Expectations and moving on

In some ways, I am impressed by the current college students/future college graduates. In some ways, I’m terrified.  Though many of these young adults will go on to have wonderful and productive careers, some won’t cut it. 

I teach. That’s what I do and will do until I retire (and maybe even after retirement). Teaching college students is wonderful. Online teaching is convenient, but in-person is where I feel the most useful. Currently, I teach criminal justice at two colleges-one completely online and the other a mixture of online and in-person. I’m not being asked back to the in-person college. Not because I suck at teaching or have horrible reviews from students. Because I have standards that will carry over into the real world and some students cannot handle that. 

Many professors have impressive resumes-doctoral degrees and published papers. Some, however, lack experience. Being able to read about a subject and actually working in that field are two different things. I have studied criminal justice, have gotten degrees in criminal justice, and  have actually worked in the field of criminal justice. I like to think I have a great advantage-education and experience. From experience, I can tell you that punctuality is imperative. Showing up even 5 minutes late for a shift will get your ass handed to you. I was very strict about tardiness in my class because being on time is respectful and shows that you put effort in and care. I didn’t sign any of my students up for my course. They all looked at the schedule, saw the class start time, and decided they wanted to take that specific course. The least they can do is show up on time.

Maybe my standards are too high. Maybe my expectations of students being on time, thinking for themselves, and being able to write from their own perspective is too high. Maybe the school just had low standards-pass the kid so we can keep getting funded. I’m not sure what it is, but I stand 100% and ten toes down behind upholding my classroom rules. 

Part of teaching is sharing what I have learned. That’s all I am trying to do. I’m not upset over not being scheduled to teach courses next semester-which is the way we are weeded out. My talents may be better suited for another school. I’m optimistic. 

-Nicole