"When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." – Alexander Graham Bell
I have definitely been looking at that closed door wondering why I gave up that opportunity, but now I wonder if my longing has caused me to miss amazing opportunities that might be right before me. While I might not have my own classroom I am beginning to realize that as a sub I still have the chance to connect with students and be an example in their lives. I love being able to remember students’ names and greet them with a smile as they enter the classroom. I pray that soon I will be blessed with my own classroom, but I know that I must wait for God’s will and perhaps right now I am where He wants me to be. The challenge comes in being content and learning patience…two of my weakest areas.
Now for the Humorous In-Between from last week…
This past week I spent subbing in another high school science classroom where the subjects were Anatomy and Biology and I had to deal with indifferent seniors and obnoxious sophomores. At the beginning of the week I had expected to only work in that classroom until Tuesday, so when my phone went off with a new email saying that I was subbing the rest of the week I was quite surprised. I quickly called Ryan, my husband, asking him if he signed me up through my computer’s sub finder program to which he replied no which confused me. I walked into the office to turn in my key to Ms. Pam, the secretary, who I absolutely adore and she gave me a funny look and said that she needed to talk to me. She then informed me since I am on their preferred list and I was already in the school they decided to give me the jobs and ask later. That made me smile although inside I was dreading coming back to that classroom for another three days. Let me tell you why…
1) A young man kept propositioning me and staring at me which although flattering it was mostly disturbing.
2) Two boys decided dropping their pants would be amusing. They justified their actions by stating that they had gym shorts underneath, but I was quick to inform them that it did not matter I did not want them undressing in front.
3) Another group of students found it amusing to be loud and obnoxious throughout the entire class.
4) Finally…the teacher did NOT leave sub plans!!! Five days without sub plans!
Although I had these many reasons that made me not want to come back I did agree to make the commitment and so I decided to take home the textbooks. The next day I came in prepared to teach Anatomy and Biology and as I wrote a chart on the board one student asked me “What are you? A real teacher?” which made me chuckle and smile. I am glad I went back because although some of the students were still difficult I did find it exciting to be in front of the classroom even if it was teaching science. The final two days we sat there and watched House, MD because the teacher finally came in and that was his last minute lesson plan idea. The students enjoyed watching the show and it was a good thing because last week those final days were extremely hot. When I say extremely hot I mean it because while it was 95 degrees outside it was almost the same in my classroom due to there not being air. Bored students mixed with extreme heat made for a very grumpy classroom, but those days gave me the opportunity to connect with a couple students. Overall it was an interesting and never boring week, but isn’t that how it always is for a teacher? The minute you think things will calm down the drama begins…
