While we are waiting for JECA to get going… This week I started a new job slightly outside my comfort zone. Last week I went to the local public school district and inquired about a position as a substitute teacher in the system. I listed 5-12 grades as my preference. Well, before I could leave the building, they had told me about a new position and the next day they offered it to me…and they made it really hard to say no.
I now teach 5 year old Kindergarten.
At the Ashland City Elementary School, there are six Kindergarten classrooms with about 20 kids each. They handpicked the six worst-behaved kids in the lot and sent them to me.
On the bright side, I have two aides, only spend 3 1/2 hours in the building total per day, spend more than one of those hours at lunch and recess, have an out if I want to stop teaching in a week or two months, only have to drive a mile or less to school, and have a great support system of teachers and administrator and other staff at my disposal.
On the duller side, I now teach six crazy Kindergartners with a curriculum that I have never known, and it has been a crazy week. Come see me. I have the loud classroom at the end of the hall.
The biggest change from private to public school [and this is the first time I have ever been in public education other than for driver's ed...which was appalling enough], is that I am so limited to train them in a theologically appropriate way. Also, there is practically no discipline exerted by anyone on these students as is exhibited in their behavior.
I’m not sure how long it will last. I struggle with the limitations that are on me. I don’t see Christianity being opposed in the school because most of the faculty I have interacted with would profess Christ, but if I am not allowed to acknowledge Christ in all my ways, not allowed to give hope to my students about their sinful states, then why am I here other than to make money? I struggle with this at the same time that I acknowledge that, yes, this is a valid and valuable place to do missions.
Ergh. I’m still thinking through it. I guess I need to wonder if the culture of this city is going to be better or worse by my taking the position.
Sweet. Now I can send Samuel to public school!
Wow! I’ll be praying for you to have wisdom. I went to public school all the way until college & had at least one Christian teacher (he was a blessing!). Be whatever light you can – it’s so needed!
What an exciting opportunity Ryan. Accept adversity as an opportunity.
1Co 16:9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
I just heard about this from Ross over the weekend and I’ve been laughing to myself about it ever since. Try to picture those 6 as juniors and seniors with power tools and they bring along 10 or 15 of their friends.
Ryan, the naughty kids are the most fun to work with! You’ll need different tools for discipline and control than the traditional mindset for “good” kids, but they’ll keep you thinking and will teach you a lot too. I love working with the “bad” kids…they are usually not so bad after all.
Have you ever seen the movie Kindergarten Cop? I dont picture you as Arnold, but much the same in the challenge that he faced. Wow…I had to give a little chuckle…how many times a day do you catch yourself saying a word that is more than four letters and then you realize most of them wont understand the meaning of that word until college?
I will definitely be in prayer for you and those children!
That’s funny, Carol. These kids might give the KC kids a run for their money.
I don’t mind speaking over their heads sometimes–they are four and five years old so it’s hard not to, but sometimes they correct me.
For instance, Brooklyn won’t let me get away with calling them “crayons” [one syllable]. She insists they are “CRAY-ons” [two syllables with a heavy accent on the first]. I laugh every time.
I just finished the blood borne pathogen videos and sexual harassment videos to qualify to student teach.
I think it is a great idea. If Paul goes to synagogues of Satan, our public school system certainly qualifies.
Ryan,
Hang in there! Having just come from a five year stint in a state higher ed institution, I can assure you that your influence is needed where you are!
You put up with me as a roommate for an entire year. You can do this….
Jeremy
I’m wondering if the two little Boomershine missionaries wouldn’t be a great asset to you in the classroom? They can say what you can’t!
I’d love to be a bug on the wall in your room!