I Will Remain Calm

Well, the first week of classes have come and gone and the semester is underway. It is deja vu all over again, as Yogi say's, because time has been spent to tell a new group of students the course objectives and same basic expectations I have of students and how the class is taught; just as I have done for the legions of students that have come and gone before this new batch of fresh faces.

All of which seems to have been in vain when the first assignment comes due. That is the day that a handful of students ask before, during, or after class if they can hand in the assignment late due to any number of -- what they think to be -- legitimate reasons (I am sure you have heard them all, too). That is also the day when such questions are met by me with a prompt (often edgy) response of "No, I do not accept late assignments as I have stated numerous times in class and outlined in the syllabus to prepare you for this day!"

So, as the frustration starts to mount in the face of attempting to get yet another class up and running, always later than sooner, I will remember to recite this little prayer to myself to anyone out there, up there, down there who will listen and help me remain calm. Maybe it will be useful to those reading today's blog, too :)

A TEACHER'S PRAYER (By Olga de Juana)

Help me to be a fine teacher, to keep peace in the classroom, peace between my students and myself, to be kind and gentle to each and every one of my students.

Help me to be merciful to my students, to balance mercy and discipline in the right measure for each student, to give genuine praise as much as possible, to give constructive criticism in a manner that is patatable to my students.

Help me remain conscientious enough to keep my lessons always interesting, to recognize what motivates each of my students, to accept my student's limitations and not hold it against them. Help me not to judge my students too harshly, to be fair to all, to be a good role model, but most of all, help me to show your love to all of my students.

Amen