Subbing for Chem

My first full-time teaching experience has so far been without horror stories.  The kids have been generally well-behaved and they might even be learning a little something or other about science.  The biggest issue so far has just been my lack of preparation; I adlib so many class sessions that it’s bound to catch up with me sooner or later.

I get the period immediately following lunch as a prep so, in effect, it’s a 2 hour, 30 minute lunch every day.  Naturally, I’ve spent it reading the paper or going home to take a nap instead of getting ready.  But on Monday there was a call from the office asking me to spend that time subbing in a chemistry class.  You can imagine…when the teacher is unexpectedly out there is no time to arrange for a substitute, so the permanent staff must fill in.  I accepted the assignment with a bit of trepidation.  My kids were fantastic but these wouldn’t be my kids.  I hadn’t even met this chemistry teacher (even though he’s in my department, yikes!) and who knows what kind of zoo he could be running in there?!  So, I took my quick lunch and steeled(?) myself for 3rd period chemistry.  It was like being a substitute all over again; I was prepared to unleash my most vicious “Sit the FUCK down!!” to keep these kids in line.

But, once again, I had underestimated the teenagers (and their mystery teacher).  The kids had an exam to take, and they worked on it so quietly you could hear a pin drop…to use the most tired metaphor possible.  And they were so diligent and cooperative and friendly to each other.  It was strange seeing that at my school.  Like that classroom was some calm, hidden oasis in a sea of chaotic yelling, groaning teachers and iPods in the classroom.  Teaching is going well.  My classes are nice, but that class was nicer.