In yesterday’s blog, I updated the reader on the “job sampling” I have been doing since December 2020. As part of that journey, I have returned to teaching math in a small public school. I am doing the job I have been doing, for the most part, since 1999. But my approach is different now.

Since being released from my last teaching job, my wife became fed up with the fragility of my working life. I have been suspended from teaching once and then I was told not to return on the other occasion. She also believes that I didn’t taking responsibility for those actions and I “always blamed it on someone else.” Maybe she’s right but I’m not sure.

Before May of 2022, I saw myself as a rebel against the current system of education in America. This stance was applauded by my PhD professors but got me in trouble with educators and parents. I thought of myself as an advocate for my students. I thought, “Sure, I make administrators uncomfortable but I was never denied employment.” Until May 2020.

So when I returned to teaching in August, I decided to take another approach. This time, I decided that I would take the mainstream approach. I would follow the rules as they were placed in front of me. I would be very liberal with writing behavior referrals. I would contact parents early and often. I would teach with a very standard approach; opening problems, teach by example, assign work, closing assignment. Very boring but the letter. Treat my assignment as a job, not a calling. Keep my nose clean and stay out of trouble.

How has it been? Well, it is almost January and I have yet to experience an deep problems from administration. On the other hand, student compliance is very low. Test scores are very low. Off-task behavior is very high. But, in my opinion, that’s what you get when you play the mainstream rules.

Could it be better? Absolutely! Some of the ideas I have tried could minimize (and have minimized) most of these issues. Are they worth trying? Absolutely not! It just doesn’t feel safe to attempt anymore. (I sometimes fantasize about winning the lottery and using these methods on my way out the door.)

Please wish me luck for the rest of the year. As these patterns continue towards the Spring, I will very tempted to try my old methods to boost better results. Please give me strength to stay the non-productive course.

In upcoming posts, I will discuss some of these ideas I am too scared to try. I will share how effective I have seen them to be and risks they have caused.