“The Teacher’s Lounge”
If I have learned one thing this semester is it that teachers are humans also and not God sent from Heaven. I remember when I was in grade school I used to think that teachers could do no wrong. I also thought that they were geniuses in school and college, now I definitely know the truth. I have observed a little bit of the “teacher’s lounge” theory this semester while observing at Brooklet Elementary School.
Some of the things I have seen at BES were very minor instances. I would consider what I have seen more of venting than gossip. My clinical supervisor, Mrs. Wright, is a team teacher. She switches homerooms with another teacher everyday at eleven o’clock. Almost every time we get finished taking the students to exploratory we meet her team teacher in the hallway. Mrs. Wright almost always makes a comment like, we are having some trouble with this student today, or such and such is having a bad morning. I really do not see a problem with Mrs. Wright discussing her students with her team teacher because they are also her students. If she were talking about them to other teachers or parents that would be unethical but I do not think that she is doing anything wrong.
Another instance I have observed from my clinical supervisor is her not feeling her best. All semester Mrs. Wright has been experiencing stomach issues and complains often. A few times she has even told me she didn’t want to be at school. When she first told me that I was definitely shocked to hear her say that she did not want to be there. During the teacher interview she told me there are days that she wanted to be anywhere but at the school but she had to suck it up and do her job. I can completely see what Mrs. Wright was saying. Even during observations this semester there were a couple of mornings when I did not want to get up and go, but when I did get there and saw the students all of those feelings went away.
Overall I haven’t seen or heard any discussing of the students mental capabilities or learning problems. I have only heard discussions about student behaviors. Also I think that teachers should always have the best attitude possible while working with the students. I realize that some days are worse than others, but if the students sense that we do not want to be there, neither will they.
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Many,
ReplyDeleteI love the title to your paper, it really made me stop and read. I too thought teachers were perfect creatures who could do no wrong when I was in elementary school. I see more and more that they are as inperfect at this stuff as I am! But one thing that doesn't change is my belief that all the "good" teachers may get frustrated, but you can tell that they really love their students and want to see them succeed.
Yes, I agree with everything that was stated above! Teachers are going to have good days and bad days, but no matter what we must give 110% and check our problems at the door! I do not agree with teachers gossiping about their students, it is one thing to discuss a student with another teacher, but to simply gossip or make comments about students in uncalled for.
ReplyDeleteI did my PPB at BES and I feel almot the same way as you do about the "teacher lounge mentality." The teachers seemed to vent more than gossip. Also, I thought the majority of things they discussed about the children were somewhat important. I think it is good for them to be aware of students life outside of school and also their behavior in school and that is what I felt they talked about the most. Lastly, I 100% feel that if the children don't think we want to be there then neither will they.
ReplyDeleteI did my PPB at Brooklet and I completely understand what you are talking about. My teacher would vent about some things that would go in class in the morning before I was there. I really like that the teachers do not gossip about their students.
ReplyDeleteI used to think that teachers could do no wrong also! It's so funny how children think.. I had a few teachers who actually believed that they could no wrong and I believe that when a teacher messes up and acknowledges that they have made a mistake, students look up to them more because they realize they are human too and make mistakes also...
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