As I slowly drag myself to the end of the week when our half term starts (a week long break between each part of the term), I couldn’t think of any great tips or ideas to share. I’ve been calculating grades, grading final assignments, sending emails home and much more. I’m sure many of you are the same. On the other side of the world, November center students took their exam today. I’m sure those teachers are flooded with relief and are ready to see the end of the school year draw near. As we wrap up the term on my end and the school year on the other, I thought I'd share some of the hilarious moments that make our job... well, let's say uniquely challenging and hilarious all at the same time!
Now, I know what you're thinking: "Business class? Funny? Isn't that just a bunch of teenagers staring blankly at you while you teach organizational structure or economies of scale?" While we may not get the adorable stories that primary teachers collect like Pokemon cards, we do get our fair share of laugh-out-loud moments. Get ready, because teenagers can be unintentionally brutal, surprisingly insightful, and downright hilarious. Here are my funny stories from the last half term…
The "Ancient" Technology Comment
Picture this: You're explaining the evolution of marketing channels, and you casually mention VHS tapes. Suddenly, a student pipes up with:
"Is anyone still alive who used VHS?"
Cue the existential crisis. Yes, dear student, some of us are not only alive but thriving, thank you very much! It's a stark reminder that what feels like recent history to us is practically ancient to these young minds. VHS tapes might as well be stone tablets or carrier pigeons to them. Note to self: Maybe it's time to update that example…
The Accidental "Mom" Moment
In a twist that had me questioning my entire self-image, a student hit me with this gem:
"Do you have kids? It looks like you have three kids!"
Before I could process the shock, she quickly added, "Don't worry, they're all young in my mind and all boys. So like a fun mom."
Well, there goes my "cool older sister" vibe I thought I was giving off. Apparently, I've graduated to "fun mom" status without the actual kids. Is it the way I nag about assignment deadlines? My collection of sensible shoes (flats forever!)? I may never know.
The "Why Are You Even Here?" Epiphany
During a discussion about teacher recruitment, I mentioned that business teachers can be hard to find. One student quickly said:
"Ya, why do you teach? You could run a business and make so much more money and have so much more fun. Actually, why does anyone become a teacher?"
Oh, dear student. If only you knew the thrill of grading 30 identical 10 mark questions about CSR! But jokes aside, this moment was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. It's not about the money or the "fun" (though explaining investment appraisal for the 100th time is always a highlight). It's about the lightbulb moments, the growth we see in our students, and yes, even these brutally honest questions that make us reflect on our choices.
In Conclusion: Why We Keep Coming Back
So, to all my fellow IB business teachers out there: The next time you're knee-deep in exam papers, questioning your life choices, remember these moments. We may not have the cute stories of kids losing teeth or learning to tie their shoes, but we have something equally special.
We have the privilege of watching young minds grapple with complex ideas, challenge our perspectives, and occasionally make us feel like we've time-traveled from the Jurassic era to teach them!
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