People, at times, ask me why I ever wanted to teach high school. They automatically imagine dealing with teenagers to be one of the most difficult tasks to endure as a fulltime job.
I know of one young man, now in the business world, who was excited about getting a job as a high school substitute many years ago. He lasted one day. He was so aggravated by the misbehavior of the students - a high school in Virginia that he completely lost his temper in the classroom and never came back.
I remember an experience of subbing in Loudoun County Virginia. During class, an elderly female teacher came in to present a quick message to my class news about a blood drive or some other school activity. A few poorly mannered students were as rude as could be as this poor woman tried to make her brief presentation. She finished as quickly as she could and practically fell in tears. I was so upset with the way she had been treated that I called the three culprits, all boys, out in front of the entire class for their rudeness. 'How could you treat a nice, older woman teacher the way you did?' I asked them, pretty upset . 'What's wrong with you? That is awful. You should be ashamed of yourself.'
They tried to downplay their actions as if how they had acted was not so bad. But deep down they knew they were in the wrong and were embarrassed by their actions - it showed in their faces and demeanor. I respectfully asked them to treat elder teachers and staff with more respect in the future.
Now, having been a high school teacher here at Grants High for about 10 years, the best part of my job is working with the students. Most are polite, hardworking, and respectful. I love, at times, clowning around with them and getting to know them better. My wife, a former teacher herself, gave me a formula on how to deal with students, even those who misbehave. Every day before I leave for school, she and I pray that I will love the students with a Christ-like love.
That's just me; it is part of my faith. And it works! I do not know any other way to say it. Yes, some students cause problems at times, but I care for them anyhow. (I was far from perfect when I was in high school too).
High school is a time of growth from adolescence and the eventual move to becoming an adult. During that process, students make mistakes. Some cheat on tests, treat peers poorly, smoke whatever, do not do their work, or talk in class during short lectures. Been there, done that. I was a high school student and remember how I could be at times. The key is to have a heart for all the students - the good ones and the ones who struggle. Lots of these teenagers have serious family problems, have been bullied, or do the bullying themselves, curse like sailors, or just generally disrespect the system.
I am so grateful, during my time at GHS, for my teaching peers and administrators who have helped me. I honestly cannot remember a time when one of these individuals was not there to give me a helping hand or good advice when I needed it. Teaching is my second profession - I was a newspaper reporter in Virginia for 24 years. When my wife and I moved to Grants - she had lived here before with her missionary parents - I had no job. So, I took on a bunch of part time work - at Milan Supermarket, umpiring adult softball games, writing for the old Cibola Beacon, and, beginning in the spring of 2013, subbing at schools throughout Cibola County. Paycheck to paycheck, baby.
Eventually I was fortunate enough to be hired at GHS full-time and it is one of the best things to happen to me.
We hear the bad about student behavior, but most students are impressive. The one is not at that point, we, as staff, will continue to help us get there. The hope is that one day all the students we work with will be good, solid citizens. Personally, I believe that hope will be a reality.