So I won't lie I think I am losing my mind! Let me explain, most days I wake up in the morning so excited to go to school. Today was not one of those days. In fact, I haven't had one of those day in probably about a week. There are just a few students in my class that are literally going to drive me into the looney bin! Most of my class is made up of the cutest, sweetest kids you have ever met. They do their work, are fun to talk to, say cute things, and in general are darling. A few of my students, however, are turds! I don't know how else to say it. They manipulate the other students in the class, start rumors/fights, stare off into space when they should be working, and in general do not care about school. It is because of these little turds that I haven't wanted to go to school most of this week and today they nearly pushed me over the edge! 
I grew up in a family that loves to watch movies. Some of my favorite memories include all 7 of us crowded onto the couch in the basement, quoting movie lines, and eating popcorn while laughing our heads off at a movie we have seen a thousand times. I guess you could say it is a family tradition. Sandlot, A Christmas Story, The Burbs, and Elf are a few family favorite...I digress. OK back to me loosing my mind. I used to laugh during the movie The Incredibles at the part where Dash is in the principal's office getting in trouble for putting a tac on the teacher's chair. I couldn't find a clip to include in this post so I put the dialogue below.
Principal: Thank you for coming in, Mrs. Parr.
Helen: What is this about? Has Dash done something wrong?
Bernie Kropp: He's a disruptive influence and he openly mocks me in front of the class.
Dash: He says.
Bernie Kropp: Look, I know it's you! He puts thumbtacks on my stool.
Helen: You saw him do this?
Bernie Kropp: Well, not really... No, actually not.
Helen: Oh. Then how do you know it was him?
Bernie Kropp: I hid a camera. And this time I got him.
[Plays tape]
Bernie Kropp: See? See? What, you don't see it?
[rewinds tape]
Bernie Kropp: He moves! Right there! Wait, wait... Right *there*! Right as I'm sitting down! I don't know, I don't know how he does it, but-but there's no tack on my stool before he moves, and after he moves, there's a tack! Coincidence? I think not!
Principal: Uh, Bernie...
Bernie Kropp: Don't "Bernie" me! This little rat is guilty!
Principal: You and your son can go now, Mrs. Parr.
Bernie Kropp: You're letting him go *again*? He's guilty! You can see it in his smug little face. Guilty, I say! Guilty! Guilty!
After teaching this year I totally feel for this poor teacher! I know that feeling. I know which student is the instigator of most the mischief that goes on in my class, even if I have no proof! I know that feeling of screaming "He's guilty!" and having everyone else stare at you like you have lost your mind because you have nothing else to back it up other than intuition.
So next time you watch this classic movie don't laugh at the poor teacher. He is under paid, under appreciated, and just trying to manage his class the best way he knows how, while the little turd gets away with it!
So here is to the little turd. May you learn some sort of lesson in my class other than how to lie your way out of trouble. May your eyes be opened to how the real world works. In it you can't have your mom write you a note on why your presentation for the boss is not done, or have a suddenly illness that magically disappears for field trips. Here is to you and that fact that if you're not careful you will have no friends because no one likes a liar. No one likes a gossiper. No one likes a snitch. And yes I know the truth that lies behind those innocent looking eyes. I saw the note being passed and eyes that wander during the geography lesson. So don't blame me when one day you are lost in the middle of Kansas and can't read a map! Don't blame the teacher when you can't pass your driving test because you didn't follow directions. No, no, little turd thats all on you! I hope from the bottom of my heart you snap out of this "phase" you're in and become a very successful person in life. One who listens to others, opens up doors like a gentleman, and does what he thinks is right and not necessarily what is popular. Here is to you beating the odds.
Staying True To Yourself
10 months ago
