Yesterday I had an amazing conversation with a few of my students about the difference between fair and equal.

We were discussing why there are organizations for black students or Hispanic students but not groups for white students.  (Keep in mind the students involved in these conversations do not identify as Caucasian, so it wasn’t a “we feel privileged and don’t like it, waaah!” conversation.)  I asked why black students would want to have a group.  The student thought about it, and then said it was because of all the shitty things that happened to them in the past and are still happening.  Okay, I said.  Why would white people want a group then?  The light bulb went on, and we proceeded to have a conversation about privilege.  We talked about how technically there are options for all groups to meet because things are equal, but how that isn’t the same.

I love those moments with students.  It’s my favorite part of teaching 10th grade.  Seeing the students’ emotional and intellectual growth flourishing in front of my eyes.  My Grinchy heart grew a million sizes during that class yesterday.

Okay, so I was doing well with Read180, but now I’m overwhelmed.  I’m watching what is going on and seeing where my mistakes are but now I need to be able to plan better than I am.

I need to: switch up the small groups; do a group lesson on the point of Read180; explain the goal; explain what needs to happen to get out of class; separate all the pairs of friends; create seating charts for both small groups and while they are on the computers (the computers!!!!), plan better whole group lessons; try not to beat my head against a wall.

Also, I need to grade like a wild thing. Maybe at home tonight, I’ll have a me, my headphones, and my desk night.  That does not sound enjoyable.  And it isolates me from the wife.  Sometimes a teacher’s work is never done.