I have a feeling I have another seven levels to go through

[amoldymachine]

I started my new job today, teaching English to 6,7,8th graders at a charter school in Milwaukee. I was tested and I don't know if stayed firm enough but at least I didn't cry. These kids have the benifit of small classrooms, but that's about it. No overhead projector, no screen to pull down, no window, no real books. I was hired yesterday and started this morning with no guidance. I didn't get a schedual of grades I'm supposed to teach or even a list of students in my classes, they said I should get one by Tuesday. For now I had them write their names down on a note card, like you used to, and just went off of those. 100% at risk kids, are tough to get to do anything. And!!! They switched the bell schedual today, which didn't bother me, but the kids went ape when I told them they had to stay until 3:38. It doesn't help that we're on the same floor as the high school and the high school kids get out earlier anyway. I tried to stay firm, even sent students out. Was that the right thing? I don't know. I don't think I should give them slack, because I wouldn't have gotten slack. But they aren't me. Oh, and there's no bells either. Or PA system or anything. I'm actually replacing someone that started and then quit after two days. So seeing me and not the other teacher automatically gives them some kind of power anyway. OH sigh. I know I'll make it, but I feel mighty beaten right now.

On a different note, Hurricane Katrina footage and interviews make me break out into sobs and tears, is that normal?