The Last Word

So far, the students' behavior at my current school far surpasses the behavior of my previous school. However, I did have a student continue to question me b/c I am just "sub".  Apparently, if I am a sub, that means I have no education and no clue about how to run a class.Well, I had the last word.

My seniors are super worried about their grades which is to be expected. But I had one student that would not leave me alone.  He kept asking me when his paper would be graded. Then he continued to sit by my desk and ask me to average his grade for him with different possible grades on his paper. Finally, I asked him to move because he was causing my "blood pressure to rise".  He mouthed off something about how he can't wait for the "real teacher" to come back (I hear this about 10 time a day -- subs are under appreciated, especially by students).

During the next class, the student continued to question me as I discussed a poet we were studying. He asked me how I knew so much about the author.  I revealed to him...shocker...that I actually have a Master's degree in this subject.  You would think this would deter him from continuing to question me..but no. Next, he decided to question when I assign their tests and essays, claiming that other teachers didn't have the essay until later. When I explained to the student that I was just following the lesson plan given to me..he said, "so you are a follower, huh?"  Folks, that was the last straw.

I very calmly stated that there are two people in life that you do not want to tick off.  1.  The doctor doing your hemorrhoid operation.  2. The teachers that decide whether or not you graduate. (A joke I stole from one of the other teachers here)

When I was finished with my opening joke, I continued to tell him that I was done with him "trying" me. And that if he continued to do so, he could find himself another class b/c I wasn't putting up with it.

Well, whatever I said worked b/c since then he has been a model student!  The kid really is brilliant and could possibly teach English one day. I just hope he learned his lesson. And I'm glad I had the LAST WORD!