by Matt Vaudrey | Sep 2, 2012 | Classroom Management, Smart-assery, Teaching, Tough Issues |
It’s a phrase that my mom used when I was young. “We’re gonna have a Come to Jesus meeting when you get home about your grades in English.” A balding preacher springs to my mind–white knuckles gripping the podium–leaning toward the congregation...
by Matt Vaudrey | Mar 14, 2012 | Teaching, Tough Issues |
“Did you hear? Mr. Avery got RIFfed!” “Yeah, I got pinked again this year.” “Mr. Vaudrey? Hi, we got the list… and you’re on it.” Non-teachers, you have no doubt heard one of the above terms used around this time of year. Here’s what they mean for teachers: Beware the...
by Matt Vaudrey | Dec 16, 2011 | Christmas, Teaching, Tough Issues |
(Names and details have been changed for confidentiality.) “…and was recently examined for ADHD.” I lean back at my desk with relief and close the e-mail. I wonder if she got prescribed anything. Maybe that will calm her down. That’s the problem with students like...
by Matt Vaudrey | Nov 17, 2011 | Teaching, Tough Issues |
“Mr. Vaudrey, you look mad. What did the sub say about us?” “Good afternoon.” I growled, looking through Jackie as she clumped through my door. “Take a seat.” The look on her face showed that my plan was working. Once the bell rang, I had 24 students in their seats...
by Matt Vaudrey | Apr 27, 2011 | Teaching, Tough Issues |
“Mr. Vaudrey, I’m stuck on this problem.” Nathan waved me over during after-school tutoring one day in April 2011. “Okay, let me have a look.” I said, leaning over his table. “Ah,” I straightened and strode to the whiteboard, pulling a marker from my back pocket. “I...
by Matt Vaudrey | Jan 4, 2010 | Hope, Teaching, Tough Issues |
I thought I’d heard it all. At first, Jane was just another “problem student” who had trouble focusing. She claimed that she was just hyper, or just had a bunch of candy; the usual excuses. I thought that I had made a breakthrough when she told me she was dyslexic. My...
