Tough Days - Tuesdays

Not all days are easy. Today was one of those days. To begin - it was Tuesday.

I don't like Tuesdays. I have PLC on Tuesday morning @ 7:00. Our school has its "study hour" on Tuesdays and its annoying to me since some of my classes make it difficult to work with students from other classes that need assistance.

I am only one person. I am asked for assistance from many people at a time. So many students who want help and all at once and I'm only one person. I feel so overwhelmed. I mean - I wasn't even in my room today and they found me!

During my first class of the day, I ask a student a simple question, "Which shape is larger, the image or preimage?" The student responds that he doesn't know. I'm amazed - that he can't tell which shaped is bigger? I ask my co-teacher to assist; he doesn't know how to make the question any clearer. So we ask another student to try to explain it to him and the student responds, "I know the answer, I just don't like answering questions when they call on me so I don't." UN- freaking - BELIEVEABLE! I am so angry!

On to the next class when they are taking a quiz. During our review before the quiz, one of the students said, "Where was I when we learned that?" Another, "I didn't know we were taking a quiz." And yet another student, "You never taught us that." Again, I am frustrated, overwhelmed, and angry.

Then, I check my e-mail during lunch and realize I have to fill out paper work for my mom's surgery. I actually have to have her doctor fill out a form too.

On to that fabulous "study period". I have class of 25 students and 7 students coming for tutoring in another subject. Frustrating because the students in my class don't want to work, but want to socialize and the 7 students who have come for help - WANT to learn!

Last period - finally. Another quiz - more surprised students and more questions. Finally - afternoon announcements. So the day is over - however it isn't.

Seven different students arrived for after school help.  Five students - want to prepare for the quiz tomorrow - great students. Two want to review the test we took so they can retake it - good students. I work with them until 3:30 and then complete my day writing a quiz for Geometry, filling out forms for my special education students and checking grades for my seniors to make sure they are passing.

I'm just tired - I know all of the things I described are my job. But somedays are tougher than others. I believe most of the tough days are Tuesdays.