Frustrating

The new law that forces employers to have correct papers on their employees is making our school dwindle. Unable to put up the needed paperwork, families are leaving for Mexico by the truckload. It's very upsetting to me, as I see my students (present and past) leave after making such growth in their English, only to know it will soon go to wayside after being immersed in the Spanish language daily. Right now, I only have twenty-four students, and a few other students are telling me their parents are planning on moving soon. Stupid rules and regulations.

This job is so frustrating! Unlike other jobs where it is actually possible to do everything right and be a complete success, teachers never really know how much of a success they are, or sometimes even what they may be doing wrong. There will always be room for improvement, especially since a lot of teaching is conjecture. Are cooperative learning groups better than the traditional school setting? Should 8-year-olds be taught completely differently than 9-year-olds should be taught, since they are technically at different developmental levels? More technology in the classroom or less?

And yet... I love it!

Sure Are A Lot of Mexicans

I received a new student last week from Arkansas. A child who would likely be a clone of the rest of the class at many schools, this caucasian, blond boy sticks out like a sore thumb in the sea of Hispanic boys and girls in Room 19. Not only that, but he's rather short for his age, and has a slight twangy accent.

On his first week of school, he made the following observations/vocal thoughts:

Me: How do you like it here in Phoenix?
Student: I dunno- There sure are a lot of Mexicans here!

Student: It's so hot here I think I'm sweatin' in places I never sweated at before!

Student: You better lock your doors 'cuz I hear this place has lots of thieves and murderers.

Student: I'm walking home, but I'll be careful because my mom told me that a few years ago a girl was raped and killed on her way home.

Student: In Arkansas, if you don't wear your shoes, you're called a hillbilly!