She tries to stare me down. Get my attention. Let me know that she is there. I never look, though I am tempted. I watch the video and keep my gaze steady the whole time. In the hallways, she smiles now. A mocking smile. A smile that says, "I'll get you." "You think you've won, but this isn't over yet." She walks around the school, with her entourage, and stealthily commands their attention. How does an early adolescent amass so much power and lead the rest astray? Someone said that a person's behaviour is set by age 8. Is this why no one attempts to reach her? Everyone has given up? Settled in? Found a comfortable spot from which to view her world? But, I refuse to accept that there's nothing that can be done. Is it too late? It's never too late. Cross posted to Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life .
This blog is a place to ruminate on the problems of teaching. If I am thinking thoughtfully, my posts will hopefully raise more questions than answers. By problematizing teaching we reflect on those questions that are constantly behind, in front, and at center of everything we do in the classroom. Feel free to comment. I'd love to hear what other teachers are thinking about on these and other issues. Cheers! Elisa