Recursive Reflections
Every new day brings uncertainty
From objectives to pre and post assessments
Always searching for the answer
Hoping the day will be fruitful and refreshing
Tracking this and that, watching what works, when
Success and failure, students depend on us to guide them
Repeat, Repeat, and Repeat again, this time it will get it in
If not today, perhaps tomorrow, we will win
How do I get through to them, this class within a class?
Absent, sleeping minds beckoning, waiting to be cajoled,
Champs and success posters unpacked and in place,
Words on the wall, not enough space.
Focus on their success, make them believe
Lunch and after-school tutoring,
Whatever you need
I must prepare you for all that’s ahead,
Each student’s unique path to success is in site
State Assessments, college, job, or career
Whatever your choice, you must read and write
How do I find time to fit so much knowledge in
Morning announcements, fire drills, and tardies
Rising voice levels, missing pencils, and gym
Not to mention side discussions of weekend parties, how can I win?
Despite the challenges, I continue to coax these middle school students
For teaching is my passion and the objective is clear
Amazing adolescents with a bright future….have no fear!
Nancy.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this work of art. For not being a poet, like you said in class, I think you did a spectacular job. I love how you decided to use the alphabet throughout the poem. Thank you for also addressing frustrations that we all feel as educators. You help others understand that they are not the only ones to feel these things.
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI could relate to your poem. It is challenging in the classroom especially when students parent's are telling them that it is the teachers job to teach. I think that a lot of teachers take their job very seriously and are willing to do whatever is necessary to help students succeed.
Michelle Rice
Dear Nancy,
ReplyDeleteEvidently the first time I heard your poem it didn't sink it all they way because WOW!(I think there was some interference of sirens and what not the first time) What a great piece of writing and yes I do feel your pain,if you will, on just how do we reach these kids with so much going on? I know that you are the type of person to strive to make your classroom work and your students will be lucky to have you.
Great job working in the alphabet all the way through your poem; I know that must have taken some thought, it's a good thing you are going to be an English teacher! Awesome job Nancy.
Sincerely,
Kyle Schwanke