My Responsibility

The Player(s)

I watched [the student] like I always did. After a couple of days around the students you teach a teacher’s eye will automatically gravitate to certain students. My eye was always on [the student], knowing that keeping [the student] engaged was my responsibility. [the student] had a hard time working, staying focused, often even staying awake.

There had been trauma in [the student]’s life and [the student] was now living with an extended relative, and had been for a number of years. There was some stability, but [the student] was definitely a handful. [the student] would come to school regaling [the student]’s friends about late nights on social media or games or streaming.

The Setup

I was walking around the classroom monitoring students as they worked on today’s portion of an assignment. Frequently I deliberately step more loudly than necessary when pacing around the room – it lets students know I’m on the move and it also alerts them when I’m getting close. I had made several passes by [the student]’s desk already today. Nothing was getting done. [the student]’s eyes and head would droop.

The Sequence

On about the 4th pass by [the student] on that particular day I deliberately was moving very softly. [the student] didn’t hear me. I just stood there looking over [the student] ‘s shoulder as nothing was being done. When [the student] jumped a little a minute or so later I knew I’d finally been spotted, and the appearance of effort emerged. I walked on.

The next trip around the room [the student]’s chin was resting on [the student]’s chest. I softly tapped [the student]’s shoulder, then pointed to the keyboard, and kept walking. I always had hope that that would be enough to ensure work being completed. It generally isn’t the case, just as it wasn’t today.

The Denouement

The next trip around, [the student]’s chin was again on [the student]’s chest. I leaned in and whispered, “If it appears you’re asleep again, I’m taking away your chair for the day.” At the very least, the appearance of activity persisted.

The Moral

Teaching staff has no control over what goes on at home, and yet are still bear the responsibility to ensure a student learns every day in the classroom.