Discouragements...and encouragements ;-)

It's not often that I get discouraged in my job...but once in a while, something happens - but I guess it's more to do with a sense of disappointment. Perhaps sometimes I expect more from my students than I should? But today was a little bit like that...

It's not often that I give out '5s'...a rare occasion...but today I actually had to give 5 (FIVE!) 5's!! Yes, I was the one 'throwing them out like confetti at a wedding' (a description that I usually reserve for some other teachers who have a reputation of being more harsh than myself)! To be fair - four of them were for late homework - although it was more to do with broken promises. One of my bad habits is to take people at their word - it's called trust ;-) Of course, at times I can be gracious, and have been - but today I guess I reached a certain limit. The other one was for a lack of effort in a talk - which is an understatement, I think
:-)

I sometimes get discouraged when I hear about other teachers' 'methods' of teaching...I'm the first to agree that a general reformation is needed with the Czech Education system - we all need to be playing on the same pitch, as it were. But clearly, we are not.

I get discouraged when I hear about teachers bullying & shouting & being generally sarcastic and mean...I know that at times I walk a fine line with my humour...but I do try to keep a good measure of respect in it. Do teachers really need to shout to make a point? Even scream??!! :-o

But I have to say, that on the whole, the encouragements of my work far outweigh the negative stuff! I was encouraged in the creativity & thoughtfulness of some students in their presentations today. And yesterday, a student who has been struggling started to show some genuine progress - now that is what it's all about! Even that incident itself brings me great joy & hope.

This is always a difficult time in the school year - the long dark days, the lack of sunshine, seemingly endless & dull hours sat on one's backside, while their brains are feeling like they're being sucked out of their noses by some teachers. Yes, I think this is the dark before the dawn, especially for those doing Maturita. My advice for all students? Stick at it. It will pass. It always comes to pass. And remember....your teachers are humans too, and have feelings...