new thread
Hi gang, particularly Robert. Your employment in teaching and our exchanges were what I have in mind as I write this below.
In my last post I stated that I wouldn't post here again, but hey I admit I read the site every day. I was just in a funk and coming to a conclusion that I was growing my hair for very different reasons than most other people. No haircut yet/
I am currently pursuing my degree in teaching (high school level, subjects are math and physical education, graduated with a Hons. Bsc. in sport science). Next Friday I begin my first block of practice teaching in a local high school, likely with a phys ed teacher as my elder associate for the first week.
I am pretty concerned because my hair is not really at the stage where I can tie it back at a reasonably low position, and in fact I have not even gone out in public like that, nevermind in front of a group of 30 teenage boys. Since it is a physically demanding environment it is a certainly that hair is going to be in the way. Well blah blitty blah I will share my experience and perceived reactions of others after my practicum.
(Snarfagus)
before, age 16
were = are
.... and others. Shows you what happens when you write freakin' drafts of forum posts without a secretary editing your work. Gah! Where was my staff at 2:41 am when I wrote this?
Shaun,
I remember the school year when I returned to teaching in the fall after the summer of my awkward stage--meaning I had spent the entire spring in the awkward stage, but everyone saw it getting longer. Then, I had summer away from my students and colleagues. Returning meant for the first time appearing in public with my hair pulled back into a ponytail--barely--with the help of a lot of hair products!
The good thing to remember is that these kids have never seen you, so their expectations are almost zero. Depending on the age of your observing teacher, you may get some flack for your hair. Smile a lot. Thank him for his imput, and then change the subject to something professional, like how he organizes his lesson plans, gradebook, what he does for continuing education. In other words, turn the attention back to the profession and to him.
In Phys Ed you will likely be able to wear a baseball cap if you want to. Make use of it if that helps. And, there's nothing wrong with gel or spray to help you with your hair during the awkward stage. Do what you have to do.
Keep some emergency aids in your car if you drive to work, or briefcase,gym bag etc: a brush, gel, spray, or whateveryou are using. You can always slip off between classes or during a break to take care of your hair.
Good luck in your first teaching experience!
And do let us know how it is going.
Robert
I remember my first day of teaching. In fact, before I actually met a class of students. I had freshmen and seniors in my first semester.
The school principal, the man who hired me (the principal was the hiring authority, not the district as is in many cases) told me he thought the freshmen would be no trouble, but that the seniors would likely comment on my long hair. He went through some role-playing with me, with him being the taunting senior student.
Turned out that everyone, without exception, liked it. All of my students liked my hair. I was their first long haired teacher. In time, after having students in more than one class, I would get called things like "princess" or "Fabio" or far too often "Jesus", but it was all in fun and not any disrespect at all.
Our art teacher, a semi-longhair, let his hair grow and many students asked if we were brothers. Uh, yeah, we have different names! Sure, we're brothers.
Anyway, I was concerned on my first day too. I didn't know what to expect from the students or the other teachers. It was never a problem though.
Then again, I went in with hair that was long, not in the awkward stage. In fact, having grown my hair in the 70s, I don't even remember an awkward stage at all. Mid-seventies hair styles seemed to be the awkward stage!
Anyway, good luck at the new position (this is to the person who made the original post). You'll find teaching to be very rewarding. My favorite time is when the seniors graduate, and they come to you and thank you for all you've done for them. Show the kids you care - it goes a long way!
