The downside

Don't get me wrong, I love teaching. But sometimes yo have to be confrontational and, all of you who know me know that I do not like confrontation. Like today, for example, I needed to let ((more like remind) a kid know that not only is he not passing at midterms, he might not be able to pass the class in general unless he gets his act together. I usually just ramble on in the emails that I write (or pass them off to someone else) but this time, it just came to me.

Here is what I said:

Dear ______________,

I wanted to touch base with you on a couple of things as we head into midterms week and the Middleton experience portion of the class.

One of the requirements of the class is teaching a lesson at Middleton. Without that portion, it will not be possible to pass the class. Being prepared to teach comes from a combination of observations within the classroom but also participation in the first half of the semester. Because of your absences, lack of participation and your failure to turn in five out of the seven assignments of the first half of the semester, I at this point do not feel that you are prepared to teach at Middleton. Failure to pass EDU202 may result in not being admitting to the teaching program at the end of the year and will require you to retake it again in the fall.

This does not mean, however, that you cannot work your way back up to the level that you need to be at. I will be observing you over the next few weeks at Middleton and will let you know if I feel that you have proven yourself capable of teaching students on your own at the standard that Middleton requires. I also need you to turn in your papers and assignments by the end of this week, no more extensions. As it stands now, you will not receive a passing grade at midterms. As a reminder, here is what you need to still submit: Three responses to Among Schoolchildren, a classroom map and explanation and a list of classroom rules/routines/discipline policies also with an explanation. I also will expect the assignments that are required from your first week at Middleton, including your field notes from your two days in the classroom this week. Please consult the schedule if you are unsure of what is required.

I will be more than happy to help you out where I can so please let me know if you have any questions.

Boom. Snap. Or well done, as I was told by a superior.