This year, for scheduling reasons I don't really understand, they have given me an ESL class.

For those not in the know, ESL stands for "English as a Second Language."

Not only am I interacting with a class full of students with limited (I'd say conversational at the best) English skills when I do not even speak conversational Spanish, but this is also a prep class for the large, overly complex state exam which they will have to take in January. They have to get at least a 55 on this exam in order to graduate from High School (and at least a 65 to get into any college)*.

(Before you're like "Oh, snap! 55? No prob!" let me inform you that scores in the 20s and 30s are sadly not that uncommon. Le sigh.)

Public education is truly amazing.

Anyway, I constantly worry that I am not doing right by them, that they are not really learning what they need to know, that they will all fail the test...all because they had the misfortune of being placed in the care of someone without an ESL license (note: this IS legal. Technically, I only have to teach 2/5 classes in my subject area. It's fucked, I know).

I'd also like to point out that this is my TENURE year. The year where my observations and scores really count.
Fortunately, I cannot be observed (by any of my bosses) in a class which is not in my license area.

I think.

Back to the kids

It should be said that I really do like these kids. Because they need to learn English and need to pass this test, they are incredibly motivated, eager and willing to learn and do work. A rare find.

We have lots of laughs also.

Today the following conversation occurred.

Kiddo (in a thick Dominican accent): Miss, what is wrong with your hair?

Me: What? Is it messed up?

Kiddo: It's like...spicy!

Me: Spicy?

Kiddo: You know, like....spicy!

(unspoken)Me: ...is that a good thing?