Fortunately, O&C, the "simultaneous private terrors" have all but disappeared.  When we went to vote the election person said "You ladies can use these two tables."

Big grin at that moment.

Chrissy, I agree.  Confusion is my new hobby!

My third day of substitute teaching and I still love it. Some of the students are starting to recognize and that is fun.

They are amazingly polite.  The school has a great culture. I think the focus on LGBTQ students eliminates much of the friction seen in other schools.  There is the inherent tolerance missing in the others.

The extreme face piercings on some students still throws me.

Quote from: Emma1017 on November 21, 2024, 12:32:33 PMMy third day of substitute teaching and I still love it. Some of the students are starting to recognize and that is fun.

They are amazingly polite.  The school has a great culture. I think the focus on LGBTQ students eliminates much of the friction seen in other schools.  There is the inherent tolerance missing in the others.

The extreme face piercings on some students still throws me.

It throws me too, Emma. But much like tattoos, it's a means of self expression. A way for people to be in charge of what they do or don't do to their own bodies.

Kids are... if you give them an environment where they aren't told what to think or feel or see or do, they can be amazingly intuitive. They haven't reached that part of their lives where the "adult brain" takes over. When you tell kids it's okay to be who you are, rather than it's okay to be who the world tells you... miracles can happen. And that's a positive future for us all. Giving young people an environment to find themselves, and express themselves, rather than shoving everyone in a box for the next generation of mindless automatons... can work wonders.

I am glad this is a thing, and I am glad you are there to guide these young people, Emma. I can think of no better role model. <3

I agree. Those kids are so lucky to have you, Emma.

Thank you Sephirah and Lori.  I really appreciate the compliment.

I have so much respect for the teachers in that school.  Their care is so obvious and the kids respond in kind. 

So cool to watch.



   

What subjects are you teaching, Emma?

Fortunately, O&C, the teachers are still doing the heavy lifting. 

As a substitute teacher, I make sure that students do the lesson plan for the day that was already assigned.  The principal and other teachers have been supportive as well. 

Last time I had all science classes, bio, and chem.  They had an assignment and I helped each student where I could.  Luckily no labs so nothing blew up...

Yesterday I had six periods of math (algebra, geometry, and trig) and I had to give each class a quiz. Not much to do except encourage the ones having a tough time.

I hope I get a shot at world history soon.  That would be fun.

There is a class in fashion...now that would be a disaster for me.

I just love the sense of community that I feel everywhere in the school from everyone there. 

It is special.

The only sad thing is the extra security that the school has.  It is needed as does every school and it is needed in particular because being an LGBTQ school increases the risk factor.  They have done a great job in protecting the school so the students feel safe.







 

Quote from: Emma1017 on November 22, 2024, 10:30:51 AMThe only sad thing is the extra security that the school has.  It is needed as does every school and it is needed in particular because being an LGBTQ school increases the risk factor.  They have done a great job in protecting the school so the students feel safe.

It's funny you mention that, Emma. Not long ago, I happened past the comprehensive school I went to as a kid. And they have this massive green security fence around the whole exterior now. It's more like a prison than a school. Back when I was at school, people could literally go outside the grounds whenever they wanted. My brother used to make a habit of just... going out to lunch and never coming back. But it was just... harmless. The most security it had was a rickety wooden fence that anyone could just climb over. Now there's like a 10 foot tall security fence with CCTV and locked gates every 20 feet. While I understand the need, it also makes me a little bit sad that the world has changed so much for the worse that since my day, such things are needed. I dunno.

Thanks for answering, Emma. Does your wife know you substitute there? And do you go as Emma or in your guy disguise?

Quote from: Sephirah on November 22, 2024, 05:53:02 PMIt's funny you mention that, Emma. Not long ago, I happened past the comprehensive school I went to as a kid. And they have this massive green security fence around the whole exterior now. It's more like a prison than a school. Back when I was at school, people could literally go outside the grounds whenever they wanted. My brother used to make a habit of just... going out to lunch and never coming back. But it was just... harmless. The most security it had was a rickety wooden fence that anyone could just climb over. Now there's like a 10 foot tall security fence with CCTV and locked gates every 20 feet. While I understand the need, it also makes me a little bit sad that the world has changed so much for the worse that since my day, such things are needed. I dunno.

