My Aide
She has been the main reason I have survived this school year. The year started with a different aide - a 30-something, large African American man. I was so excited, because he was a nice gentleman and I thought having an African American man in my 100% black class would be a blessing. I thought we were going to make a great team. However, he was terrible and did nothing but yell at the kids and couldn’t do so much as make my copies. He left in December, and Ms. T came in.
She is about 45, and has been at the school for 15 years. She knows the kids, the parents, everyone. No one talks back to her. I learned so much from her over the past 6 months. She gives me better evaluations than administration. She is simply wonderful.
She has the choice of where she wants to go next year. Before me, she was with the 1st grade teacher for 4 years. They got along wonderful, and are still very close. Now that teacher is taking my 4th grade position. She is torn between staying in 4th with her, or moving to 3rd with me. She tells me she is sick of moving around - if she moved with me, she would have to move all of her things again - something she has done a lot, and hates. She would be happy in 4th grade - the upcoming class is fairly decent, and like I said, she gets along great with the teacher.
But… I want her! The thought of starting fresh in a new grade with a new aide is not something I want to worry about. She told me she would let me know her decision on Monday. I have a feeling she’ll stay in 4th, but I’m still hoping she decides to work with me again.
Good aides are a godsend.
