Going Crazy—One Assembly at a Time

It is so enlightening to see things from a teacher’s perspective instead of a parent’s.

For instance, I used to be one of those parents that might plan an assembly or some other interruption to the limited time there is to teach these kids something for god’s sake activity.

Now? My first act as school superintendent would be to outlaw assemblies and other disruptions to the school day. And all the teachers? Would erect a statue of me and worship at it daily.

You would not believe how frustrating it is to realize that something you allotted a week for will take three days longer because you’re out of the class for jog-a-thon and then fundraiser assembly or any of the other myriad of worthwhile, but frustrating events.

In the middle school setting you have to decide whether to have everyone wait to move ahead on math because your second period class isn’t going to receive any instruction that day. If you don’t, you end up having to prep for two different lessons every day as one class surges ahead of the other. That’s no good.

Remember how back in the day teachers would just declare “game days” or some such unusual surprise. I’m sure of two things—there was an assembly on that day and no way would that fly today!

Still and all, a tremendous minor frustration in a very fun day. Would you believe that every single day flies by at the speed of light? I’m sure that won’t be true of every day, but I do think it’s an indication I’m doing the right job for me.

Comments

[Smalltown Mom]

And the tough part about assemblies is you have to sit there with them, you can't go back to the classroom and prep like you can with with music/art pullouts!

My son is IRATE because "they" have been pulling 8th grade boys out of their 7th period class every Wednesday for weeks for some kind of anti gangracialbully crap. And for many kids, 7th period is their elective. The class they live for.

Oooh, he is so mad. I told him to write a letter to the principal. And I'm annoyed, too. Why does the elective have to suffer? Pull them out of all classes equally!

As a parent, I have never received ANY information on these pullouts and I think I should complain, but since I work at the school and already complained about something else today... oh dear.

[Reluctant Blogger]

One of my sons absolutely hates disruptions like that. They are generally meant to be fun but he gets really cross about them! He says he gives up his time to go to school to learn and fun stuff is for at home. The others like any distraction from lessons!

And I for one have no doubt that you are doing the right job for you and for the pupils too. I would love for you to teach my sons!

[kcinnova]

Fundraiser assemblies get my ire up as a parent! The students get pulled out of class to turn them into supposedly excited, materialistic salespeople (which always dies by dinner time anyway).
The disrespect given to teachers (from many sources) is why I couldn't do your job.
You have my admiration!

[allmycke]

The situation is somewhat different in Sweden - we're not reqquired to follow a lesson plan clad in iron - but assemblies and other extra-curricular events can drive me mad! Jog-a-thons, rehearsing for St. Lucia, anti-drug drives... Giv me strength!

[busy bee suz]

I never thought of this from a teacher's perspective...looks like it would cause quite a back-log problem.
So, how tall will your statue be?

[Tammy]

Even my kids complain about assemblies! Never once have I heard... "we had the best assembly today". I have no doubt you have the perfect job for you!

[~annie]

Even as a parent I loath the assemblies and other special/fun/ enrichment/activity things that disrupt the regular schedule and actual learning. Don't even get me started on the parents who let their kids join four different sports teams, band AND chorus and then try to dictate when and/or if other extra-curricular clubs are allowed to meet when their kids encounter scheduling conflicts. Gah.

[Maureen@IslandRoar]

Working at our HS for 3 years, I hear you!
So glad you are becoming a teacher; lucky kids!

[jenn]

For me, the worst teaching days were the standardized testing days. Boooooring. Not to mention having to stand up in front of the class to give the spiel on how important and life-changing and serious these tests were when, frankly, I think they're a pile of hooey.

[Manic Mommy]

Funny to read this after I spent 45 minutes at school this morning, copying and stuffing envelopes. I'll keep this in mind as I get more involved.

[phd in yogurtry]

Erect that statue and I will be there bowing.

[Susan]

Huh...I always figured it gave the teachers a bit of a break from the classroom! Intersting to find it isn't so.

My kids are always complaining about having to go to the dumb assemblies too.

[middle-aged-woman]

That's how I knew it was time to get out of the classroom. I was looking forward to assembly times because it meant less to plan for.

[jenrantsraves]

It goes both ways. It is incredible for me, now that I am a mother, after already being a teacher, how many things I just didn't understand.

That is one thing about teaching - no time to get bored!

[Green Girl in Wisconsin]

I'd worship you if you did that. Those pep rallies and assemblies and the lot of it drove me NUTS--especially when we had holiday breaks coming up.

[LifeAsIKnowIt]

I can only imagine how frustrating all the interruptions are to teachers. My son has THE BEST second grader teacher this year...I have so much respect for her.

And so happy you've found the right career for yourself. Not many people can say that!

[Cheryl]

Oooo, I HATE fundraiser assemblies, both as a teacher and a parent. My son comes home from those danged things and gets mad at him because I tell him no, I'm not going to buy 200 things so he can get the $15 toy robot prize. And my kids from very poor households who know they're not able to sell anything feel horrible.

We need the fundraisers because heaven knows the state isn't actually funding anything anymore. But we could do it without the awful assemblies!

[Cheryl]

I mean my son gets mad at ME.

[Brightside-Susan]

I agreed that the kids don't even seem to enjoy the programs - so why disrupt the already too crammed academic schedule? We ued to have after school and evening assemblies when I was in high school.

[Jenn @ Juggling Life]

I saw your comment on JCKs post over at the WC--I always had a book at the park. Always.

Jenn

[Jocelyn]

I feel like I maybe once before mentioned Vic's blog to you, but she, as a teacher, has a post that reminds me of your sentiments here: http://plotthickens.blogspot.com/2009/10/first-we-made-it-all-red-and-swollen.html

[Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING]

I agree with you and I'm not a teacher.

KEEP BELIEVING

[Aunt Becky]

It's awesome that you're finding your way. ROCK ON.

[anna see]

Oh yes, I remember this well as a teacher. And as a parent, my daughter had VERY little instructional time last wk b/c of 3 assemblies.

[Stacie Harris]

I am with you on this as a parent. These assemblies are distracting and time consuming. One day I asked my daughter, are you ever in the classroom? She laughed.

[CC]

loving the image of your statue with teachers prostrate around it!