Funny, the things we do to ourselves. With six different classes and 82 students, I don’t regularly have enough time to plan great individualized lessons or grade all my students’ assignments and essays with adequate feedback. I’m constantly second guessing my use of time. So, how is it I’m providing Drama instruction and preparation for 40+ kids at least four hours a week after school?
I don’t have to. I could just decide I’m too busy. Since I’m not paid for the hours I put in, why do I do it?
Why do teachers do anything extra they’re not paid to do?
If it’s the right choice for kids, many teachers choose to sacrifice.
Now there are those who will say that teachers should never work (volunteer time) over their negotiated agreements; our associations work hard to protect teachers’ rights to work reasonable hours so they don’t become overtaxed and burn out. I appreciate their efforts in my behalf and would truly prefer to be paid. There have been years where money to challenge the gifted and talented (extended learning dollars) or special Arts grants have been utilized. Those sources always seem to dry up, and time spent writing grants is also time spent away from working directly with students.
What I don’t understand is why there always seems to be enough funds for sports coach pay. If only I loved teaching kids how to throw footballs (and actually had a talent for it….)
Our Shakespeare plays are often the most impressive work my students do all year. They afford me the opportunity to truly challenge kids who want to be challenged, who actually try-out for the challenge (although everyone will get a part in the end.) The plays provide my students an opportunity to show their great capacity for excellence. At the same time, it’s a blast for me.
Believe it or not, it’s refreshing to work with students who want to be taught, who are excited to be there and motivated to learn. After a day of cajoling, pleading, reminding, and threatening (with grades), trying to get students to focus and make an effort in class, our after school Shakespeare time is downright rewarding in every sense of the word. Students who can’t be bothered to turn in assignments, who talk back and want to disrupt every lesson, turn into patient listeners on stage. In spite of, or perhaps because of the difficulty of Shakespearean language, they truly become teachable.
There is something about the Bard that captures kids. This other world, so witty and wonderful, full of insults, love language and practical jokes fits very well with middle school students. Shakespeare’s characters are struggling to find their way in the world, and that is the story of adolescence.
It’s a story I enjoy being a part of every year.
Some useful links for teachers interested in using Shakespeare in the classroom or beyond:
- Folger Shakespeare Library
- Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet
- ReadWriteThink (Search “Shakespeare”)
Irene Smith is a guest blogger and teacher in the Yakima School District.
Previous Blogs: