Starting with Seniors

Teaching juniors last fall was an amazing experience; the students were at a pivotal time in their social lives. They were driving around, going on dates, and searching for ways to make meaning or at least survive the wrath of Huck Finn. I loved these kids and they knew it. Several students wrote me letters of gratitude and these notes have since become true treasures of mine. My favorite was the most unexpected of the bunch; this student was sarcastic and desperate to engage in witty banter. He critiqued me and rolled eyes at the drop of a hat. This is what he wrote:

Dear Miss Clemens,
Thanks for babysitting our class. I know a lot of us, including me, gave you a lot of crap. I just want you to know that your efforts were very appreciated. I actually really like the way you teach. It's not like other teachers when they do it. It feels more personal and I really like the way you do it. Thanks for your time. I know you'll be a successful teacher so good luck to you.

He always did the minimum amount of work, which is in part why I was surprised by his taking time to write me a note. If I could influence such a resistant mind, I could do anything! This note left me feeling empowered. The rest of the notes highlighted my attention to revision and availability after class. One struggling and special English Learner wrote:

I first want to thank you for your hard work. I was able to feel confident every week because you help us a lot.

So there I was with lots of gushy feelings and hugs and goodbyes. I felt accomplished and ready. And then the universe hit me with something harder than I anticipated: for the spring, I would work with another class of juniors (yay!) and...two classes of experienced and indifferent seniors. Yikes!

But even though I know it will be hard, since observing them and working with them in group settings, I know I am up for the challenge. In the past few weeks I have revisited my senior year in photographs, yearbooks, talks with family and friends, andold essays and homework assignments. Here are two things I plan to keep in mind this semester:

-Seniors are adults and children at once.
-They want to be treated as adults sometimes and children others.

Basically, they are walking, talking oxymorons. But as a lover of literary devices, I have to embrace this odd phenomenon. In these classes we will read Stranger and Siddhartha. I am excited to get into the deeper meaning of things and perhaps even give them some ideas to ponder on their way out of childhood and into adulthood. And if this is anything like last semester, they will teach me a thing or two as well.

I can't wait.