Chapter 9: When Things Go Wrong (Fires)

    The ninth chapter of Fires in the Bathroom, by Kathleen Cushman, focused on handling the unpleasant aspects of the classroom. What really jumped out to me in the text was the section that talked about the struggle that teachers, especially new teachers, have balancing authority and allowing themselves to connect on a friendlier level. On one hand, being too stringent will sabotage your ability to connect with the students, and on the other hand being too friendly can result in the teacher being taken advantage of by the students.

     During my first two weeks in the field I could relate! It is hard to explain, but I feel like an authoritative figure, but also I feel like I am not a teacher and therefore I have no right to scold them; likewise, sometimes I feel as if I am the "teacher" that can connect with the students and this makes me feel even less able to discipline. I want the students to know that I do care about them, but I also want them to view me as one of their teachers. In hindsight, I know this is my biggest struggle right now; overcoming this confusing place is my main goal.