes.  Unfortunately, last year when he became a sophomore and received a new case manager, he and his grades went down hill.  He got involved with the wrong crowd, he wasn't receiving the support that he needed in his classes, and he began skipping school regularly.  Despite the very poor attitude he developed with everyone around him, he would still come to see me.  I always reminded him of how well he had done the previous year and how smart he was despite the difficulties he often faced.  I knew the real Sonic, not the fake tough guy facade that he put on for everyone else.  By the end of last year, he finally realized how much his attitude and actions effected him when he was informed that he was going to be repeating the tenth grade.  I explained that sometimes it takes kids more than four years to finish high school and that that was ok, I also told him that this was the perfect opportunity for a fresh start.  He agreed.  And so far, he has taken full advantage of the opportunity.

New Teacher Tip Of The Day: At some point in your career, you'll meet a student who will truly appreciate all of your hard work.  You'll change their life, but more importantly, they'll change yours.