As we wrap up the final unit of the school year, where students interview each other, choose an angle, and write a journalistic profile, some kids have got it, and others are really struggling. It doesn't help that the end of the year is close and somebody somewhere in our school has given them the impression that they no longer have to work.
I learned long ago that the closer we can stick to routine up until the end the better it supports students in managing their behavior, and that's the way it is in my class. Today one of the kids who hasn't written much sat next to me trying to put together some ideas. Her assignment was me, and I asked her for the tenth time to choose a focus.
"I want to do teaching," she said.
"Well, ask me some questions about teaching," I prompted.
"Do you like teaching English?" she started.
I paused, suddenly overwhelmed. "I do," I answered.
"What do you like about it?" she asked.
"I love spending time with kids," I said, "and I like reading and writing." I shrugged.
"So, is this the perfect job for you?" she continued, typing my words on her iPad.
I hesitated again; for the first time in 31 years, I was unsure of how to answer. I decided to keep things simple.
"Yes," I told her, "it really is."
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