What makes a teacher's day?

Honestly, I thought that today will be another lousy day, given the terrible 8-period day without a single break and a not so promising morning.

Well, it started off with a spot check by the DM. I was rather disappointed that one chose to play hide and seek instead of facing the consequences. I am pretty happy with the rest who got into trouble, as they just faced the music and respected the school rules. I have been quite disappointed with myself that after so many months, I still have not been able to make an impact on this particular one (actually there is another couple more). I knew he was angry as I 'turned him in' but if I did not do anything, he would not learn anything too.

My 8-period started promisingly with my 3E history. I was able to stay cool despite my unhappiness with the same group of girls again. Sometimes, I really wonder why they just don't get it? Teachers are only angry and upset when they care! When a teacher stops saying anything about your behaviour and work, it really means that you have lost the teachers' respect. It also means that he or she would rather spend the effort on the others who bother to learn. Other than the group, the rest were brilliant - well-behaved and on task! (Unfortunately, the IT failed us AGAIN!)

2nd stop was the 5As! Honestly, I like this class very much! However, today was the OFF day! I had to walk out of the class to cool down! Still, I lost it! Nonetheless, after losing my cool, I continued as though nothing happened as I was internally motivating myself to think of the really nice girls in the class.

Next was the 4E History class. I have always found this class really challenging. This is because I have a number of boys who have openly declared (though not in front of me) that they have given up on combined Humanities. Initially, I was really upset by them as they simply 'switched off' in class and disrupt my class. Despite getting the HODs involved, they still refused to change. I tried to change my approach too. I offered to give them extra lessons to help them, but apparently, they just treated my offer like a passing wind and even skipped my tutorials. So much for being kind. Anyway, now I have rationalised everything. I guess they are just bad time managers who cannot even handle the bare minimum. Coincidentally, these group of people also happen to have no CCAs. Is it because they are really that busy? Or they simply do not have that resilience and ability? Anyway, that was a side track. I was saying that the classwas ok today because of the girls again. I am really proud of the girls (and a few boys) in this class. They really came back despite having a difficult Sec 3 year. Their initiative and determination really won my respect and I really do not mind going all out to help them along. I know they will do well as long as they do not give up! (To Mr ELEPHANT, I am glad that I put you right in front as I know that you have learnt at least something today)

The final lesson was with another 5A class. Despite only taking over the class in June, I really like them very much. Think chekgu has done a great job guiding them. They were very understanding as they knew that I had the dreadful 8-period day and really cooperated, except for my cartoon characters in the centre. Trust me, I will make sure that you guys sit on the floor when you misbehave again!

You think the day is finally over, right? Well, not so! The icing of the cake came in the afternoon. I had tutorial with 2 Sec 3E history girls (and 1 boy). I am really glad to have that session with them as I have always respected pupils who takes initative. (Although in the case, they did not take the entire initiative) This really made my day as I know that I have helped them today.

After the rather long tutorial, with a number of interruptions, I went to meet the student leaders. It was a nice break from the staffroom as I was 'hanging out' in their clubhouse. I am really happy to see the school developing student leadership. I have been speaking about this for years and finally it has materialised. (haha...I have been speaking and not doing as I did not want to be 'shot') I think the current Sec 3s have a lot of potential. But they need to stay level-headed and always remember to do the right thing.

By the time I returned to staffroom, it was 4.30pm. Surprisingly, I was able to stay focused and finished quite a bit of my work till knock off time at 6.30pm.

So, what makes a teacher's day? Enthusiasm, initiative, positivity and lots of encouragement.