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A Little Respect
By Sean Foran | April 29, 2009
Just a little bit…
So, here’s the funny thing. New York State requires me to spend 20 hours in a classroom for a ‘practicum’, observing teachers, before I can pass a course.
This is not a new concept to me. Last semester, I had ‘service learning’, where I spent ten hours tutoring high school kids. I had a good experience, so I went to the same school for my practicum: Tapestry High School.
Last semester, my dress code was “whatever you happen to be wearing”. It was pretty laid back. I had a lot of leeway with when I arrived, was signed out early a lot, and spent a lot of the time reading. The tutoring program wasn’t all that successful.
So when I returned to Tapestry, it was a little different this time. For my practicum, I’m required to dress as a teacher. Shirt, tie, the lot. No visible electronics, no hats—I need to look professional.
Last semester, I was mistaken for a student a lot. A lot. This semester, I’m referred to as “sir” by the students, am called “Mr. Foran”, and students are told to give me the respect they’re “supposed to give” their teacher.
It is amazing what a shirt and tie will do for you.
Until next time.
– Mr. Charming
Topics: Sean '12 | No Comments »