I am so ignorant. I’ve always had a healthy respect for teachers, because I know their job is hard. But I truly thought that I could waltz into a room of 3rd grade kids and lead a class with very little effort. Little Mountain School in Monticello asked if I would lead a group writing class for some ‘gifted and talented’ kids. 11 kids, all smart, for 1 hour a week. Easy, peasy, lemon-squeezey. When the gifted and talented teacher met with me to go over the course outline, my eyes glazed over and I zoned out while she listed the disciplinary actions I could take for rowdy or disobedient students (duh lady…I got this). But I didn’t. Within about 30 seconds of gathering my new pupils…I had lost control of the classroom. You see…we all have a special skill set…and I now realize that my skills are designed for photography, and not teaching. I like making jokes and entertaining people…this serves me well when I need a kid or a whole family to relax in front of the camera in short order. However, starting the introductions with sarcasm and wit does not make for a quiet classroom. Do they like me? Absolutely. Do they fear me? Not a bit. I need them to fear me. How else are we going to learn about the trials and tribulations of life on the Oregon Trail, when kids are constantly interrupting me to share inane stories about thisonetimeIwenttoawaterparkanditwasawesome or heykellydidyouknowthatIhaveapetrabbitthatpoopsonourcarpet? Not to mention the side conversations about Trivia Crack and Clash of Clans…or the kid lying on the floor under the table…or the girl who somehow found a jar of glue and was taste testing for quality assurance.
So now I have to go back in there next week and be all hard ass. My son Riley (who is in the class as well) helped me make a special seating chart so that the craziest kids (and yes, I may have already called one of them a spazz…but it was warranted, I promise you) are split up. I’m debating on wardrobe…do I wear something severe and threatening…leather and chains? I certainly can’t come back looking like the jovial ‘hey I’m a cool’ mom cardigan sweater and messy bun. Maybe I’ll hire a body guard…he can stand in the corner and give the stink eye so I can continue to share my knowledge of using buffalo chips as kindling. I have a few days to work out the kinks in my plan. In the meantime, let’s get back to business…the one I’m comfortable in~photography!!
Meet the gorgeous Myranda from Monticello High School…such a stunner~I love her pictures! Hey Myrda~were you thinking of making teaching a profession? If so, hit me up in 6 weeks and I’ll give you some tips on what not to do 😉
oh yes…this happened…a girl and her three puppers….completely crazy, and completely adorable!!