Gosh I never heard of schools that are secured with fences like prisons, unless it was a juvenile dentention school.

Schools need good security measures though as our youth need to be protected.

Chrissy

Sephirah, I agree with Chrissy, the security is to protect the children, not to keep them in, so I accept the need and appreciate the safety that the children and staff feel.  It is a sad reality of the world but a necessary one.

O&C, my wife knows and supports me doing the subbing. I go as a guy because, given social media, I don't want to be outed. I am still protecting my wife, and it is part of our compromise.  We have come a long way in six years.

I still believe that the joy I have being with her is still far greater than the joy of being fully out as Emma without her.  I ask myself if she came out as a transgender male, how would I feel seeing her in a beard?

Could I kiss a man with a beard?

I honestly don't think so.

I can't expect her to kiss me in makeup.

As we all know, transitioning requires a lot, from ourselves and the ones who love us. Society gives us all so little room to breathe.

Quote from: Emma1017 on November 23, 2024, 09:51:09 AMO&C, my wife knows and supports me doing the subbing.

Good.

Quote from: Emma1017 on November 23, 2024, 09:51:09 AMI go as a guy because, given social media, I don't want to be outed.

Understood.

Thanks for answering.

After hours of cursing at the political news on the TV, I wanted to find a more refined way to swear.  I looked to Shakespeare and came up with this shortlist.  It describes a number of public gender bigots around the world.


"Deceptious pigeon-livered abomination." A deceitful, cowardly disgusting thing. 

"Fawning puppy-headed fustilarian." An ass-kissing, stupid, ponderously clumsy person

"Lecherous self-glorious braggart." Sexually perverted, conceited show-off.

"Musty swag-bellied fleshmonger." Fat, old, fornicator.

"Superserviceable, white-livered rampallian." Cowardly, officious scoundrel.

I had to update my computer's dictionary in the process.

Now I have a mental picture of you writing out I must not use foul language on the black board Bart style!!!!!

@Emma1017
Dear Emma:
It has now been a week since you started your teacher subbing... 
...is it continuing to go well for you, and for your students?

Here on the Forum, we are all very proud of you at the
school as a teacher.

Regarding the extra measures of security...  the security is there to not only
keep the students safe, but also the teaching faculty. 
I have a good friend that was teaching in a South-end Chicago high-school several
years ago.  She told me of some of her female students had several instances of
being accosted by some of the male students at the school and just outside the
school grounds. 
My friend told me that in her classroom that she had a button that she could press
that would alert the Security people to come to her room ASAP .... she had to use
it twice during her time there as she was man-handled by a male student and
actually groped.
The high school male students there were big "men" ... many had to repeat their
Junior and their Senior years so these were male students near 20 years old.

Please enjoy your time in your chosen work, but be safe... and keep your
updates coming here on your Blog Thread and on the other Forum topics.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Davina, I spent a lot of time on the blackboard as a child.  I still have caulk under my nails.

Danielle, when I taught in the late 1970's & early 80's my schools were in Harlem, the South Bronx, and Bed-Sty.  Those were rough areas and I had a problem with a couple of students with knives.  They were tough but most were great kids.

This school is filled with 100% LGBTQ children. There aren't any testosterone-filled rages like many of the regular high schools.  I am shocked by the students  maturity and sense of community.  The school itself is in Greenwich Village and surrounded by NYU, a pretty safe area.

I absolutely love what I am doing.  I have 18 months left with my regular job then I will try to get more days.

I picked up a new gray wig for a change.  I'm 69 so I thought I would go for the more mature look.



Tell me what you all think...

I love it!

That looks great on you.
Thanks for sharing.

Such a nice looking woman you are Emma!
I do think your gray wig looks natural on you and brings out your beauty.

Chrissy

It does seem to suit you and not age you if you get my meaning (dyslexic brain thinking!!!) I think you would look great what ever you wear!

I like it, Emma. It looks natural.