Cue spooky Twilight Zone music, or Halloween theme, or the Amityville Horror theme. Any one would do.
I was asked to cover my first lesson today. In my old classroom. With my former Year 10 class.
I knew the layout of the room had been changed by the new teacher in my room. Still, it was jolly odd, teaching in a space that had been, for the last 3 years at least, so familiar to me.The tables were arranged so that there was very little room for manoeuvre and the teacher's desk was in a totally alien (to me, anyway) place. However, the pupils I would be supervising, and with any luck, teaching, were essentially the same. My last year's Year 10, now this year's Year 11. A little bit older, and perhaps a little bit wiser? They were friendly and enthusiastic and keen to get on. Pleased that I was teaching them; eager to know whether I would be teaching them every Friday - but I had to put them straight. They took it well. There were no disparaging comments about their new teacher. I have taught them good manners at least!
Work I had begun with them last year was carrying on, albeit with a different approach. All I had to do was implement the new teacher's instructions. Easy enough. They responded well, with sensible contributions and a dedication which I know they learnt last year during the course of my lessons. When I took them on, they were a rowdy, disaffected, rude rabble and we worked hard together to ensure that the expectations of good manners, self-control and concentration were met.
Consequently, I realise I will miss this particular class when I leave. I will miss only one other class as a whole. Individual pupils will be missed too, but only two whole classes have won a place in my affections.
But however pleased I was to be teaching a familiar class in a familiar room with familiar work - I was still glad when the buzzer sounded and I could get back to the task I was set yesterday. There's a little devil on my shoulder and she's getting ready to poke me with her fork...
Continue your chosen Horror music till fade....
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